Germany vette owners?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
Germany vette owners?
I am in Germany right now for the holidays, and have decided to pick Germany as my first duty station when I graduate in May and commission into the army. So, my questions for you are:
Are there noise restrictions on how loud cars can be here? My vet at home is fairly loud with GHL pipes, no cats, LT headers, H/C, etc, and I was wondering if this was going to be a problem, or if I should put a Z06 Ti exhaust on before I come. I also have a Harley Vrod with straight pipes, which I was had the same concern about.
Where do you get your cars worked on?
Do they have (m)any dynos/tuners available in Germany? I plan to SC/Turbo my car while I am here, and would need help with the process.
Thanks
Randy
Are there noise restrictions on how loud cars can be here? My vet at home is fairly loud with GHL pipes, no cats, LT headers, H/C, etc, and I was wondering if this was going to be a problem, or if I should put a Z06 Ti exhaust on before I come. I also have a Harley Vrod with straight pipes, which I was had the same concern about.
Where do you get your cars worked on?
Do they have (m)any dynos/tuners available in Germany? I plan to SC/Turbo my car while I am here, and would need help with the process.
Thanks
Randy
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 56,381
Likes: 79
You will have to pass a German inspection, and your pipes may be a problem, ship your stock, or get some Z06 mufflers. I will have to do some research back at my house to look up who the good dealers that I used, email me after 9 Jan.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
ok, no problem- what all is entailed in the inspection process? I know I wont need cats here, right? I wont be over here for at least another year from now, so I have a while to get what I need.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 5
From: Eastern PA
Originally Posted by MAJ Z06
You will have to pass a German inspection...ship your stock, or get some Z06 mufflers.
While you may not have a problem, you need to be prepared that they'll think your system is too loud for their local rules.
My C5 was entirely stock when it was in Deutchland. A year or so after I PCSd back to the CONUS, I put on some LGM longtubes and a set of GHL Bullets.
I still have my stock cans just in case I ever go back overseas and I find my system and the Euro laws don't mix.
BTW, the Army lets you choose your first assignment location, straight out of a commissioning source? With the USAF (yes, I'm a Zoomie
) we can indicate where we'd like to go, but it all boils down to "needs of the USAF." We're not guaranteed our #1, 2 or whatever choice.Pre-congrats on the commissioning-to-be! GBTUSA!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
There is a new program for the army that my ROTC class is the first to use to increase retention. You can lock in your first branch OR duty station choice if you sign on for an extra 3 years of active duty. I grew up in Germany, so knew I would either want here or Hawaii, but after coming back (with my fiancee) for the holidays, we both decided this is where we want to live
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Inspections are pretty light for American cars. I know one guy w/ an LS1 Camaro with a pretty heavy cam, LTs, straight pipes that gets away with it. The cops usually leave us alone since we've got the US plates. Unfortunately, that goes away starting next year
The closest dealer to me is in Homberg, but I do all of the normal stuff myself and haven't had to take it in yet
check out www.fbodyeurope.org/board there is a good mix of US and German members and they can help you out with all of the details.
POVs in Germany to begin using host-nation tags
By Pfc. Matthis Chiroux
November 7, 2005
HEIDELBERG, Germany (Army News Service, Nov. 7, 2005) – Beginning in late December, U.S. service members and civilians stationed in Germany will start exchanging their U.S. forces vehicle license plates for standard German plates.
The changeover, designed to allow Americans stationed in Germany to present a lower profile while driving, is the result of a recent agreement with the German government. The agreement allows U.S. forces to use German plates on their vehicles without paying German road tax or undergoing stricter German vehicle inspections, said Thomas K. Lorenzini, the U.S. Army Europe vehicle registrar.
During 2006 and 2007, as vehicle registrations expire, registration offices will issue the new German plates to replace U.S. forces plates. While eventually the changeover will become mandatory for all U.S. forces personnel, people wishing to keep their old plates are authorized one additional 12-month registration, said Lorenzini.
