Small Volume Car Makers Law Change

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

This is a game changer. Companies will be able to sell up to 325 turn key cars a year.

Small-volume carmakers get a big break in Motor Vehicle Safety Act | Autoweek

The way it reads, only GM emission engines qualify for now? How will this affect the "New" 3000 series Cobras if at all?

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Bernica

The way it reads, only GM emission engines qualify for now? How will this affect the "New" 3000 series Cobras if at all?

It won't. The 3000 series are stated to be off-road only. They use an original style FE engine, which is not emissions compliant to today's standards, but since it's off road it would not apply.

The real target is not Cobras (where part of the culture is that smelly loud engine) but to the "hot rods" like the 32 Ford from Factory Five and the new Mustangs from Revology.

I would expect Ford to offer a compliant Coyote soon (and thought they had stated it already was, but maybe that got lost somehow).

[Bernica]

So, I guess folks get to figure out where and how to hide the catalytic converters etc on their hot rod...

[fordracing65]

A Cobra and a Cat, no thanks...

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Bernica

So, I guess folks get to figure out where and how to hide the catalytic converters etc on their hot rod...

Fit the side pipes with catalytic converters. See this link: Catalytic Converters

The Cobra builders in the U.K. and Australia have been facing this for a while now, and AK even makes a special converter than installs ahead of the side pipes: Exhaust Side Pipes 5" with Catalytic Converters - AK Sportscars - Cobra Replica Kit Car

Magnaflow makes 4" OD converters in 2.5", 3" and 3.5" inlet versions (smaller as well), that s/b able to be fitted to side pipes: MagnaFlow Universal Spun Catalytic Converters 54959 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing
MagnaFlow Universal Spun Catalytic Converters 54956 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

Flowmaster makes them as well, as do a number of other manufacturers.

Vibrant makes a 3.5" inlet, 4.5" OD 'Ultra High Output' converter - high flow for high HP engines.

Bottom line is that, while converter placement in side pipes is probably not the ideal location, there are 'off the shelf' solutions available. I'm sure Superformance or other 'Small Volume Manufacturers' could also get custom converters built if that was necessary to sell additional cars.

Given the sound deadening / muffling which occurs in catalytic converters, would side pipe mufflers even be necessary or would the converters be enough?