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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
May 2002
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NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Thu, 26 September 2002 09:10
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Today I had my EPA test for "noise pollution" and am happy to say my car passed with flying colours, BUT...the dilema started when they discovered my 4AGZE (in the AE92 SX).
WEll I have been told by them that I have a month to either bring the engine back to standard as the car was fitted with from factory, or
get an ADR 37 emmission compliance test!!!!
I have no idea what to do. Has anyone been in this position before and does anyone have any idea what my options are????
If I have to take the car back to "standard" will the 4age manifold fit on the GZE, and if so, can I modify the wiring loom to accept it all with the intention of changing it all back once I hopefully pass their retarded test???
I am really really stressed about this!!!! HELP ME!!!!!
One thing I thought of that maybe one of you will be able to answer for me is that I believe the AE111 is now able to be complianced in AUS, and it has the 4AGZE in it. Does anyone know who compliances them, as this may help in an unknown way!!!!!!!! I have no idea, I am grasping at straws!!!!
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Location:
Sydney, OZ
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Thu, 26 September 2002 09:50
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You'll need to speak to an engineer. He should know what to do, since it could be classified as a standard engine with forced induction added.
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Toymods Board Member
I supported Toymods
Location:
Turramurra, Sydney.
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Thu, 26 September 2002 09:53
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So by the sounds of it, the engine conversion has not been engineered.
Go and see an engineer, ring your local RTA for a list of the ones in your area, then he will inspect things, & tell you if you need to fix anything, & then you need to take it to the RTA for an emissions test. This is one of the requirements (but sometimes isn't, depending on the engineer).
Is the car running the standard computer? If so, I wouldn't worry, otherwise make sure the tuning is spot on.
I also recently read that it's a good idea to do a bit of hard driving just before the test, to warm up your catalytic convertor (that's a point, you should have one of these).
The test costs nothing at the moment (as far as I'm aware) & if I could pass it with a half decently tuned microtech, I'm sure you'll have no problem.
The engineers certificate should only cost arond $300-350.
Then you gotta tell your insurance company too.....
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Location:
Western Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Thu, 26 September 2002 09:54
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That could be a problem. I've heard the ADR 37 rule is pretty harsh with emmissions. Lots of guys building clubmans have apparently had trouble getting their 4A-GE's to pass the test. I'd suggest the best thing to do is find out the requirements of the test, then get the motor tuned so it's running as cleanly as possible - new plugs etc. If you've got the standard management on it, don't worry too much. A cheap aftermarket system will almost guarantee that your car fails the emmissions test.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
south of the big smoke
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Thu, 26 September 2002 11:57
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hmm could it be that your cat is stuffed?
i dont know how to test it with out taking it off. but a new one might fix ya problem
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Location:
North Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Thu, 26 September 2002 15:17
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Just a bit more info. Simple things, eg if you have a pod filter you arnt complying the ADR37 code. Firstly its louder and allows more air through the engine which changes the emissions compared to factory. It would probably improve it but that is what cops and epa are teaming up to scare people into not modifying their vehicles.
That goes for intercoolers as well, i know a few guys who have cars built from around the Rigoli workshop and are now fitting their 12 second WRX's back to standard!
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I supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne.victoria.austra...
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Thu, 26 September 2002 20:29
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PM'd you LadySX
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Location:
Sydney, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Thu, 26 September 2002 21:06
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LPG?
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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Sat, 28 September 2002 06:33
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The cat on the car is fine, but the engine just needs a damn good tune, which is going to occur this week, along with my oversized crank pulley! I am gonna send the EPA a letter and appeal their request asking for permission to just resubmit the car complying with the emissions standards, and if that doesn't work i am just gonna disconnect the supercharger, take the intercooler off, and then present it as a n/a 4age, which technically it will be. Hopefully the car will still put out mixtures within the limits!!!
The car is running the standard computer, so hopefully it wont be too much of a hassle to get it running the way it should. I just want it all over and done with so I can get on with enjoying my car dammit!
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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Sat, 28 September 2002 08:37
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Awwww 
looks like both our cars a fukd now boo. if u need a hand, gimmie a yell. 
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Location:
Carlingford, Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Sat, 28 September 2002 11:13
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My car passed this with carby's so it cant be very hard to get through really
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Location:
Eskilstuna, Sweden
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Sat, 28 September 2002 15:09
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That is a good idea to apply to resubmit your car for re-testing. It may even be worht your while to spend 100 dollars lets say and get a solicitor to write up your letter of appeal.