Unlike the old U.S. forces plates, the new German plates are the property of the U.S government and will be issued only for the duration of an individual’s tour in Germany. When a vehicle owner is reassigned outside of Germany, he or she must return the German plates to the local vehicle registration office. Vehicles will be shipped with U.S. forces plates.
Because the new plates will bear a “D” instead of “USA” designator, the rear-mounted, oval decal required for vehicles traveling outside of Germany must now also bear the letter “D.”
American vehicles displaying German plates may come under stricter scrutiny by German police, so it will be important for drivers to obey German laws regarding window tinting and loud exhaust pipes, Lorenzini said.
“In the end, this will be a significant advantage for the majority of U.S. forces living in Germany,” he said. “This will allow for people to blend in with any German on the road. Now, if you’re driving an F-150 with rebel flags in the windows and a ‘Don’t Mess with Texas’ sticker on the bumper, this changeover will offer not as much for you, but for most people, this will be a useful conversion.”
Germany is the last country in Europe to change license-plate styles for U.S. service members and civilians, Lorenzini said, adding that in both Italy and Belgium, the military has received positive feedback from drivers about the new license plates.
For more information on the plate conversion, contact your local vehicle registration office.
(Editor’s note: Spc. Matthis Chiroux serves with USAREUR Public Affairs)
By Pfc. Matthis Chiroux
November 7, 2005
HEIDELBERG, Germany (Army News Service, Nov. 7, 2005) – Beginning in late December, U.S. service members and civilians stationed in Germany will start exchanging their U.S. forces vehicle license plates for standard German plates.
The changeover, designed to allow Americans stationed in Germany to present a lower profile while driving, is the result of a recent agreement with the German government. The agreement allows U.S. forces to use German plates on their vehicles without paying German road tax or undergoing stricter German vehicle inspections, said Thomas K. Lorenzini, the U.S. Army Europe vehicle registrar.
During 2006 and 2007, as vehicle registrations expire, registration offices will issue the new German plates to replace U.S. forces plates. While eventually the changeover will become mandatory for all U.S. forces personnel, people wishing to keep their old plates are authorized one additional 12-month registration, said Lorenzini.
Unlike the old U.S. forces plates, the new German plates are the property of the U.S government and will be issued only for the duration of an individual’s tour in Germany. When a vehicle owner is reassigned outside of Germany, he or she must return the German plates to the local vehicle registration office. Vehicles will be shipped with U.S. forces plates.
Because the new plates will bear a “D” instead of “USA” designator, the rear-mounted, oval decal required for vehicles traveling outside of Germany must now also bear the letter “D.”
American vehicles displaying German plates may come under stricter scrutiny by German police, so it will be important for drivers to obey German laws regarding window tinting and loud exhaust pipes, Lorenzini said.
“In the end, this will be a significant advantage for the majority of U.S. forces living in Germany,” he said. “This will allow for people to blend in with any German on the road. Now, if you’re driving an F-150 with rebel flags in the windows and a ‘Don’t Mess with Texas’ sticker on the bumper, this changeover will offer not as much for you, but for most people, this will be a useful conversion.”
Germany is the last country in Europe to change license-plate styles for U.S. service members and civilians, Lorenzini said, adding that in both Italy and Belgium, the military has received positive feedback from drivers about the new license plates.
For more information on the plate conversion, contact your local vehicle registration office.
(Editor’s note: Spc. Matthis Chiroux serves with USAREUR Public Affairs)
check out www.fbodyeurope.org/board there is a good mix of US and German members and they can help you out with all of the details.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,808
Likes: 19
From: Little Rock, AR
I just moved back to CONUS from Spangdahlem AB, Germany in July. I had longtubes, no cats and Stingers on the whole time while overseas with not "to many" problems. I would Highly suggest getting a stock exhaust and taking it along with you if possible. Some of the USAFE regulations are (or were) being rewritten regarding exhaust noise in July 05. Have Fun!! 
