Pollution Control Standards

[rsam]

Hey Guys,
I have finally reached the financial point in my life that I can actually entertain the idea of building one of these beauties from a kit. I have been doing the usually reading and browsing that goes along with making the big decisions in this process and this site has been instrumental in answering many of my questions. However, I have been concerned about how to get this machine legally on the road. I have read a number of threads about the procedure and where to go on the web, but maybe someone could clarify a bit. I am a New York State resident and I’m not sure how to “get around” all the pollution control and catalytic converter issues that I think the State demands. Obviously, I am missing something because when I lived in Jersey 10 years ago I could barely get my brand new dealership car through emissions, I can’t imagine if I pulled up with a 347 Stroker with open headers the reaction I would get !! I know NY requirements are matched to the year of the engine so how does one actually pass these requirements? I’d hate to build this thing only to have a DMV official tell me that my whole setup does not meet NYS emissions standards! I’d like to hear some details from guys in NY as well as other states in how you overcame this obstacle. Any comments or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks -Rich

[petek]

Actually I think there are very, very few folks here that skirt the emissions laws. Virtually everyone complies to the letter of the law, be it through cats on the exhaust (now there is a mental image), or the year of the engine.

I can't help you with NY, but here in Missouri it's pretty cut-n-dried and fairly easy to comply with the law.

[NeedAntiVenom]

Rich,

Pete is right - very few people "get around" emmisions or registration for the vehicles. The legal requirements are relatively easy to meet, although the process can sometimes be time consuming and frustrating. In many states there are strict annual mileage limits, limits on the number of cars that may be registered in a year (e.g. CA), or varying emmisions requirements.

A good starting point is to contact the DMV and find exactly what is required for your locale as it may vary from county to county. Usually there is a separate department that handles "specially constructed vehicles". I did this when I was considering mine and found them to be very helpful.