pattyd wrote:I need to get through RWC as modified exhausts don't get through anymore apparently (vic). I have stock exhaust but am missing the cat conv. But if you still think getting it done at the exhaust shop is still OK, let me know and I'll do so!
that is total crap - unless the law has changed VERY recently, whoever told you that doesn't know what they are talking about. RWC check would consist of a height check, a check to make sure it has a catalytic converter of some type on it, it has appropriate clearance, and it would have to be not offensively loud (there is no actual sound test component, but I don't imagine you would get approved with something stupid).
Given what you are saying, ANY car that has a simple exhaust replacement by a shop because the cat died (due to old age/clogging/etc) or simply rusted out is unrwc - it doesn't make sense.
stock parts arent' imbued with some magical sauce that makes them rwc or safer, and it seems that (from this and other things I've read recently) many people doing RWC inspections are not as familiar with the rules as they should be.
Are you sure they told you it has to be OEM and not just "equivalent or better than OEM" or some other such wording (which is effectively what it needs to be)
edit:
From the roadworthiness requirements (VSI 26):
* The exhaust system of a vehicle must not pass through the cabin or any passenger area and must be free of leaks.
* Condensation drain holes are not leaks.
* The exhaust system must be fitted with an effective silencing device and all exhaust gases must pass through the device.
* All mountings must be secure and the exhaust system must have adequate clearance between all other parts of the vehicle and the road.
* Unshielded parts of an exhaust system, other than the outlet, must not protrude beyond the profile of the vehicle other than on the underside. The outlet must be located so as to avoid direct entry of gases into the passenger compartment and must not extend beyond the plan of the vehicle.
See VSI 8 for more information on exhausts.
Exhaust section from VSI 8:
Vehicles manufactured to comply with emission control ADRs must have all pipes, hoses, valves, sensors, fuel and air control devices and any other emission control equipment originally fitted by the vehicle manufacturer properly located and connected and not apparently damaged, deteriorated or altered in any way so as to appear ineffective.
The following applies instead of Section 2.7 of VSB 14 Modification Code LA. Modified and alternative exhaust systems are permitted if they satisfy the following requirements:
* the exhaust system must not allow direct entry of exhaust gases into the occupant compartment
* for vehicles fitted with one or more catalytic converters as original equipment, the catalytic converter(s) must be retained in their original location and all exhaust gas must flow through the converters at all times. Similarly any sensors positioned in the exhaust system as original equipment must be retained in their original locations
* no exhaust system whether it be functional or ornamental is to be mounted in such a manner as to create a hazardous situation particularly from hot surfaces or projections
* all piping and muffler systems must be adequately supported
* exhaust extractors may be fitted to a motor vehicle manufactured before July 1976, provided they do not foul any part of the steering, suspension, braking or fuel systems. In all other cases, evidence either in the form of an Approval Certificate or acceptable evidence from the extractor manufacturer to show that the vehicle continues to comply with all applicable emission regulations will be required
Evidence from the extractor manufacturer is acceptable
if it includes information:
1. identifying the extractors as appropriate for
the particular vehicle make and model
2. certifying that the extractors have all the features
and fittings necessary to allow the vehicle’s
emission control system to be reconnected and
work properly; and
3. describing how the extractors should be fitted
* the vehicle must continue to comply with the ground clearance requirement
* There must be no escape path for exhaust gases other than the exhaust outlet, and the vehicle must continue to comply with the noise emission standards applicable to it
edit again: VSI 8 (modification guildelines) is from October 2011, VSI 26 (RWC requirements) is from Dec 2012.
So you need to retain *A* catalytic converter (not necessarily OEM), and it needs to be in the same location. That's all. There are other requirements in terms of emissions, however all RWC is concerned about is the PRESENCE of a cat, in the expected spot.