OK, I see a lot of posts about deleting the muffler on a diesel. A LOT of people claim that the turbo can be considered a "muffling device" and this makes it legal to do away with the muffler.

I would like to see something, anything, to back this up. Obviously as the post implies I am only interested in something that would relate to the Great State of Texas. The Texas Transportation Code is VERY clear on this. No muffler=illegal. I'm assuming what everyone has been referring to has been some sort of case law they read about or saw.

Post up folks, I've got a cold beer riding on this bet..............

 

I guess I'll find out in eb if mine passes inspection or not. Both of our local muffler shop guys say they take them off all day long.

 

I was told 2 years ago that inspectors would no longer pass trucks without a muffler. Since then I've had the truck inspected twice and guess what? It passed both times. If a turbo is considered a "muffling device" does that not mean it's also considered a "muffler"?

 

No issues here either haven't had muffler on truck since I bought truck. I think it mainly boils down it it bothers anyone and most they could do I believe is give you a noise ticket.

 

My last three have been off and no problems. I think you are looking for something written which I don't have. My understanding is diesel exhaust must be routed out through an exhaust pipe.

 

Mine has passed with flying colors for many years.

 

Although it's rarely enforced it's a federal law that the stock exhaust system can not be altered.

 

I'd like to see that law, I have a hard time believing that. Especially with people putting duel exhaust on gassers all the time, and of course all the ricers.

 

Apparently Harleys are exempt from any kind of exhaust. I don't know why anyone would say anything about your diesel.

 

Ever heard of the internet? Instead of getting 2nd hand advice here, check the Texas DMV\DPS guidelines on-line - no 'friend of a second cousin's third wife's dog' advice on that 'site..................

 

It's written in your owners manual. On another note, I took my muffler and resonator off almost a year ago. It's not that loud at all, unless I romp on it and make it loud. it does have a diffrent sound at idle, but I have to tell people that there's no muffler on it. There still more 24v rattle at idle that overtakes most of the sound. I have to tell people that it has no muffler.

 

I run mufflers on my vehicles and they all sound Bad to the Bone...

 

A guy I know that we call Jimmy the Redneck changed his to some kind of performance muffler and it sound like poo.

 

YES it is illegal...most cops wont mess with you unless your an obnoxious teenager (which is my problem) buy yes its illegal to have no muffler, if your truck came without a cat then its legal to have only a muffler but you cant switch it around. And most inspection places wont mess with you on it. You can also get a ticket for disturbing the peace because your exhaust is supposed to be under 85 decibles and with a str8 pipe you will well exceed that.

 

Here's a good article that gives the legal rundown
http://dodge.off-road.com/dodge/Dodg.../detail/194395

"The federal tampering prohibition is contained in section 203(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act (Act), 42 U.S.C. 7522(a)(3). Section 203(a)(3)(A) of the Act prohibits any person from removing or rendering inoperative any device or element of design installed on or in any motor vehicle in compliance with regulations under Title II of the Act (i.e., regulations requiring certification that vehicles meet federal emissions standards). The maximum civil penalty for a violation of this section by a manufacturer or dealer is $25,000; for any other person, $2,500. Accordingly, any change from the original certified configuration of a vehicle or engine, or the manufacture or sale of a non-original equipment aftermarket part or system could be considered a violation of section 203(a)(3) of the Act. This would include modifications to the fuel delivery system. "