Last edited by RWE 427; Dec 24, 2005 at 01:48 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
Likes: 4
From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
My wife's family is still in Germany, all I can tell you is good luck when you get caught speeding. They fine according to income level.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Originally Posted by screw991le
My wife's family is still in Germany, all I can tell you is good luck when you get caught speeding. They fine according to income level.
that's news to me (after 2 tickets). Some European countries do that, but Germany isn't one.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
I grew up here and have probably gotten close to 10 speeding tickets before I was even out of highschool- they dont fine based on income here- you just recieve a (relatively) small ticket in the mail after you get your picture taken 
But between the autobahn and nuremburg ring, I am sure I will be able to get all my agression out w.o risking speeding tickets.
But between the autobahn and nuremburg ring, I am sure I will be able to get all my agression out w.o risking speeding tickets.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 56,381
Likes: 79
Originally Posted by ecudooberhead
ok, no problem- what all is entailed in the inspection process? I know I wont need cats here, right? I wont be over here for at least another year from now, so I have a while to get what I need.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Galax, VA
Well they do inspections on base. Not a german inspection. It's cake compared to the German TUV inspections. I passed inspection with the SLP loudmouths. There are Auto Crafts Shops on post to work on your car if you are a DIY kinda guy.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 371
Likes: 38
From: Madison Alabama
Originally Posted by ecudooberhead
I am in Germany right now for the holidays, and have decided to pick Germany as my first duty station when I graduate in May and commission into the army. So, my questions for you are:
Are there noise restrictions on how loud cars can be here? My vet at home is fairly loud with GHL pipes, no cats, LT headers, H/C, etc, and I was wondering if this was going to be a problem, or if I should put a Z06 Ti exhaust on before I come. I also have a Harley Vrod with straight pipes, which I was had the same concern about.
Where do you get your cars worked on?
Do they have (m)any dynos/tuners available in Germany? I plan to SC/Turbo my car while I am here, and would need help with the process.
Thanks
Randy
Are there noise restrictions on how loud cars can be here? My vet at home is fairly loud with GHL pipes, no cats, LT headers, H/C, etc, and I was wondering if this was going to be a problem, or if I should put a Z06 Ti exhaust on before I come. I also have a Harley Vrod with straight pipes, which I was had the same concern about.
Where do you get your cars worked on?
Do they have (m)any dynos/tuners available in Germany? I plan to SC/Turbo my car while I am here, and would need help with the process.
Thanks
Randy
Bottom line, put CAT's on your Vette. I'm running FLP Long Tube Headers, Random Technology CATs, and Stinger Exhauston my 1999 C5 and so far no problems with vehicle inspection. I've just installed a 2004 LS6 405 hp Z06 engine in my Vette; swapping out my LS1 engine, so we'll see how that goes. Be advised that the mililtary registratin and inspection process will convert to local (Host Nation) plates starting 1 Jan 2006.
About your V-Rod ! You may have more issues/problems passing inspection with straight pipes more so than with your Vette. My recommendation would be to reinstall your stock pipes if you still have them. There are a few folks here that ride V-Rods, so they maybe able to clue you in on the bike stuff more than me.
I'm a member of a local German-American Corvette Club here in Heidelberg/Mannheim Germany. If you're interested in joining our ranks when you get incountry drop me a line and I'll fill you in. Our club (unlike others) doesn't charge membership fees or monthly dues. You just have to own and drive a Vette in Germany to be a member.
I've read the other threads and they all give you some pretty good info. Good luck on your assignement and hope to hear from you again soon.
Later,
Cecil
German-American Covette Club
Baden-Wurttemberg
Heidelberg, Germany
Last edited by davisce; Dec 24, 2005 at 07:32 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by screw991le
My wife's family is still in Germany, all I can tell you is good luck when you get caught speeding. They fine according to income level.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
Thanks for the tips- Cecil, My Dad and I actually bought your Porsche from you back when I lived in Germany if you recall- nice to see you still own the vette you bought after I picked up the Porsche
I didn't know about the cat thing, but I will be sure to go ahead and pick some up before I move back.
