Performance, Power & Polish
Three States Seek to Protect Modified Exhaust Systems
The misconception that custom exhaust components are associated with illegal street racing has plagued the automotive hobby for decades and has created friction between vehicle enthusiasts and the law. In fact, unfair assumptions about modified exhaust systems have led some states to prohibit the use of this equipment, other than “factory-installed mufflers” or “mufflers meeting factory specifications.” Others have banned systems that create “excessive or unusual noise.” Subjective measures like these leave the fate of your vehicle in an uncertain limbo. While the SEMA Action Network (SAN) believes that exhaust systems should not be used in a way that causes overly loud or objectionable noise, these vague provisions fail to provide a clear and objective standard and make it difficult to know the parameters of acceptable modification.
To combat these issues, the SAN developed model exhaust noise legislation. In 2002, California was the first state to enact this model legislation into law. After 10 years, California’s automotive hobbyists are now better equipped to fight unfair exhaust noise citations issued by state law enforcement officers. The law features fair, standardized testing that can be accurately measured. Results from the test settle whether or not a vehicle’s modified exhaust system meets the state’s exhaust noise standards. If the smog check station’s referee determines that the exhaust system emits no more than 95-decibels, a certificate of compliance is issued.
Based on the success of California’s exhaust noise test standard, other states have established fair noise limits, including Montana and Maine. Like California, these states have included the SAN provision for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to the standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers to an established noise limit of 95-decibels (SAE J1169). Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle and the engine is revved to three quarters of maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded.
Recently, three additional states have made proposals to clear up the confusion once and for all. Hawaii, Iowa and West Virginia have just introduced bills that would benefit consumers and police officers charged with enforcing the law. “In incorporating the SAN model into their state statutes, this legislation recognizes that aftermarket exhaust systems are more durable, are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions and offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass and travel uphill,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Further, these efforts challenge the erroneous assumption that enthusiasts who equip their vehicles with modified exhaust systems are involved in illegal street racing.”
Similar to California, Maine and Montana, the Hawaii, West Virginia and Iowa legislation provide that vehicle exhaust systems in compliance with a 95-decibel limit under SAE J1169 satisfy requirements under the “noisy mufflers” law. We encourage SAN members in those three states to make their voices heard in support of these bills. For more information on each of these measures, please refer to the information posted at
www.semasan.com.
CAUCUS CORNER
Each month, Driving Force features members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, almost 550 members strong, whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.
Here are its newest members:
Alaska
Senator
Dennis Egan
Colorado
Senator
Nancy Spence
Colorado
Representative
Joe Miklosi
Colorado
Representative
Ray Scott
Georgia
Representative
Earnest Smith
Indiana
Senator
Jim Buck
Iowa
Senator
Thomas Courtney
Iowa
Representative
Josh Byrnes
Kansas
Senator
Jeff Longbine
Kansas
Representative
Melanie Meier
Maine
Representative
Sheryl Briggs
Maryland
Senator
Ronald Young
Maryland
Delegate
Charles Otto
South Dakota
Representative
Peggy Gibson
Tennessee
Representative
Sheila Butt
Tennessee
Representative
Jim Gotto
Tennessee
Representative
Curry Todd
Vermont
Representative
Jim Condon
West Virginia
Delegate
Tom Azinger
West Virginia
Delegate
Carol Miller
West Virginia
Delegate
Amanda Pasdon
West Virginia
Delegate
Kelli Sobonya
Wisconsin
Representative
Elizabeth Coggs
Visit
www.semasan.com for a complete list of caucus members.
