[V8] What's the value of a catalytic converter?

Fri Mar 28 13:45:51 PDT 2008

 A 55w halogen low beam and a 65w halogen high beam are DOT legal.  The lumen test is for busting high wattage bulb replacements.  Technically, in lieu of a meter, the bulbs should be removed and inspected (wattage and type is stamped on any us DOT legal bulb).  There were several attempts over the years to increase the high beam wattage allowed under DOT rules.  Given the difference in a 55w v8/5k/200 E code lights and a 55w v8/5k/200 us spec lights, it's easy to come to the conclusion that it's not the wattage of the bulb that makes a good light?

Scott J
E codes a plenty

-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Woodbury <rmwoodbury at roadrunner.com>
To: 'Dag Bøsterud' <dag.boesterud at consulgranada.net>; V8 at audifans.com
Sent: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 2:58 pm
Subject: Re: [V8] What's the value of a catalytic converter?

I'm not sure how it is done.  Normally US headlamps come with three little
bumps made into the face of the lenses.  The measuring meter supposedly
hangs onto the face of each lens, and measures the output. I think that
maximum lumen output is what is specified, but it could be that that is not
all that is required. 

I have never actually known of anyone actually doing the measurement.  When
I bought my 200 Avant in 1997 or so, I bought European headlamps on line.  I
bought relays and then took the car and the relays to my Audi dealer with
whom I had done a lot of business over the years.  They installed my Euro
headlamps for me, with me standing in the service bay with the mechanic.  I
doubt that an authorized dealer anywhere would do that now.

My independent mechanic does not possess the lumen meter and doesn't perform
the test because he is not required to, I don't think.  If the shop doesn't
have the equipment it is not required, but the specifications and the check
itself are part of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Code in this state.

Roger

-----Original Message-----
From: Dag Bøsterud [mailto:dag.boesterud at consulgranada.net] 
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 12:56 PM
To: rmwoodbury at roadrunner.com; V8 at audifans.com
Subject: Re: [V8] What's the value of a catalytic converter?

You say that state laws requires you to check the lumen output of the 
headlamps, right?
Is this specified to a certain lumen output, or a minium lumen output?

/Dag
92 V8 4.2
202 000 miles

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roger Woodbury" <rmwoodbury at roadrunner.com>
To: <cobram at juno.com>
Cc: <v8 at audifans.com>
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 2:42 PM
Subject: Re: [V8] What's the value of a catalytic converter?

> Well, I have asked a bunch of other questions and also have requested a
> bunch of other pictures.  The pictures of the car look really good, 
> although
> there are some serious limitations for me to consider.  Accordingly, I am
> following the eBay auction but will not bid.  IF the car doesn't sell, and

> I
> can see more detailed pictures, then I might be interested.  Here are the
> most obvious issues that I have with the car, as it presently is 
> presented.
>
> First of all, the complete exhaust system must be replaced.  For me that
> means my wrench will get to do that job, and since I replaced the exhaust 
> of
> the old Black Mariah, I know what my most reliable options are.  It will
> blow a hole in at least fifteen hundred bucks, and perhaps two grand by 
> the
> time I get it done.  I have neither space nor time to put the car on 
> stands
> and crawl underneath, so the options are few.  The dealer will be, oh, I
> don't even want to think about that.  The state is getting very serious
> about all this stuff, and requires the lumen output of headlamps be 
> checked.
> However, very few shops outside of the larger dealers have the equipment 
> to
> check this, so for a while anyway, Euro headlamps skate through.  This 
> won't
> last forever, I imagine.
>
> Second, the windows are tinted 25% and that might have to come off.  Maine
> law prohibits other than factory tint, and although mild tinting, say ten
> percent in the side and rear windows is so close that most shops won't
> notice, 25% is probably going to mean the windows will have to cleaned 
> off.
> This will quite probably destroy the rear window defogger, which really
> devalues the car for winter use, as until you haven't had one here, you
> can't imagine how useful it can be from September through May.
>
> As I said, the car looks great in the pictures.  But if you look at the
> pictures and not be blinded by the sparkle of the car, its obvious that 
> the
> pics were taken at least nine months or so ago.  Unknown:  I realize that
> Maine is pretty backward considering New York, but not even New York has
> leaves out on the trees and green grass now.  So, we have a complete pig 
> in
> a poke.
>
> I have told the owner that I am going to watch the auction and may have
> interest if the car doesn't sell on eBay.
>
> Meanwhile, I am trying to stalk a V8...
>
> Roger
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: cobram at juno.com [mailto:cobram at juno.com]
> Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:16 PM
> To: rmwoodbury at roadrunner.com
> Cc: v8 at audifans.com
> Subject: Re: [V8] What's the value of a catalytic converter?
>
> "Roger Woodbury" <rmwoodbury at roadrunner.com> writes:
>
>> BUT I have think I have discovered why the car is for sale, and it
>> probably
>> is the best reason to NOT get involved.  There is NO catalytic
>> converter in
>> the car.
>
> So?  Put in a hollowed out "converter", it's only a visual inspection.
> Even in my state, where you MUST pass emissions tests, I have had
> hollowed out cats for the last decade and a half or so.  On the old 5KS,
> I only passed emissions after gutting the kitty.  Go figure.
> One free flow under a buck after market cat and you're done.  I don't see
> a problem, maybe a good opportunity to pick up a 20V cheap?  This isn't a
> deal breaker in my book.
>
> The dealer price, thanks for the chuckle Roger!  ;-O
>
> BCNU,
> http://www.geocities.com/cobramsri/
> Developer: Someone who wants to build a house in the woods.
> Ecologist: Someone who has already built his house in the woods.
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