Where do you guys go when you are in need of a dynotune?
I didn't know about the cat thing, but I will be sure to go ahead and pick some up before I move back.
Where do you guys go when you are in need of a dynotune?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 371
Likes: 38
From: Madison Alabama
Originally Posted by ecudooberhead
Thanks for the tips- Cecil, My Dad and I actually bought your Porsche from you back when I lived in Germany if you recall- nice to see you still own the vette you bought after I picked up the Porsche
I didn't know about the cat thing, but I will be sure to go ahead and pick some up before I move back.
Where do you guys go when you are in need of a dynotune?
I didn't know about the cat thing, but I will be sure to go ahead and pick some up before I move back.
Where do you guys go when you are in need of a dynotune?
Hey, great to hear form you. . . how's you Dad? Tell him we wish him a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
As for Dynotuning . . . . not easy, and so far no one has been able to find a place that can do it. So on the GM/OPEL dealers can tune/set your PCM to stock settings, but no performance tuning. It's a real Bummer.
When will you be heading back this way? OK, that's it for now.
Later,
Cecil
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
I am in Garmisch right now- we were down in Heidelberg last week , but I dont think we will be heading back that way for now. I would love to get stationed there next year though.
No dyno tuners? Wow, guess I will have to get all my modifying and tuning done before I move! I am having a 383 stroker motor built right now, and will be dynoing it again in January- hopefully that will be enough power for me
I will tell my dad you said hey
No dyno tuners? Wow, guess I will have to get all my modifying and tuning done before I move! I am having a 383 stroker motor built right now, and will be dynoing it again in January- hopefully that will be enough power for me
I will tell my dad you said hey
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
There are Dyno Tuners around, unfortunately I haven't modified my car enough to need it yet, so I can't recomend one. However, several of the guys on FBE have had it done, so that would be a good place to ask. If push comes to shove, Callaway Competition is based in Germany and are building the C6 Z06.R GT3, so I'm sure they can do it.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Taking a Vette to Germany?
I need some advice. I have an 03 yellow convertible vette. My wife and I are going to Germany for a few years, she's in civil service. Was thinking about taking the vette but thought it might stand out too much. I think a low profile may be important over there. Also thought that it might be difficult to drive on the streets over there. Wife said I should take it, drive it for a while and then sell it over there. Is that possible? Is there a market for vettes in Germany? What about parts/labor if it breaks? We're going to be in the Weisbaden area. Whats insurance cost? Is it easy to find a place with a garage? I know the convertible is not very sensible for that area, with the cold, snow, etc. Any comments/suggestions, etc, would be appreciated
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,838
Likes: 1
From: Volusia. Las Vegas FL, NV
Originally Posted by davisce
Randy,
Hey, great to hear form you. . . how's you Dad? Tell him we wish him a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
As for Dynotuning . . . . not easy, and so far no one has been able to find a place that can do it. So on the GM/OPEL dealers can tune/set your PCM to stock settings, but no performance tuning. It's a real Bummer.
When will you be heading back this way? OK, that's it for now.
Later,
Cecil
Hey, great to hear form you. . . how's you Dad? Tell him we wish him a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
As for Dynotuning . . . . not easy, and so far no one has been able to find a place that can do it. So on the GM/OPEL dealers can tune/set your PCM to stock settings, but no performance tuning. It's a real Bummer.
When will you be heading back this way? OK, that's it for now.
Later,
Cecil
Merry Christmas to you and family.Cecil is right about finding a good dyno tuner for Vette owners. I have a Procharged C5 and would not let any dyno tune shop experiment with my present tune. It's presently tuned for 499RWHP at 7PSI. It's more than enough for my street tires.