Federal Update
Ethanol in Gasoline
House Committee Wants Ethanol to be Reevaluated
The U.S. House Science Committee approved a SAN-supported bill that directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on how gasoline blended with 15 to 20% ethanol (E15 and E20) may impact gas-powered vehicles. The analysis would consider a variety of issues including tailpipe emissions, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency. The House bill would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from introducing E15 into the marketplace until the report has been submitted to the House Science Committee. The bill will now be considered by the full House of Representatives. Ethanol increases water formation in the gas tank, which can then produce formic acid and corrode certain metal, plastic and rubber parts. Last year, the EPA approved the sale of E15 for MY 2001 and later vehicles. The EPA agreed with the SAN’s concerns that ethanol poses a threat to older vehicles and made it “illegal” to fuel pre-2001 vehicles with E15. However, the SAN contends that a gas pump warning label will not protect consumers from accidentally misfueling these vehicles. E15 is not yet in the marketplace and is still the subject of several lawsuits and legislation to block the sale.
Legislative Quick Hits
Colorado Emissions Exemption: The SAN is supporting legislation to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that have not yet reached their eighth model year. Current law only exempts vehicles that are 4 model years old or newer. Colorado already exempts pre-1976 collector cars, kits and street rods from emissions testing. The logic for this trend is clear; such vehicles do not contribute in significant ways to air quality problems. This logic applies equally to newer cars.
Iowa Antique Registration Fee: The SAN is supporting a bill to allow any vehicle that is 25 years old or older and used only for exhibition, entertainment or educational purposes to be registered for an annual fee of $5. Under current law, a motor vehicle that is 25 years old or older may be registered as an antique vehicle upon payment of the regular annual registration fee for the vehicle. Certain vehicles that are 25 years old or older and used only for exhibition, entertainment or educational purposes may be registered as “limited-use” vehicles, subject to a registration fee of $40 for a two-year period.
Maryland Historic Vehicle Registration: Legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “historic motor vehicles” was introduced. Under the bill, the age requirement would be raised from 20 to at least 25 years old and would prohibit these cars from being used for “occasional transportation.” The measure would also require that an historic vehicle is insured by an historic vehicle, show vehicle or antique insurance policy. A hearing to consider the bill is scheduled in the Environmental Matters Committee. The SAN is opposing the bill.
New Jersey Emissions Exemption: In 2010, SAN-supported legislation to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles five model years old or newer was signed into law, subject to approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Previous law only exempted vehicles four model years old or newer. The EPA is now proposing action to incorporate revisions to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by state regulators to improve performance of the state’s Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program. Chief among the amendments the EPA is proposing to approve is the extension of the new vehicle inspection exemption from four years to five years. This action acknowledges the relatively minimal environmental impact of the vehicles targeted for this exemption and that it is senseless to test newer vehicles, the results of which demonstrate no significant air quality benefits.
Utah Vintage Travel Trailers: A SAN-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time registration fee was approved by the Utah House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration. Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and would be exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap, or splash apron requirements. The measure provides for a $40 one-time registration fee.
Vermont Exhaust Noise: The SAN is opposing legislation to ban motor-vehicle exhaust systems that increase the noise level above the level emitted by the originally installed system. Under the bill, violators would not pass the state’s required inspection. The bill does not provide an opportunity for vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet an objective 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test. In addition, the measure does not supply inspectors with an enforcement standard, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system increases “the noise emitted by the motor vehicle above the level emitted by the exhaust system as originally installed.”
Virginia License Tax: Legislation that originally threatened to provide localities with the authority to raise from $100 to $500 the amount charged for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates was amended by a subcommittee of the Virginia House Counties, Cities and Towns Committee. Working with Virginia hobbyist groups, the SAN successfully negotiated an amendment with the bill’s sponsor to (1) totally exempt all vehicles 25 years old and older from the license tax that are undergoing restoration or repair and (2) extend the exemption to all other vehicles (including parts cars) undergoing restoration or repair that are stored on private property for fewer than 60 days. Vehicles stored within a structure would remain exempted from the tax. The bill was approved by the subcommittee on a 4-3 vote.
Washington Inoperable Vehicles: SEMA-model legislation that would prohibit cities or towns from enforcing an ordinance, development regulation, zoning regulation or administrative practice that prevents legitimate automobile collectors from pursuing their hobby, was approved by the Washington State Senate Government Operations Committee. Under the bill, a limited number of junked, wrecked or inoperable vehicles, including parts cars, stored on private property, would only require screening from public view if required by local law. The bill will now be considered by the Senate Rules Committee.
