-----Original Message-----
Subject: Fw: Vehicle Emissions / Inspections Obscenity

As you will see, there are Corvettes being rejected for the annual Massachusetts inspection due to excessive exhaust noise. As most of us have installed after-market exhaust systems like Borla, Corsa, B&B, etc., this will definitely impact us. If anyone wants to get on board with Rich Gureghian, President of North Shore Corvettes, please get in touch with him at r.gurehian@comcast.net.

Thanks.

Elaine

P.S. Rich, I'm with you.


----- Original Message -----
Subject: Vehicle Emissions / Inspections Obscenity

Note: This message is coming from me personally and does not necessarily indicate the position of North Shore Corvettes of MA, Inc.

I pass this information on to all Corvette clubs and Corvette owners within "The People's Republic of Massachusetts". Please note the e-mail exchange shown below. As the message exchange develops, you will note that the Commonwealth has set into law an inspection protocol that leaves acceptance or rejection of the vehicle up to the discretion of the inspector. No instruments or testing methodology for the measurement of exhaust system noise are involved. If we do not band together and change this immediately, good and law-abiding folks, whose only sin is their being automotive enthusiasts, will be out thousands of dollars in automotive property value.

I will be seeking a delegation to meet with the Massachusetts Legislature and the Registrar. If you wish to participate in this effort, please advise. Whether you wish to participate or not, I will keep you informed of what transpires.

As a last note, be sure to take your Corvette to an inspection station you trust. Beware of having your car inspected at Hillcrest.

With a wave,
Rich Gureghian
President
North Shore Corvettes of Massachusetts, Inc.
www.northshorecorvettes.com



-----Original Message-----
Subject: RE: Emissions / Inspections

The Inspection regulation states: (5) Muffler and Exhaust System. Accelerate motor to test for prevention of unnecessary noise and emission of any unreasonable amount of smoke. The exhaust system, exhaust manifold(s), exhaust pipe(s), muffler(s), and tailpipe(s), if designed to be so equipped, shall be tight and free of leaks.
System components shall be securely fastened with fasteners in place and undamaged. All motor vehicle exhaust systems shall discharge the exhaust beyond operator, passenger, and/or trunk compartment.
Unnecessary noise is herein defined as any noise which is louder than that emitted by
the vehicle when equipped with the original manufacturer's equipment. A gas or diesel vehicle will
be rejected if, at normal operating temperature, when at idle or any constant speed, visible black or
blue exhaust emissions are evident.
If at any time you feel that an inspector failed to inspect your vehicle correctly, You have the right to challenge the Inspection and a Field Investigator will research the Inspection. I have attached a link to the form needed below.
http://www.mass.gov/rmv/forms/21413.pdf


-----Original Message-----
From: apache@w1.mass.gov [mailto:apache@w1.mass.gov]
Sent: Monday July 13, 2009 4:57 PM
To: Registry, Feedback (RMV)
Subject: Emissions / Inspections

Customer's Name: Richard ****
Transaction ID Number:
Registration #:
Title #:

Please advise the statute regarding exhaust noise. I received the following stating that in MA, exhaust noise level is at the individual discretion of the inspector. Please read and comment. Your input and the input of our registrar would be greatly appreciated.
R. S. Gureghian

orig. message --
Hi Guys
Thought I would pass on this info about an unfortunate experience I had at Hillcrest today.
Around noontime I went in to get an inspection sticker. They brought my car in and about ten minutes later it was out front with a REJECTION sticker. They explained that the state has a new law that prohibits any exhaust system form being louder than the factory system. You may remember that I have the after market Borla system that IS slightly louder than the factory system. What disturbs me is that the noise level is a judgment call and after they booted my car on the way into the inspection, no one warned me about the new law or gave me an opportunity to find another more merciful shop.
Please pass the word to the club members about this new law.
Thanks
Bill