[Vwdiesel] mufflerectomy, postscript

[Harmon Seaver]

On Wed, Jun 18, 2003 at 02:08:45PM -0500, TexasTDI wrote:
> I've owned my TDI for 15 months now, and my 1.6D for 9 months.  And the
> exhaust hangers are still in perfect condition.  Also, removing the muffler
> is illegal.  DOT regulations state that all vehicles on the road must have a
> muffler.

   And an effective one at that. Personally, I really, really, really hate noise
-- and think we need much more stringent laws against loud cars and bikes. And
boomboxes. I like the approach in New Zealand where they ticket you
progressively, first offense, just a couple hundred bucks, second offense about
a $1000, third offense they seize the vehicle. I'd like to see that done
here. I'd also like to start a class action suit against Harley-Davidson for
making such noisy machines -- right off the factory floor they have an illegal
muffler. Be nice to force them to recall every bike they ever made and refit
them all with a totally silent exhaust.
   I remember a friend bought a new BMW bike back in the early 60's. It just
amazed all of us because you could not hear the thing run. The only way you
could tell the engine was running was to look at the tach or feel it for
vibrations. We need laws to mandate that every vehicle on the road (or off,
including boats and heavy equipment, and planes) be just that silent.



--
Harmon Seaver
CyberShamanix
http://www.cybershamanix.com