PA peeps, question about car mods and state inspections - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

GSE_Anthony · 03-09-2015, 01:21 PM

Looking for info...
I've had my car since October and am interested in changing the exhaust, adding CAI and maybe a few other little things in the future but being new to PA, I don't know the rules regarding state inspections, emissions, etc.
I know I need to take the car for inspection every year so the last thing I want to do is invest in a full exhaust, high flow cats, LT headers or whatever and then fail a test and then need to fix it to pass.

So without going to a local shop and asking, (which I can do if need be) does anyone here know what I can and can't do? Do they do emissions tests? dB level tests? Is it safe to make exhaust changes or would stock exhaust with something like diverters be recommeded so they can be closed? Any info is appreciated!

I have an LS3/M6 all stock. I'm in SEPA, just 10 miles from DE and MD. Chester County, if that matters.

Thanks guys!

pyroguy · 03-09-2015, 03:30 PM

No sniffer or dB test, just visual for exhuast. I've had a cold air intake, headers, and cat back exhaust since I got the car and that didn't effect the inspection. Basically as long as there aren't any check engine lights and you have cats you should be fine.

Top Off · 03-09-2015, 04:15 PM

Yep, you can basically do what ever you want, as long as it looks like there are cats and no check engine lights. That is the broad version. I was failed before with another car due to the exhaust not being factory. The tech was a douche, but pulled shit out of the inspection book that allowed him to fail it. For what its worth. There are a ton of people on the board that have very extensive modifications and they all pass.

BIO-HAZARD · 03-09-2015, 04:55 PM

Mine passes inspection also . Full cat back . CAI . etc... But I also have a small garage inspect it . & We grew up together ...

Black Market Racing · 03-09-2015, 04:58 PM

Its gotten a lot less strict over the years. With the exception of California, most states are pretty good about things. What products are you thinking about going with? If you need some help or have any questions about what options you have for your car, I would be happy to help you out.

GSE_Anthony · 03-10-2015, 07:39 AM

Awesome, thanks for the info guys! Definitely helpful! Good to know I'll probably be fine with just basic stuff cause I'm not planning on doing anything too radical anyway.

...I try to save the big money expenses for the boat.

sscamaro · 03-10-2015, 03:02 PM

They plug into the computer to check emissions. They also do a gas cap test.

Botrod · 03-10-2015, 03:45 PM

only issue I've ever had in PA is tires being too wide. This obviously wasn't with my Camaro but they get strict on any tread sticking out past the fender well. Otherwise, I've never run into any issues on any modified vehicle.

Jared91 · 03-10-2015, 04:07 PM

I take mine to a dealership with all my mods with gutted cats and I've never had an issue.

djcfuzz · 03-12-2015, 06:03 PM

I am in PA too with no issues, I have CAI, axle back exhausts, ported throttle body, short throw shifter, etc.

45thCamaro · 03-12-2015, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botrod

only issue I've ever had in PA is tires being too wide. This obviously wasn't with my Camaro but they get strict on any tread sticking out past the fender well. Otherwise, I've never run into any issues on any modified vehicle.

I don't live in PA, but I'm curious, why is that a problem?

djcfuzz · 03-13-2015, 09:51 PM

In PA tires can't stick out passed end of fender. I had a Jeep with this problem, prior owner got it passed, I had to get wider fenders, the Jeep looked better with the bigger fenders.

bigwayne3000 · 03-13-2015, 09:59 PM

I think he's asking why it would be an issue to have wider tires... I think they assume that it is dangerous to other cars having the kick back of dirt etc from the tires not catching the wheel wells like they would normally if they didn't protrude.

45thCamaro · 03-13-2015, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwayne3000

I think he's asking why it would be an issue to have wider tires... I think they assume that it is dangerous to other cars having the kick back of dirt etc from the tires not catching the wheel wells like they would normally if they didn't protrude.

Interesting. I can't understand for the life of me, why they don't make it a law that all passenger cars have to have mudflaps/ rock guards. It would save so much in cracked windshields, plus increase visibility for those driving behind you when it was raining.

03-09-2015, 01:21 PM	#1
GSE_Anthony Drives: 2012 Camaro SS 45th Ann Edition Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Landenberg, PA Posts: 21	PA peeps, question about car mods and state inspections Looking for info... I've had my car since October and am interested in changing the exhaust, adding CAI and maybe a few other little things in the future but being new to PA, I don't know the rules regarding state inspections, emissions, etc. I know I need to take the car for inspection every year so the last thing I want to do is invest in a full exhaust, high flow cats, LT headers or whatever and then fail a test and then need to fix it to pass. So without going to a local shop and asking, (which I can do if need be) does anyone here know what I can and can't do? Do they do emissions tests? dB level tests? Is it safe to make exhaust changes or would stock exhaust with something like diverters be recommeded so they can be closed? Any info is appreciated! I have an LS3/M6 all stock. I'm in SEPA, just 10 miles from DE and MD. Chester County, if that matters. Thanks guys!

