Emissions Laws FAQ by Katech Performance
06-03-2008, 09:47 AM
#1
Emissions Laws FAQ by Katech Performance Due to the increase in emissions related questions with regard to modifications, we have decided to post this FAQ as a guide for consumers. Please be advised that this should not constitute legal advice or be construed as an exhaustive explanation of the law. This matter is extremely complicated and varies with different jurisdictions (states) and is intended to give our understanding of the law and how our policy is written to fully comply with the law. Any questions you may have can be directed to Katech for further discussion. Should we not be able to adequately respond, Katech will attempt to obtain additional information for purposes of clarity about applicable regulations and their enforcement.
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
Our understanding is that the time before a catalytic converter can be replaced is now between 5-8 years depending on the original warranty from the catalyst manufacturer (not the vehicle manufacturer). Furthermore, they must be replaced with converters certified by the manufacturer for each specific application.
Another permissible installation not stated in the EPA document above is a system with a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resource Board) E.O. (Executive Order) number. Executive Orders are granted on systems which have passed C.A.R.B. emissions testing for a specific vehicle. The EO number is only applicable to those vehicles stated within. We are not aware of any specific EO numbers for the entire exhaust system with catalytic converter replacements.
Fines for businesses:
Up to $25,000 per violation
Federal EPA has the authority to suspend business and pursue legal action
How does Katech policy handle this?
Katech Performance does not install non E.O. long tube headers or aftermarket catalytic converters in registered street cars in the USA.
Exceptions in which Katech would install headers or remove catalysts:
1. Race cars. A race car is defined as a vehicle which is not registered in any state, has no license plate, and is trailered to and from Katech. It is never operated on public roads or highways, only at sanctioned race tracks. If Katech suspects that the vehicle is used on the street, work will stop immediately, the vehicle will be returned to stock and appropriate charges for this labor billed to the customer.
2. Hot Rods. A hot rod is defined as a vehicle built in 1964 or prior if registered in California or 1969 or prior if registered in any other state. There may be some instances where this does not apply.
3. International. Vehicles shipped outside the United States are the responsibility of the customer to research local laws regarding emissions. Katech is not responsible for emissions laws outside the United States, but in conjunction with the customer’s research will make all reasonable attempts to make the system meet appropriate emissions statutes. There may be some instances where this does not apply.
For each of these cases, a document will be signed by the customer stating as such.
Vehicles already equipped
In such a case, Katech will document the car as it arrives with photos and the customer will sign a document stating the vehicle was already equipped and Katech did not perform the work. Furthermore – Katech will not perform ANY work to the exhaust system between the engine and catalytic converters, therefore no changes will be made to this portion of the customer’s exhaust system unless they are requesting it be returned to legal factory equipment level. Katech will perform cat-back muffler installations as they do not impact the emissions of a vehicle.
What can I do about this?
The green movement in the United States is only gaining more steam. The EPA will soon be enforcing these laws more aggressively than ever before. The laws can’t be changed. So what can you do? Call your favorite header manufacturer and tell them you want to buy a C.A.R.B. certified system for your car. If these systems are developed they could be installed on any vehicle in 50 states without worry. If you or the business installing were ever questioned by the EPA or California Air Resource Board, the EO document would be shown and your vehicle would be legal.
SUPERCHARGER / TURBOCHARGER SYSTEMS
Katech Policy:
Supercharger & turbocharger systems can have a negative impact on emissions. Katech Performance will only install supercharger or turbocharger systems that have attained a C.A.R.B. EO number. Additionally, they can only be installed on vehicles which are listed in that EO and installed exactly as required per the instructions. No deviations from the C.A.R.B. certified systems will be made including changes to calibration.
Exceptions in which Katech would install non-EO systems:
1. Race cars. A race car is defined as a vehicle which is not registered in any state, has no license plate, and is trailered to and from Katech. It is never operated on public roads or highways, only at sanctioned race tracks. If Katech suspects that the vehicle is used on the street, work will stop immediately, the vehicle will be returned to stock and appropriate charges for this labor billed to the customer.
2. Hot Rods. A hot rod is defined as a vehicle built in 1964 or prior if registered in California or 1969 or prior if registered in any other state. There may be some instances where this does not apply.
3. International. Vehicles shipped outside the United States are the responsibility of the customer to research local laws regarding emissions. Katech is not responsible for emissions laws outside the United States, but in conjunction with the customer’s research will make all reasonable attempts to make the system meet appropriate emissions statutes. There may be some instances where this does not apply.
For each of these cases, a document will be signed by the customer stating as such.
I hope this FAQ has clarified questions and if you have any more please ask. We will be adding more to this as more information becomes available.
