Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 12:48:58 -0800
Reply-To: mike miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: mike miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Subject: Re: [vanagon] Re: TIICO vs. CA
In-Reply-To: <f2.125894a5.292d5db3@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Basically true, FG, but there are several minor changes [at least for CA].
One the legislators don't even get on to the sentient being scale, and they
pass the laws. And Air cleaners are free to change but induction back to
cat can't be. Cat back is free once again. And it's Napolianic law. You
have to prove you're innocent, not them proving you're guilty.
Mike
> From: Frank Grunthaner <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM>
> Reply-To: FrankGRUN@AOL.COM
> Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 14:42:43 EST
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: [vanagon] Re: TIICO vs. CA
>
> In a message dated 11/21/01 10:38:52 AM, KENWILFY@AOL.COM writes:
>
> << They looked under the lid and saw the evil non-stock engine
> configuration and didn't pass it. I mean who cares if the engine in there
> now is cleaner burning than the waterboxer ever was? The only thing that
> matters is that all of the proper hoops were jumped through and that the
> proper palms are greased. Give me a break!!! >>
>
> I think it is worth putting this in context. This is all a part of the
> general CA (and EPA-US-Federal) policy for local enforcement and the
> technical limitations of that policy. In essence, the local enforcement
> policy is aimed at ensuring that certain benchmark numbers are met to ensure
> that the powertrain in question is meeting its generic specification. Because
> of time limitations, financial limitations, and the number of humanoid base
> pairs incorporated in the operator's DNA (often 10 to 20 less than normal
> sentient beings), these test benchmarks are far less than the full cycle
> testing that qualified the powertrain emissions in the first place. During
> fevered testimony by engineering politicos in the many year legislative
> drafting process, many scenarios were presented about how unscrupulous
> aftermarket equipment vendors could sell equipment that could give proper
> numbers for the published benchmark tests while severely increasing pollution
> levels (while increasing power, drivability, etc.). This lead first to the
> "touch anything and your busted, $5,000 to $25,000 please" rule. When SEMA
> fought back, a compromise was reached - "Validate your modification with a
> full test sequence, have it certified by a qualified engineer (not
> bureaucrat) and then a bureaucrat will issue an exemption showing
> compliance". Under California law, change any powertrain component from the
> air cleaner to the tailpipe, by substituting a non factory part and the
> financial exposure can be breathtaking.
>
> Of course, in this society, largely populated by high school survivors with
> 5th grade reading ability and a sense of overwhelming confusion when faced
> with the daunting task of mathematically converting from inches to feet,
> ignorance is the standing defense. When such mods are found, the offender is
> told to return the vehicle to stock and return for a retest (that is, the
> ability to assess harsh penalties is generally waived for the first attempt).
> However, hardcases who have chosen to joust with the system have been treated
> to a full measure of the power of said system. I have seen two cases of
> confiscation plus $25,000 fine and costs.
>
> So to summarize, to sell a powertrain in CA, full testing is required to
> verify emission performance. A minimal benchmark test with mass produced test
> equipment in the hands of technicians (many of whom have dropped out of law
> school) has been set up to verify the continued performance level of the
> factory system. The test includes verification that the factory system is
> complete and unmodified. The emission test system cannot function with an
> unrecognized powertrain. So the powertrain must be qualified and entered into
> the data base.
>
> The approach is not an unreasonable one in the pursuit of a solution to a
> very complex and unwieldy problem. And for those of you sitting on your
> porch, sipping moonshine while enjoying the smell of fresh cut grass, I can
> only say "you have seen the future and its coming soon".
>
> Frank Grunthaner
>
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