Varex muffler passing epa test

[andypower5.7]

Hi guys just a quick question i got done for a EPA report on my clubsport last week. I have the varex rear muffler on my clubsport as when closed its very quite like factory as if i knew i would of made it in the quite mode if i saw the inspector but i didnt see anyone as the letter came in the mail. As i will be getting it sound tested very soon would my system pass with the varex muffler closed on the test as like i said it is just as quite as when i bought my clubsport with the standard exhaust on it when on closed mode i know it will be close just saves me changing the exhaust over give us your thoughts thanks.

[boggers007]

Hi guys just a quick question i got done for a EPA report on my clubsport last week. I have the varex rear muffler on my clubsport as when closed its very quite like factory as if i knew i would of made it in the quite mode if i saw the inspector but i didnt see anyone as the letter came in the mail. As i will be getting it sound tested very soon would my system pass with the varex muffler closed on the test as like i said it is just as quite as when i bought my clubsport with the standard exhaust on it i know it will be close just saves me changing the exhaust over give us your thoughts thanks.

I dunno about over there but here they dont like them and wont allow the varex as you will just go open them up again after your tested.

[daoutlawz]

Someone can confirm this for me, but I thought the varex systems were illegal, in VIC anyway. I can't remember who told me that.

Even if they're not, the testers aren't that stupid not to look, but you might be lucky? ;)

[Soopy]

They are illegal.
You can adjust the exhaust volume past whats a legal DB range. Defect central.

[Plenty]

Close the valves and the disconnect power source so it can't be opened, it's no longer a functioning valve.

It is no different to a Bi-modal exhaust used oem on factory systems (it's what they are designed for) to pass Drive-by Regs.

[Soopy]

Close the valves and the disconnect power source so it can't be opened, it's no longer a functioning valve.

It is no different to a Bi-modal exhaust used oem on factory systems (it's what they are designed for) to pass Drive-by Regs.

It is different to the factory Bi-modal exhaust. One is ADR approved and the other isn't ;)

[daoutlawz]

It is different to the factory Bi-modal exhaust. One is ADR approved and the other isn't ;)

Exactly...unfortunately lol

[Plenty]

It is different to the factory Bi-modal exhaust. One is ADR approved and the other isn't ;)

i meant the design of a Bi-Modal system is for the same reason as the varex to maintain low volume on low revs but full noise when the boot gets into it.

Like i said disconnect the power source once valves are closed, it then becomes a normal quiet exhaust.

[boggers007]

It is different to the factory Bi-modal exhaust. One is ADR approved and the other isn't ;)

I thought the bi modal was set up so the loudest setting was under the legal limit anyway.

[michaels1v8]

luck of the draw really as to whether the inspector has seen/heard of one before and notices it or not.

What does it cost to be tested there?

If it's only <$100 then I'd give it a go with the muffler closed and see how things play out. Worse case is it costs you an extra ~$100.

Chances are if you change the muffler then the guy will pick on something else forcing you to go over a second time anyway which seems to be a common occurence around where I use to live.

Good luck :)

[andypower5.7]

It cost me $360 from ebay and $180 to fit best mod i did. Just have to paint it black to make it less noticable as i might be lucky and pass the test its worth a try and disconnect it like Plenty said. Even with my cam and motor work when closed it sounds like standard with just a little of a rough idle from the cam etc. As people laugh how quite it is when closed great idea for when coming home late at night of drive throughs or long trips on hwy. WISH IT WAS CLOSED WHEN CAUGHT!!!

[VXSS346]

i meant the design of a Bi-Modal system is for the same reason as the varex to maintain low volume on low revs but full noise when the boot gets into it.

Like i said disconnect the power source once valves are closed, it then becomes a normal quiet exhaust.

The reason factory Bi-Modal exhausts are legal is that its not adjustable manually from inside the cabin. :idea:

Its adjusted as you drive and varies by engine load/throttle, so its therefore 'legal'.
And the reason it passes noise tests is because apparently there is no drive by full throttle ADR test.
Only part throttle and neutral (no load) tests are carried out, so its a 'quiet' exhaust. :)

[V8LS1]

Does anyone happen to know if the Varex is legal in QLD? I've been through the EPA process in Melbourne before with my previous VS ute and had to change the muffler... the V8 sounded like a stuffed vacuum cleaner after that.

