Side exit exhaust?

[SteveD2]

I'm putting a flowmaster on my Cherokee. Currently, the muffler is about in the middle of the truck, and the tailpipe goes straight out the back. I'm thinking of just sending the exhaust right out the side and cut out about 3 feet of pipe/several bends.

My problem:
It has to pass an emissions test, so it has to be legal. I seem to remember there is a law that says the exhaust has to exit a certain distance past the doors/windows. Am I remembering correctly? Does anybody know the specifics?

 

[eljefino]

Usually it's past the rear of the passenger compartment; A station-wagon style luggage area like your cherokee is included in that space.

Pickup trucks have more leeway for exhaust exiting in my area-- unless they have caps, even though you can't ride back there.

 

[Brett Miller]

I won't pass inspection in PA.

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by ZmOz:

I seem to remember there is a law that says the exhaust has to exit a certain distance past the doors/windows. Am I remembering correctly? Does anybody know the specifics?

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It varies by state.

Go to Google, type in Oregon vehicle code and hit "I'm feeling lucky" Your answer should be in there someplace. The law you recall hearing sounds more like an east coast type of law.

 

[brianl703]

If Oregon has a vehicle safety inspection program, see if you can find the regulations for that as well.

 

[SteveD2]

There is no safety inspection, but they have to stick a probe up the tailpipe for emissions testing. They probably won't pass me if it comes out in an illegal spot.

XS650 - I don't have time to read that big page, but I searched for "exhaust" on it, and that word is nowhere to be found.

 

[pscholte]

From what you guys are saying, the Mercedes SLR is in real trouble. It has dual exhaust coming out just behind the engine compartment in front of the driver's door. (Tried to link to a photo but failed.)

 

[Steve S]

You want the exhause out the back ,it is sounds better that way.

 

[tom slick]

older vipers and circa 1996 f-150s will never pass either. in CA as long as it has the original smog equipment they don't care how it is routed after the cat.

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by ZmOz:
There is no safety inspection, but they have to stick a probe up the tailpipe for emissions testing. They probably won't pass me if it comes out in an illegal spot.

XS650 - I don't have time to read that big page, but I searched for "exhaust" on it, and that word is nowhere to be found.

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Too bad, that page leads you to the page that tells you what lmitation Oregon puts on exhaust systems.

 

[SteveD2]

quote:

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Originally posted by XS650:
Too bad, that page leads you to the page that tells you what lmitation Oregon puts on exhaust systems.

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Link?

 

[T-Keith]

Ford tried side exit on their F150s in 97, probably to save a few bucks. It exited in front of the rear tire, and made the rim look like crap. I guess it also creeped into cab, not sure if they were recalled though.

-T

 

[MNgopher]

quote:

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Originally posted by T-Keith:
Ford tried side exit on their F150s in 97, probably to save a few bucks. It exited in front of the rear tire, and made the rim look like crap. I guess it also creeped into cab, not sure if they were recalled though.

-T

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No recall was was made for this, as it was NOT as safety item. (There was not an issue with fumes reaching the cab). A TSB was issued that described the problems with the Rim finish as a result of the exhaust,and the solution was to replace the exhaust with a '98 or later system (generally at your cost unless still under warranty or you had a really good realtionship with the dealership).

On some rims, the finish was pitted. On my '97 F150, it only made the lug nut cap change color after around 3 years. For the cost of replacing the system versus the $50 I spent on three replacement lug nut caps over the years I owned the truck, I kept the stock system. I always thought it sounded better with the side exit versus my '99 behind the wheel. Could be my imagination though...