03-09-2015, 03:30 PM	#2
pyroguy Started#gottalovethatblue Drives: ABM #831 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: TN Posts: 6,918 View My Garage	No sniffer or dB test, just visual for exhuast. I've had a cold air intake, headers, and cat back exhaust since I got the car and that didn't effect the inspection. Basically as long as there aren't any check engine lights and you have cats you should be fine. __________________ '10 Camaro 2SS/RS \| Aqua Blue #831 of 3,903 \| Silver Stripes Check out my build thread

03-09-2015, 04:55 PM	#4
BIO-HAZARD INFECTED Drives: 2011 1LT Synergy Green Join Date: May 2011 Location: Upstate PA Posts: 3,226	Mine passes inspection also . Full cat back . CAI . etc... But I also have a small garage inspect it . & We grew up together ... __________________ http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=485533

03-10-2015, 03:02 PM	#7
sscamaro Drives: 2010 2SS, 2017 Silverado LTZ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver,PA Posts: 3,195 View My Garage	They plug into the computer to check emissions. They also do a gas cap test. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS Victory Red, MN6, 1-7/8 Kooks LT Headers, SLP Axle Back, Edelbrock E-Force S/C, ZL1 Fuel Pump, 72# Injectors, JRE fuel rail upgrade, Roto-Fab CAI, Elite Catch Can, Billet Hurst Shifter, DSS 1000HP axles, Spohn Trailing Arms, Toe Links, Lower Control Arms. Chrome American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels. 546/rwhp & 522/rwtq & 10.9# boost Tune by Jeremy Formato.

03-10-2015, 04:07 PM	#9
Jared91 Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/M6 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Pennsylvania, 15909 Posts: 180 View My Garage	I take mine to a dealership with all my mods with gutted cats and I've never had an issue. __________________ 2011 Ls3. Slp TSV2300. 8PSI. 3.4 Pulley. Livernois Twin Fuel Pump. Id850 Injectors. Slp 1 3/4 headers. CAI Cold Air Intake. 3inch exhaust. V-Maxx portted throttle body. Night Fury cam. Lpe 391 gears. Fj performence tune. 643rwhp 574rwtq

03-09-2015, 04:15 PM	#3
Top Off Drives: 2012 LS3 1SS/RS Vert Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Hamburg Posts: 371	Yep, you can basically do what ever you want, as long as it looks like there are cats and no check engine lights. That is the broad version. I was failed before with another car due to the exhaust not being factory. The tech was a douche, but pulled shit out of the inspection book that allowed him to fail it. For what its worth. There are a ton of people on the board that have very extensive modifications and they all pass.

03-09-2015, 04:58 PM	#5
Black Market Racing Drives: Yours Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: United States Posts: 223	Its gotten a lot less strict over the years. With the exception of California, most states are pretty good about things. What products are you thinking about going with? If you need some help or have any questions about what options you have for your car, I would be happy to help you out.

03-10-2015, 07:39 AM	#6
GSE_Anthony Drives: 2012 Camaro SS 45th Ann Edition Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Landenberg, PA Posts: 21	Awesome, thanks for the info guys! Definitely helpful! Good to know I'll probably be fine with just basic stuff cause I'm not planning on doing anything too radical anyway. ...I try to save the big money expenses for the boat.

03-10-2015, 03:45 PM	#8
Botrod Drives: 2012 Inferno Orange SS Vert Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: PA Posts: 176	only issue I've ever had in PA is tires being too wide. This obviously wasn't with my Camaro but they get strict on any tread sticking out past the fender well. Otherwise, I've never run into any issues on any modified vehicle.

03-12-2015, 06:03 PM	#10
djcfuzz Do somethin fun every day Drives: 2012 45th V6 RS M6 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North Port, FL Posts: 1,012 View My Garage	I am in PA too with no issues, I have CAI, axle back exhausts, ported throttle body, short throw shifter, etc. __________________ My garage: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/camaro...=view&id=16627

03-13-2015, 09:51 PM	#12
djcfuzz Do somethin fun every day Drives: 2012 45th V6 RS M6 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North Port, FL Posts: 1,012 View My Garage	In PA tires can't stick out passed end of fender. I had a Jeep with this problem, prior owner got it passed, I had to get wider fenders, the Jeep looked better with the bigger fenders. __________________ My garage: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/camaro...=view&id=16627

03-13-2015, 09:59 PM	#13
bigwayne3000 Drives: 2011 Camaro LS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 1,917	I think he's asking why it would be an issue to have wider tires... I think they assume that it is dangerous to other cars having the kick back of dirt etc from the tires not catching the wheel wells like they would normally if they didn't protrude.