After reading up on the Varex I was going to have one installed next week... I have a twin 3" which sounds brilliant but is noticeably loud. Don't want to waste money if it's not legal though...:confused:

[Wonky]

I thought Varex were illegal everywhere? :confused: They do achieve the desired result of being quiet when closed and of course with exhaust noise quality is in the eye of the beholder. However, many people think they sound crap when open - lots of volume but no quality. :(

To the OP - I reckon the chances the inspection won't pick it up lie somewhere between 0 and 1%. :eek:

[redmonaro]

Hi guys just a quick question i got done for a EPA report on my clubsport last week. I have the varex rear muffler on my clubsport as when closed its very quite like factory as if i knew i would of made it in the quite mode if i saw the inspector but i didnt see anyone as the letter came in the mail. As i will be getting it sound tested very soon would my system pass with the varex muffler closed on the test as like i said it is just as quite as when i bought my clubsport with the standard exhaust on it when on closed mode i know it will be close just saves me changing the exhaust over give us your thoughts thanks.

Cant you get a noise test done at an exhaust shop with a decibel meter before you do an EPA test?

[vzss05]

To the OP, what did you end up doing and how did it go


[QUOTE=Wonky;1914298]They do achieve the desired result of being quiet when closed and of course with exhaust noise quality is in the eye of the beholder. However, many people think they sound crap when open - lots of volume but no quality. :(

QUOTE]

Any people think they sound ok!!!! we dont all have plenty of money for KPM systems

[scorpion]

Guys, compliance with the ADR's is the over riding consideration. The ADRs over ride any state law that may be claimed to exist. The fact that some jurisdictions dont test for noise or emmisions as rigorously as others is also of little relevance. A vehicle manufactured to comply with ADRs must at all times continue to comply with the ADR's.

The Varex system is not ADR compliant and arguements along the lines of "its like the factory bi modal system" will not work as its not the factory system and therefore is not ADR compliant.

You may get lucky in that the inspector you get is a dope but the branding on the tips in big letters VAREX may give the game away.

[Wonky]

Any people think they sound ok!!!! we dont all have plenty of money for KPM systems

As I said, exhaust sound is subjective and what some people like others don't. Most people I know of who've had the Varex, on VEs at least, have sold them on again after a while.

[Xjas]

The Varex system is not ADR compliant and arguements along the lines of "its like the factory bi modal system" will not work as its not the factory system and therefore is not ADR compliant.


I would think the ADR limits noise and pollution, if a varex system passes (not that any would) the noise and pollution test when open and closed it would be ADR comliant.

[CLUBRED]

Even if it did meet ADR's, if it has no paperwork to prove this then its just not compliant.

[BOBGEN111]

If everyone is worried about complience/legallity, dont modify your cars.
These days you cant even fart in your car without it being a defect.

[VTV691]

If everyone is worried about complience/legallity, dont modify your cars.
These days you cant even fart in your car without it being a defect.

Is your fart ADR compliant ?
Better take your butt for testing next time you're hanging for one or you will be stickered:rofl:

[ADAM 26]

i would go to the local exhaust shop and ask them to test it, see if it comes close to passing, then take it to the epa tester.

if he dosent spot it, and it passes, then its a WIN for you.

if not, get a stock exhaust and do the test again.

i have a set of sv6 mufflers that can bolt on to my x-force system and easly pass the epa test. its only 4 bolts, and you dont even have to jack up the ute to get to them!!

[peter b]

1) Will the inspector miss it and not notice it NO! They test for noise then up on the hoist and they take photos of everything.

2) Is varex legal no because you have control of whether it be loud or quiet.
Different to the bi-modal as other have described it is computer controlled and dependant on throttle etc

3) Test consists of car being stationary in neutral being revved up to 4,200rpm 5 times for each side of the exhaust, then car goes on the hoist they take photos of your vin engine bay air intake then up on the hoist and photograph the entire exhaust. You pay your $60 approx for the test and then get a letter in the mail if you passed or failed.

Thats how it happens here may be a little different in different states.

[ADAM 26]

they dont put it on a hoist in vic. they have a quick look underneath, do the test at 4200 rpm, then if it passes they give you a certificate and your on your way.

[peter b]

they dont put it on a hoist in vic. they have a quick look underneath, do the test at 4200 rpm, then if it passes they give you a certificate and your on your way.

Ok well they do here to see if you have factory or aftermarket cats etc. Got told straight out if they were aftermarket on the car I would be getting failed lucky i still have my factory exhaust

[Wonky]

they dont put it on a hoist in vic. they have a quick look underneath, do the test at 4200 rpm, then if it passes they give you a certificate and your on your way.

