True Duals Legal in Texas?

[Sean8]

I am considering putting true dual exhaust on my stock '81 4-speed - for no reason other than for a little more horsepower without messing with the engine. Are true duals legal in Texas, specifically in Austin? How loud would it be? I heard rumours of emissions testing next year, but wonder if my car is old enough to get away with it. If anybody knows the answer, I would sure appreciate it. Thanks!

Sean8

 

[Ken Anderson]

How can they sell C-4's and C-5's if dual exhausts are illegal?

 

[Sean8]

Mid-America describes them as "for race use" - "not to be used on the highway" etc. I believe removing the cat is the issue surrounding emissions.

 

[Stingray6974]

Sean,
Yes true duals are allowed in Texas. Noise will depend which mufflers you use. Texas doesn't have decibal limits but does require the presence of mufflers. If Austin goes to tailpipe testing next year your car fail emissions without converters. Not do to visual inspection but due to high Nox gas. If this is a concern then you should have it inspected this month. Then wait till January 2006 for the next inspection when it will be exempt from tailpipe testing. It will not be exempt from visual testing. You will still need the A.I.R. pump, EGR valve, thermostatic air cleaner, pcv valve, and vapor cannister with the hoses connected. Cat converters do not have to be present until 1984. If the inspector says they do have him look it up in sect C of the insp. manual.

Mike

 

[Sean8]

Mike,

Thank you. This was exactly the answers I was wondering. I appreciate it!

Sean

 

[81' Corvette Guy]

Passed my inspection this year 05. Will be applying for antique plates next year..once this is done..will be putting sidepipes...on woot! Also here in texas..yeehaww!