As you straight pipe your vehicle, you remove various components such as the muffler from the exhaust system. Once an inspection station notices this, your car will not be eligible for inspection.
In that case, keeping the stock exhaust instead of throwing it away can actually save you. Just mount it on the exhaust system whenever it is time for inspection. In this way, the station will fail to detect that your vehicle is straight piped.
For decades, people have been driving straight piped cars. In most cases, the authorities won’t bat an eye as long as you are not being a nuisance to others, such as being too loud or blowing smoke excessively.
Enough with inspections, how about emission tests? Let’s talk about them next.
How To Pass Emissions With A Straight Pipe?
Straight pipe vehicles can pass emissions tests comfortably, especially if it is relatively new or very (extremely) old, and in a few other cases. I will mention them below.
- Any car that is a pre-1976 model can pass any emission test with a straight pipe.
- Electric, LPG, and natural gas cars fall into the same category.
- Vehicles that have been registered in another state.
- Those cars come from a country where emission testing is not required.
- Trucks or heavy vehicles that are intended for commercial use only.
So there’s no more concern with emissions, right? You can now straight pipe your Volkswagen Golf Mk6 without worry.
My recommendation would be this excellent downpipe due to its solid construction, high flow rate, and good fit.
Will A Straight Piped Car Pass Smog?
A straight pipe car does not have a muffler. Nonetheless, a muffler’s absence does not practically affect smog tests. This is because it does not serve any emission control functions. Hence, straight piped cars can pass smog tests.
It is important to remember that straight piping is illegal in most places. Therefore, you may be denied the opportunity to perform the smog test if the station detects your vehicle has been straight piped. This usually depends on where you live.
Related: Can I pass CA smog with catalyst monitor not ready?
Can You Pass Inspection With A Straight Pipe?
It is possible to pass inspection with a straight pipe if you register your car in a different state. However, first, you need to ensure the other state does not have a law that enforces vehicle inspections.
I outlined a few ways below that can help you to pass the inspection of straight piped cars.
Registering in a Different State
There are numerous states, such as Florida, where you do not need to go through an inspection. Make sure your vehicle is registered in one of those states, and then get back to yours. If the license plate is from a different state, no one can force your vehicle to undergo inspection.
Finding a Suitable Shop
Many shops do not care if your car is straight-piped. They will still inspect it regardless of what is missing from the exhaust setup. You are fortunate if you can locate such a shop in your area.
Getting a Glasspack
This point is more of a friendly suggestion rather than a method for passing inspections with straight pipes.
Most motorheads straight pipe and delete the muffler to get a better sound. A glass pack can provide a similar result. Those who do not mind spending a bit more should buy the glass pack for a truly satisfying sound.
Ready to install a straight pipe in your car but not sure which pipe to pick?
Check out my list where I compiled some high-end pipe upgrades. From there, you can certainly find one that brings your vehicle great sound while also helping it perform like a champ.
Read Also: How To Pass Inspection With Bad Catalytic Converter?
Can You Pass Inspection With Straight Pipes in Texas?
I came up with two tricks to help you pass inspection with straight pipes from my research. If you are in Texas or even somewhere else, you can use these techniques.
Do Not Mention the Muffler
Don’t mention or tell them anything about the deleted muffler. It may go unnoticed. Also, you can keep the resonator so that if they ask about the muffler, you can show it to them.
Do Not Connect to the Exhaust
The inspection station will attempt to connect the cable to your exhaust system. If you can somehow hook it up to your computer, it won’t be easy for them to tell that the car has been straight piped.
Regardless of the method you choose, don’t forget to keep the cats in place.
Now, Pennsylvanians might wonder, “will straight pipes pass inspection in PA?” You can actually follow both of these methods. The fact that they work in Texas does not mean they won’t work in Pennsylvania.
To Sum Up
Every day, thousands of Americans drive straight piped cars and trucks. They continue to drive because they have passed inspection via any of many methods.
This does not mean the same technique will work for you. Try alternatives if one method fails.
As for my recommendation for passing inspection with a straight pipe, I would probably recommend registering your vehicle in a state where you don’t have to inspect it.
