Emissions in VA?

[TrickyP]

As Greg can attest to, I don't have a Mustang anymore (at the moment). However I am looking to do some work on my Volvo (V70 2.5T). Since it's a turbo, I wanted to open the exhaust up a bit with a catted downpipe. I've never had a car inspected in VA before, so what exactly do they look for when the car is inspected? I've seen variations in people's responses on various forums (visual, OBD-II check for codes, etc). Any insight would be appreciated!

Commence making fun of me for driving a Volvo.

A photo for reference:

 

[Greg Hazlett]

I think it depends on where you live but around here they only do a visual, no sniffing, not sure if you have a CEL if that affects the inspection or not; you could ask Mike about it.

Volvo FTW! Or not....

 

[mfergel]

They really only do a visual. However, depending on what you're doing, that means having a CAT, unless you happen to know a shop that will let you get by without it.

 

[fdjizm]

People modify volvo's tho?

 

[Greg Hazlett]

They really only do a visual. However, depending on what you're doing, that means having a CAT, unless you happen to know a shop that will let you get by without it.

I would assume-dangerous, I know-that most shops would not look for a Volvo to be modified...they would "expect" a mustang, camaro, vette, etc to be modified and may look harder but a Volvo? Probably not.

 

[s8v4o]

I would assume-dangerous, I know-that most shops would not look for a Volvo to be modified...they would "expect" a mustang, camaro, vette, etc to be modified and may look harder but a Volvo? Probably not.

Until they hear it. Especially if it has a 3" exhaust.

 

[fdjizm]

There is no way I would equate a muscle sound with a volvo.
It's just awkward, I would be looking around for another car who may have made the sound and skip right over the volvo.

 

[Greg Hazlett]

Until they hear it. Especially if it has a 3" exhaust.

Never heard one and not being a smart ass but does that exhaust make it sound that different?

 

[retfr8flyr]

Makes it sound like a loud 4 banger instead of a quiet four banger.


Earl

 

[TrickyP]

I do like the point that most people will not suspect a Volvo to be running a modified exhaust...especially if I keep the stock catback and run just the downpipe. It also sounds like as long as you don't have a CEL and aren't running a loud/obnoxious setup, you SHOULD be ok if you are catted.

For the record, this engine is a 5-cylinder, not a 4-cylinder. So what does a 3" turboback exhaust sound like on this car? Well this is an "R" model, which means a different turbo and manifold, but similar engine:

 

[TrickyP]

Here's a better comparison between stock and a 3" TB setup.



Don't worry...I'm coming back to Mustangs eventually. Just my DD for the time being.