[BlueDemon]

Curious to know if anyone in PA (maybe the Pittsburgh area) has modified their Renegades exhaust system.

I had my sights set on doing a resonator and muffler delete but I can't find anyone in the area willing to do the work. The shops I've gone to have all given me the "the car has to have a muffler" line when I know **** well that my previous vehicle absolutely did not have mufflers (with the same drivetrain as a matter of fact). The most I can "get away with" would be to install a glass pack/cherry bomb according to these jokers. I threw in the idea of having a type of diverter I can attach/detach back to the existing muffler and even that would be considered "illegal" to do. Malarkey I tell ya!

Any info/input would be greatly appreciated.
I don't see how Abarths and SRT4 vehicles out here can be considered to be driving illegally.

 

[PNW]

175.75. Exhaust systems.

(a) Condition of exhaust system. All components of the exhaust system shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.80 (relating to inspection procedure).

(b) Exhaust system requirements. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be constructed, equipped, maintained and operated to prevent engine exhaust gases from penetrating and collecting in any part of the vehicle occupied by the driver or a passenger, in addition to requirements of this title for an emission control system and smoke control for a diesel-powered vehicle.

(1) A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with a muffler or other effective noise-suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation. A muffler or exhaust system may not be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device and a muffler may not show evidence of external repair.

(2) The exhaust system of a vehicle may not be modified in a manner which will amplify or increase noise emitted by the motor of a vehicle above the maximum level permitted by Chapter 157 (relating to established sound levels).

(3) Headers and side exhaust are permitted if the vehicle meets the requirements of this section.

(4) An exposed exhaust system shall be equipped with an adequate heat shield or protective system.

(5) An exhaust system shall extend and discharge completely to the outside edge of the vehicle body, including a truck bed, or as originally designed.

(6) A firefighting vehicle is exempt from regulations concerning exhaust systems, mufflers and noise control.

http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/s175.75.html

 

[PNW]

It looks like according to section 1, you can have an aftermarket muffler or resonator installed as long as it doesn't violate the noise limit in your area.

(1) A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with a muffler or other effective noise-suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation. A muffler or exhaust system may not be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device and a muffler may not show evidence of external repair.

An Abarth or SRT-4 would fall under 'or other noise-suppressing device' as the turbo and piping muffles the noise enough to not be over the decibel limit in most jurisdictions.

 

[BlueDemon]

well, I do have a turbo and I do have piping...

 

[PNW]

well, I do have a turbo and I do have piping...

You do, but the shop has no way of knowing how loud it will be after performing the work. You have to look at it from their point of view, they're not going to take you at your word if they aren't certain that what they're doing to a registered street car is legal, why would they?

Technically my unmodified Camaro SS would not be legal under that section since the dual-mode mufflers have built-in bypasses that open under certain conditions.

Good luck in your search.