West Virginia Property Tax: The SAN is supporting legislation to provide owners of antique motor vehicles with a cap on property taxes paid on antique motor vehicles. The bill was approved by the House Roads and Transportation Committee and will now be considered by the House Finance Committee. West Virginia law defines an “antique motor vehicle” as any motor vehicle that is more than 25 years old and owned solely as a collector’s item. The bill would assess antique motor vehicles for property taxes at their salvage value. That value could not exceed $500. At the most costly rate in West Virginia (approximately 3%), the actual property tax paid by antique motor vehicle owners at the maximum salvage value would be only about $15 per year.
March 2012 SAN Club Events
Arizona
Arkansas
California
March 1-3, Los Angeles
Deuce Week
Sponsor: Petersen Automotive Museum
Info:
www.DeuceWeek.org or 323/964-6325
March 4, Pomona
Swap Meet & Classic Car Show
Sponsor: George Cross & Sons
Info:
matt.jzarzana70@pomonaswapmeet.com or 714/538-7091
March 16-17, Sacramento
26th Annual Legislative Conference
Sponsor: The Association of California Car Clubs Inc.
Info:
www.acccdefender.org or
acccpres@gmail.com
March 18, Sacramento
40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and Car Show
Sponsor: The Association of California Car Clubs Inc.
Info:
www.acccdefender.org or
acccpres@gmail.com
March 24-25, Pleasanton
30th All American Get-Together
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod and Custom Association
Info:
www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
March 30-April 1, Del Mar
12th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod and Custom Association
Info:
www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
March 9-11, Hartford
53rd Annual Frank Maratta’s Auto & Cycle Show
Sponsor: Town Fair Tire
Info:
Linda@fmautoshow.com or 860/347-3625
March 1-4, Bradenton
18th NMRA Annual Spring Break Shootout
Sponsor: NMRA
Info:
swapmeet@promediapub.com or 714/444-2426
March 2-3, Lake Buena Vista
1st Annual Magical Rod Run
Sponsor: Vintage Street Rodders of America
Info: 423/571-6430 or
streetrod34coupe@yahoo.com
March 3, Naples
Naples-Marco Island 23rd Annual Meet
Sponsor: Naples-Marco Island Chapter AACA
Info:
gdoner4822@comcast.net or 239/597-4822
March 3, Coconut Creek
1st Annual Open Car and Truck Show
Sponsor: Corvette Club of South Florida
Info:
jcutroni@att.net or 954/242-5332
March 4, Hollywood
24th Annual Florida Mopar Nationals
Sponsor: Florida Mopar Connection Car Club
Info:
floridamopar@bellsouth.net or 954/920-7096
March 24, Winter Springs
Motormania Car Show
Sponsor: Orlando Bowtie Club
Info:
www.orlandobowtieclub.com or
arasnova@yahoo.com
March 25, Ocala
10th Annual Live Oak Carriage & Antique Car Show
Sponsor: AACA Ocala
Info:
art2cars@cfl.rr.com or 352/671-6782
March 30-April 1, Boston
37th Annual World of Wheels Auto Show
Sponsor: Town Fair Tire
Info:
www.autorama.com or 248/373-1700
March 10, Bosque Farms
Los Lunas Cruz Poker Run
Sponsor: New Mexico Council of Car Clubs
Info: 505/565-2105
March 31, Las Cruces
Wheels of Dreams Swap & Show
Sponsor: New Mexico Council of Car Clubs
Info: 575/526-5432
March 31, Deming
Smokin’ Oldies Car Show
Sponsor: New Mexico Council of Car Clubs
Info: 575/494-7265
March 31, Farmington
2nd Annual Rockabilly Car Show
Sponsor: Road Runners Car Club
Info:
mike@roadrunnerscc.com or
southernrockiesroadtour@msn.com
March 10-11, Roseburg
35th Annual Roseburg Benefit Car Show
Sponsor: UMPQUA Flatheads and Stray Angels
Car Clubs
Info:
www.strayangelscarclub.com or 541/672-2359
March 2-27, Hershey
Alternative Energy Vehicle Exhibit
Sponsor: Antique Automobile Club of
America Museum
Info:
www.aacamuseum.org or 717/566-7100
March 4, Hamburg
45th Annual Hamburg Swap Meet
Sponsor: Wheels of Time SRA
Info:
lhedgehog1@aol.com or 610/262-9718
March 3, Bellville
9th Classic Car Stampede
Sponsor: Austin County Cruisers
Info:
austincocruisers@sbcglobal.net or 979/865-3187
March 16-18, Fort Worth
2nd Spring Lone Star Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod and Custom Association
Info:
www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876
March 31, Shreveport
21st Annual MOPAR Nationals
Sponsor: Mopar Magic Unlimited
Info:
Tmemsmith3@aol.com or 318/453-7027
HEY, THAT’S MY CAR!