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
United States Environmental Protection Agency
November 5th, 1987
EPA guidelines for use of aftermarket converters
Permissible installations
Vehicles under 5 years / 50,000 miles
1. Converter is already missing
2. State or local program has determined that currently installed converter has been damaged or fuel-switched
Vehicles over 5 years / 50,000 miles
1. Any replacement situation where need has been established and documented
Prohibited installations
For all vehicles regardless of mileage
1. Converter is present and functioning properly
2. Replacement under recall or warranty (5 years / 50,000 miles)
3. Vehicle is returning from overseas use
Installation requirements
Aftermarket converters must be:
1. Installed in the same location as original with other required converters
2. Same type as original (oxidation, 3-way, or 3 way+oxidation (dual bed))
3. Installed only on vehicles as specified by the converter manufacturer
4. Properly connected to the existing air injection components
5. Accompanied by warranty card filled in by the installed (if new converter)
November 5th, 1987
EPA guidelines for use of aftermarket converters
Permissible installations
Vehicles under 5 years / 50,000 miles
1. Converter is already missing
2. State or local program has determined that currently installed converter has been damaged or fuel-switched
Vehicles over 5 years / 50,000 miles
1. Any replacement situation where need has been established and documented
Prohibited installations
For all vehicles regardless of mileage
1. Converter is present and functioning properly
2. Replacement under recall or warranty (5 years / 50,000 miles)
3. Vehicle is returning from overseas use
Installation requirements
Aftermarket converters must be:
1. Installed in the same location as original with other required converters
2. Same type as original (oxidation, 3-way, or 3 way+oxidation (dual bed))
3. Installed only on vehicles as specified by the converter manufacturer
4. Properly connected to the existing air injection components
5. Accompanied by warranty card filled in by the installed (if new converter)
Another permissible installation not stated in the EPA document above is a system with a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resource Board) E.O. (Executive Order) number. Executive Orders are granted on systems which have passed C.A.R.B. emissions testing for a specific vehicle. The EO number is only applicable to those vehicles stated within. We are not aware of any specific EO numbers for the entire exhaust system with catalytic converter replacements.
Fines for businesses:
Up to $25,000 per violation
Federal EPA has the authority to suspend business and pursue legal action
How does Katech policy handle this?
Katech Performance does not install non E.O. long tube headers or aftermarket catalytic converters in registered street cars in the USA.
Exceptions in which Katech would install headers or remove catalysts:
1. Race cars. A race car is defined as a vehicle which is not registered in any state, has no license plate, and is trailered to and from Katech. It is never operated on public roads or highways, only at sanctioned race tracks. If Katech suspects that the vehicle is used on the street, work will stop immediately, the vehicle will be returned to stock and appropriate charges for this labor billed to the customer.
2. Hot Rods. A hot rod is defined as a vehicle built in 1964 or prior if registered in California or 1969 or prior if registered in any other state. There may be some instances where this does not apply.
3. International. Vehicles shipped outside the United States are the responsibility of the customer to research local laws regarding emissions. Katech is not responsible for emissions laws outside the United States, but in conjunction with the customer’s research will make all reasonable attempts to make the system meet appropriate emissions statutes. There may be some instances where this does not apply.
For each of these cases, a document will be signed by the customer stating as such.
Vehicles already equipped
In such a case, Katech will document the car as it arrives with photos and the customer will sign a document stating the vehicle was already equipped and Katech did not perform the work. Furthermore – Katech will not perform ANY work to the exhaust system between the engine and catalytic converters, therefore no changes will be made to this portion of the customer’s exhaust system unless they are requesting it be returned to legal factory equipment level. Katech will perform cat-back muffler installations as they do not impact the emissions of a vehicle.
What can I do about this?
The green movement in the United States is only gaining more steam. The EPA will soon be enforcing these laws more aggressively than ever before. The laws can’t be changed. So what can you do? Call your favorite header manufacturer and tell them you want to buy a C.A.R.B. certified system for your car. If these systems are developed they could be installed on any vehicle in 50 states without worry. If you or the business installing were ever questioned by the EPA or California Air Resource Board, the EO document would be shown and your vehicle would be legal.
SUPERCHARGER / TURBOCHARGER SYSTEMS
Katech Policy:
Supercharger & turbocharger systems can have a negative impact on emissions. Katech Performance will only install supercharger or turbocharger systems that have attained a C.A.R.B. EO number. Additionally, they can only be installed on vehicles which are listed in that EO and installed exactly as required per the instructions. No deviations from the C.A.R.B. certified systems will be made including changes to calibration.
Exceptions in which Katech would install non-EO systems:
1. Race cars. A race car is defined as a vehicle which is not registered in any state, has no license plate, and is trailered to and from Katech. It is never operated on public roads or highways, only at sanctioned race tracks. If Katech suspects that the vehicle is used on the street, work will stop immediately, the vehicle will be returned to stock and appropriate charges for this labor billed to the customer.
2. Hot Rods. A hot rod is defined as a vehicle built in 1964 or prior if registered in California or 1969 or prior if registered in any other state. There may be some instances where this does not apply.
3. International. Vehicles shipped outside the United States are the responsibility of the customer to research local laws regarding emissions. Katech is not responsible for emissions laws outside the United States, but in conjunction with the customer’s research will make all reasonable attempts to make the system meet appropriate emissions statutes. There may be some instances where this does not apply.
For each of these cases, a document will be signed by the customer stating as such.
I hope this FAQ has clarified questions and if you have any more please ask. We will be adding more to this as more information becomes available.
