> One flaw, if I have this correct. It is not Mr Protest Filing Man's
> resposibility to prove the part is illegal, but rather the Mr Help I'm
Being
> Protested Man's job to prove it's lagality.
=====================================
Legality? Sure, it's the same size as OE but 1/6th the price as allowed by
the rules. $55 at Jegs for a Dynomax cat versus $320 for an OE unit. The
fact that it offers claims of better flow are irrelevant as the item's
packaging is not in question. By being the same size & type* and in the
same location as stock it has met the rules 100%.
*I read "type" as two-way, three-way, air inlet type, etc.
The opening section of 13 states: "Alternate components which are normally
expendable and considered replacement parts (e.g., engine and wheel
bearings, seals, gaskets, etc.) may be used provided they are the same type
and size as the standard parts and used in the same location. This does not
include camshafts, differential covers, or ring-and-pinion sets."
This allows one to use other than OE parts, presumably to save the
competitor money. Cats are definitely expendable as are brake rotors.
13.10.E states: "Any part of the exhaust system beyond (downstream from) the
header/manifold or catalytic converter, if so equipped, may be substituted
provided the system meets the requirements of 3.5. Stainless steel heat
exchangers are permitted only if the physical dimensions and configuration
remain unchanged. Modifications of any type, including additions to or
removal of, the catalytic converters, thermal reactors, or any other
pollution control devices in the exhaust system are not allowed and the
system must be operable. Replacement catalytic converters must be OEM if the
vehicle has not exceeded the 5-year/50,000 mile warranty period as mandated
by the EPA. Converters must be of the same type and size and used in the
same location as the original equipment converter(s). This does not allow
for a high performance unit. If the vehicle has exceeded the 5 year/50,000
mile warranty period, replacement catalytic converters must be OEM-type as
per Section 13."
"OEM-type", eh? Well, the Dynomax unit is a two-way type just as the OE one
is. Same size and type (two-way) too. High performance unit? Definitely
not. And if you say it is high performance, then prove it. I have met the
letter of the rules.
> Upshot? If you are going to relace a part, do the research yourself and
> slap the Mr Protest Filing Man with the documentation.
=====================================
Exactly.
(Of course, having
> properly done your research, the Cat in question will not be high
> performance, but an OEM equivalent....right?)
=======================================
Oh, of course not. And it'll be impossible to prove otherwise.
Eric Linnhoff in KC
'98 Dodge Neon STS #69
www.geocities.com/eric10mm/KnuckleDragger
"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you
are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."
Mark Twain
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