Far East Meets Old West
Classic Sportscar Made in Japan and Modified in America
1974 Datsun 260Z “Scarab”
Owner: Robert Walters
Jacksonville, FL
I’ve always wanted a V8-Z. Finally, I found this one on eBay about 10 years ago. I’m the third owner of the car after it changed hands between two friends a couple of times in central California. The car was built from a Scarab kit except for the wide front fenders. The car came with the Stage II 425hp turbocharged 350 Chevy mated to a T10 four-speed with a special Scarab embossed bellhousing. The Scarab kit included the flared quarters, louvered hood, Recaro seats and Scarab vacuum/boost gauge. The original owner equipped the car with 16-inch Simmons B45 3-piece rims, filled the quarter vents, relocated the fuel filler to the upper quarter and added a remote release. The battery was also relocated between the rear strut towers.
I’ve made a number of modifications over the last 10 years. Many parts were swapped, including a T56 transmission now taking the place of the T10. Under the hood, a Powerjection III EFI has replaced the Quadrajet carburetor. An AlkyControl methanol injection setup has been installed as well. A Griffin Aluminum radiator with a 2-speed Taurus electric fan cools the engine. For braking, the front-end received 300ZX vented rotors with Toyota 4-piston calipers while the rear-end now has Willwood discs. It’s also got 280ZX CV axles and a 300ZX R200 differential with Quaife LSD. Other features include a 3.5-inch oval exhaust, a J&S Electronics Safeguard timing control, a custom stainless box housing the Optima battery and best of all, A/C!
My Scarab is still a work in progress but aren’t they all? I’m hoping to take the car on the
Hot Rod Power Tour in June. My wife and I did the Tour last year in her Murano. Unfortunately, the Scarab’s EFI lost a circuit board just before the trip so we had to go with “Plan B!”
Have your car or truck featured in a future issue of Driving Force.
Submit your high-resolution photos to san@sema.org.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Divine Legacy
The Roamin Angels Celebrate 50 Years of Good Deeds
What’s in a name? With the Roamin Angels Car Club of Grass Valley, California, the name says it all. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the original club. When the club was first organized in 1962, a group of high school hot rodders got together to cruise their cars. However, they also decided to stop and help local motorists whose vehicles had broken down. Club members handed out cards that said, “You’ve been helped by a Roamin Angel.”
The annual Roamin Angel Toy Drive was established 23 years ago with the same charitable spirit in mind. At the last event, the club adopted 60 families using $6,000 of its own funds to augment the toys with clothes, blankets and household needs. This donation was raised at the annual Roamin Angels “Cruisin’ the Pines” Car Show at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, held the second weekend of September each year.
Each year, the Toy Drive is publicized as part of a Christmas celebration. Refreshments were provided by Reibe’s Auto Parts of Grass Valley and the Salvation Army. A local band played live seasonal tunes for the crowd. Santa Claus even arrived in an antique fire truck! Club members also work with the local Salvation Army throughout the holiday season to help those in need.
During the year, the Roamin Angels participate in community service activities, make donations to local groups and support the Association of California Car Clubs (ACCC). The original spirit of this car club is alive and well after 50 years.
