Evilution designed silicone intake pipe.

[mvaldes]

FWIW, my mpg is up 1.8 on the first tank since installation of the pipe. I know you can't really tell much from just 1 tank of gas, but even with the initial fooling around with the new toy, at least it didn't go down.

[rfernatt]

Now that a few of these units have been installed and folks have had a chance to 'live with it' day to day, how is the noise factor? Any major change in the engine noise level?

[mvaldes]

No change that I could hear, but I do have the SmartenU8 mat installed.

[TMACK]

Noise difference insignificant, just a slight low-frequency growl when accelerating, (which is much more responsive for the occasional wide-opens).
Ditto on the fuel: +1.5 avg, at one tank full.

[pabille]

In California, everything needs a California Air Resources Board sticker to easily pass smog inspection. Aftermarket intakes on my other vehicles have the sticker prominently placed in order to quickly pass inspection. How does this intake pipe, the other intake pipes and the short ram intake products meet this CA requirement? Being from CA, SmartMadness, can you guys comment? Anyone else concerned about power mods and CARB requirements?

[BARNEY O]

Originally Posted by pabille

In California, everything needs a California Air Resources Board sticker to easily pass smog inspection. Aftermarket intakes on my other vehicles have the sticker prominently placed in order to quickly pass inspection. How does this intake pipe, the other intake pipes and the short ram intake products meet this CA requirement? Being from CA, SmartMadness, can you guys comment? Anyone else concerned about power mods and CARB requirements?

Would moving be an option? Or can you get to work by off-roading?

[pabille]

Originally Posted by BARNEY O

Would moving be an option? Or can you get to work by off-roading?

I anticipated negative comments about CARB. I actually support CARB, knowing what the air quality in Los Angeles was like in the 70's when laws supporting clean air were just coming into being. Now, the air in LA is actually better than some other major cities in the US where those residents would to make fun of LA smog. Occasionally, out here, someone will complain about pollution restrictions. I just tell them about the old days in LA and how, now, other cities in the world are now suffering the same problems California cities suffered before we toughened up emission laws.
Being an environmentalist (one of the reasons for owning a smart) and a performance enthusiast, I know it is possible to gain after market performance while still keeping the air clean. Many intake appliances are able to pass CARB restrictions. It may just be that the aftermarket manufacturer did not invest in the time and effort to test and prove that their systems are within compliance. Even after installation, if you get stopped, you can have you car tested at an inspection station and show the results to the judge who can cancel the "fix it" ticket. But, that's a pain in the butt. CARB approved stickers are the easy way.
I won't move. I'll just welcome all those people who want to move here. California also has tough restrictions for off road vehicles that have now been adopted by 17 other states. Most states are now following CARB's restrictions in order to ensure the air is clear in their part of the country.
Vendors out there, are you doing anything to show that our performance mods are legal?

[BARNEY O]

I applaud your concerns and you are so very right, but just to add salt to your concerns do you know that many of the aftermarket wheels are not DOT approved? Doesn't seem to slow anybody down however!

[3slndr]

well barn-o-landlocked it's coming to a theator near you like all the other smog equipment and regulations that nobody in the midwest thought they would ever see

[pabille]

Originally Posted by BARNEY O

I applaud your concerns and you are so very right, but just to add salt to your concerns do you know that many of the aftermarket wheels are not DOT approved? Doesn't seem to slow anybody down however!

Thanks Barney O.
DOT approved means it has safety beads. Most wheels sold for highway use are. Even vibration prone lug-centric wheels (like my Rials) are considered DOT approved. That could be a concern but I also like to drive a semi-restored '64 Beetle with simple seatbelts. It doesn't slow me down at all. And people wonder whether our smarts are safe in collisions. My bug offers as much protection as cardboard. But, it's real fun. and it's fairly good to the environment.