The EPA can only test the car keeping in mind the ADRs and so on that applied at the time the engine came out (as opposed to the car etc) so if your running a well tuned factory set-up then you should be fine.
I have not got my hands on ADR 37 (Emission control for light vehicles) specifically yet, but I believe you can use a pod filter etc as long as it is in an enclosed system (perfect excuse for cold induction really), like a box. I fail to see how intercoolers fall into foul on 37.
As long as the mods you make comply to the ADRs and you have all the necessary documentation such as engineers certs etc then the cops have nothing.........zip. The EPA may be another issue though
Thanks.
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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Sat, 28 September 2002 23:25
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Wouldn't getting a solicitor to write the letter possibly come accross in the wrong way? I don't want to risk getting even further on the wrong side of them. I just thought of getting all the specs of the 4age and the 4agze together along with a reading of my cars emissions after it is tuned, and just sending a letter explaining that he engine is basically the same as the AUS delivered 4age but with bolt ons.
You reckon that may not be sufficient?
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Location:
Eskilstuna, Sweden
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Sun, 29 September 2002 00:26
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Well ultimately it is your call really. You could always ask the solicitor simply for advice etc (they may have had similar dealings with the EPA already) and then write the letter yourself or get them to have a look at your letter and so on. Hopefuly avoiding that full legalese style that may get up the EPA nose.
At the very least I would seek out for some professional opinions other than those found here already.
Hope I have helped in some way.
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Location:
Melb
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Sun, 29 September 2002 07:32
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Just go all out and engineer it. That way you wont ever have to worry about this kind of thing again.
Remember if your ever going to sell the car you are going to have to engineer it sooner or later or you'll never get a RWC.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
south of the big smoke
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Sun, 29 September 2002 08:13
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might make it worse but, how about a super charger switch like troy has, to turn the supercharger on and off
hence making it a 4age withouth the supercharger?
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Location:
Colyton, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Mon, 30 September 2002 06:48
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dont put a switch
and that goes to everyone
I just got told by my mechanic that my clutch has been wipped clean...
i guess thats from flicking the switch when at 4 grand...
the stress on the charger must have killed the poor bugger..
that and the bearings had seized...
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Mon, 30 September 2002 07:58
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Just a question, why were you flicking the switch at 4000rpm? Wouldn't it be better to do it when you are staionary?
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Toymods Board Member
I supported Toymods
Location:
Turramurra, Sydney.
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Mon, 30 September 2002 08:09
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Troy just wishes he had a turbo, so he switches his charger on at 4 grand to simulate lag. 
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Mon, 30 September 2002 08:15
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Hahaha, it'd be a bit dissapointing to turn it on that high, and only feel the extra oomph of the Rootes type S/C starting to die off as it becomes less efficient....
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Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Mon, 30 September 2002 08:30
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hey troy... they aren't GTZ headlights are they dude?
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Location:
Colyton, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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Club President
I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Tue, 01 October 2002 10:50
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Lady SX,
The EPA Are a law unto themselves and are basically a pack of greenies who have NFI. These are the people who made it illegal to have a non recirculating blow of valve as it projects harmful gases into the atmosphere (last I checked air was still air when under pressure ... Friggen idiots !)
But anyway. You want to speak to an engineer and get it emmisions passed at the RTA testing stations. With the factory EFI you will be fine. ( Oversize pully your only possible concern)
You do need a catelitic converter tho if you don't have one. Also a decent engineer will approve a pod type filter. Typically a pod filter has a larger serface area and hence offers BETTER filtration for you engine thus maintaining what could be classed as an emmissions improvement
The EPA will try and scare you. Even if you do fail you will probably find a call from a GOOD enginner will sort it out. your a step ahead if you get it passed first tho !
Hope that helps,
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Tue, 01 October 2002 10:53
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Sorry to steal the thread a bit, how much does a test actually cost?
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Toymods Board Member
I supported Toymods
Location:
Turramurra, Sydney.
Registered:
May 2002
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Club President
I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Wed, 02 October 2002 01:41
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JCMF,
Mate the Test is free if it is part of an engineers report/ blue slip. They cost if you just want to have one but I am not sure how much.
At least it was when I had mine tested just over 12 months ago !
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: NEED URGENT HELP: EPA SCREWED ME OVER!!!!
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Wed, 02 October 2002 02:16
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Thanks for clearing that up dude
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