Tubi streetlegal in US?

The first thing to remember is that there's quite a bit of inconsistency here in the States -- even down to differing areas within individual states. The west coast tends to be more restrictive about modifications to automobiles, whereas other areas have fewer restrictions.

In all cases, it is a federal violation to reduce the effectiveness of emission-reducing equipment. Regarding sound levels, most areas have decibel limits on sounds from cars, but few actually enforce them.

The quick answer to your question is "it depends." Where I live, the car has to pass a tailpipe emission test, but they don't care if the equipment is OEM. If I lived elsewhere in my state, the emission testing would be skipped, and the safety inspection would basically be lights/tire/brakes/wipers.

 

The Tubi's on my 360 and 512TR are stamped 'For Competition Only". Always considered them lawyers stamps to protect the manufacturer. Don't have a clue if they pass any noise limit. If they are downstream of the cats why would they impact emmisions?

In Florida where I have all my cars registered, there is no inspection whatsover, safety, emmisions, nada.

 

A free flow exhaust can affect emission output.

Free flow means less restrictive, and sometimes allows gasses to flow through the converter faster than designed for the OEM muffler raising the emission levels slightly.

However, the loss of restriction should allow the engine to breathe better,

So, it almost becomes a draw.

Noise is another issue. California is tough, and I helped write the standard for maximum noise output with the CHP in 1975.

It was a bigger issue at that time then it is now, because the state does not have funding to chase after people with noisey mufflers.

AND, with the resurgence of Harley-Davidson, who could possible complain about noise!

F-cars produce beautiful music and not noise.

So, drive on with after market exhausts!

 

I have a Tubi on my 360 and passed a smog test with no problems. I don't think the Tubi would raise that many questions, as far as noise, at idle. I'm not sure how they test decibel levels, moving or at idle?

 

A local City police officer once gave me a ticket for "excessive exhaust noise" in my old Lancia Fulvia. It was totally ridiculous. We standing there at the side of the road arguing the point while logging trucks passed by making about 100 times more noise than my car could possibly ever make. I looked up the "violation" in the State law books (RCW - Revised Code of Washington). It is illegal to install any exhaust system that produces more noise than the original stock system. That's the law in Washington. As far as I can tell, all aftermarket exhaust systems are illegal here, Tubis included, unless they are quieter (not likely) than stock.

 

Take it from a guy who owns an import (no it's not Rice). You can change out the muffler, but not remove the CATs. The only restriction on the muffler is it has to meet sound ordinance decibel levels. I've heard some Ferrari's with aftermarket exhaust and I can tell you they are TICKET loud. As far as a muffler changing the emissions coming out of your engine... if you have a carbed car- Yes. If you have a car with an ECU and an Oxygen Sensor- No. In the latter instance the ECU will make adjustments for the increased flow and change fuel delivery accordingly.
Smog Related Websites

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Just thought I'd post up a couple links regarding smog.

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Aftermarket Parts Device Type Listing of Executive Orders
You can search the CARB database of which aftermarket modifications have an EO# and are therefore legal for street use.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/afterm...ces/amquery.php

Smogsite.com
If you want to learn about how smog related components on the car work and affect emissions, this site sells books about smog.

http://www.smogsite.com/

Smog Check.ca.gov
For all the latest information and regulations regarding smog in CA.

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/

SmogCentral.com
Some basic information on smog.

http://www.smogcentral.com/

California/BAR Regulations
Resource for official BAR Regulations -- Expand Title 16, Division 33.
ARB regulations -- Expand Title 13, Division 3

http://ccr.oal.ca.gov/cgi-bin/om_is...owse_Frame_Pg42

Smog Tips
Another site with useful info - good summary of visual inspection items, and basic FAQ's.

http://www.smogtips.com

CA BAR Site : Engine Replacement/Rebuilding Guidelines

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage...es-Jan_1994.htm