In that case it seems to depend on what level of test you have to do. I know of a few guys here who have had their exhaust systems photographed as part of a full EPA test and basically been told if they get caught with anything different in the next 6 months it would be :nutkick:! Apparently police cars are able to pull up the pics if required in order to check.

[beno]

In that case it seems to depend on what level of test you have to do. I know of a few guys here who have had their exhaust systems photographed as part of a full EPA test and basically been told if they get caught with anything different in the next 6 months it would be :nutkick:! Apparently police cars are able to pull up the pics if required in order to check.

I've done EPA tests, they only seem to draw the exahust diagram onto the test slip & send that into EPA (well at the place I took it to at least).
I was initially in for testing on a GenTT kit with stock cat back, that passed easily, but once EPA saw the exhaust diagram with the 2x turbo's, we were called back to perform a full emission test on the car, of course if failed. I have taken my car in also, and no photographs taken at all... it may differ between different EPA testers. and a 6pack of jimmy's to the tester sometimes helps also ;).

[6LSSV]

As I said, exhaust sound is subjective and what some people like others don't. Most people I know of who've had the Varex, on VEs at least, have sold them on again after a while.

I hope that's not my case when I get my varex mufflers :( Don't wanna waste the money but I really want to try the varex mufflers out. Will be cruising quiet most of the time around traffic but then bring the noise when on the road alone

[Stevieboy34]

1) Will the inspector miss it and not notice it NO! They test for noise then up on the hoist and they take photos of everything.

2) Is varex legal no because you have control of whether it be loud or quiet.
Different to the bi-modal as other have described it is computer controlled and dependant on throttle etc

3) Test consists of car being stationary in neutral being revved up to 4,200rpm 5 times for each side of the exhaust, then car goes on the hoist they take photos of your vin engine bay air intake then up on the hoist and photograph the entire exhaust. You pay your $60 approx for the test and then get a letter in the mail if you passed or failed.

Thats how it happens here may be a little different in different states.

Peter you are correct.
I can tell you for experience when i got done it was a sh!tfight. I was told (thankfully) by a mechanic to go the whole system back to standard for the test or your in trouble. So I did. Even removing OTR etc, he put it up on a hoise and took photos of EVERYTHING! Inside the engine bay, cats etc. Basically if you pass the test and they see the photos and it has a set of headers etc they will send it back for emissions and most standard VZ's (what I had at the time) will barely pass. Mine had a cam and heads done.
Take the time and do it properly in my advice, pain in the bum but at least you get through properly. In NSW regardless of how "alright" the tester seems, he sends all the photos away for a stickler!

[jaykay]

The reason factory Bi-Modal exhausts are legal is that its not adjustable manually from inside the cabin. :idea:

Its adjusted as you drive and varies by engine load/throttle, so its therefore 'legal'.
And the reason it passes noise tests is because apparently there is no drive by full throttle ADR test.
Only part throttle and neutral (no load) tests are carried out, so its a 'quiet' exhaust. :)
It is adjustable manually in the cabin via the EDI with 3 options...

1. Open on idle then opens on higher revs
2. Closed on idle then opens on higher revs
3. Closed all the time

I have mine on 1. as it sounds good on idle.... :)

[VXSS346]

It is adjustable manually in the cabin via the EDI with 3 options...

1. Open on idle then opens on higher revs
2. Closed on idle then opens on higher revs
3. Closed all the time

I have mine on 1. as it sounds good on idle.... :)

Correct, :) and at the time I wrote that I didn't know this. :doh: (I only have a VX :D)

But that's why they are legal, there is no option for it to be open under low engine load. Although if it can open on idle maybe tests are not done in Neutral? mmm. :confused:

[ADAM 26]

In that case it seems to depend on what level of test you have to do. I know of a few guys here who have had their exhaust systems photographed as part of a full EPA test and basically been told if they get caught with anything different in the next 6 months it would be :nutkick:! Apparently police cars are able to pull up the pics if required in order to check.

when i first got an epa, the tester told me that they draw a diagram, and if your caught with something different with in 12 months your in trouble. i had a x force system, and i made up a baffel plate to go between the flanges. so unless it was pulled appart, there was no way of knowing it had them in there. it passed, they drew a diagram, i went home and pulled them out, it was back with a nice note, and still looked exactly the same as there diagram!

[jai]

I believe WA is awesome :) None of this Mr Squiggle bullsh!t down the local rozzers haha