cossie daz

Hi all ,
I like the idea of having a side exit exhaust but was told that they maybe illegal on a road car ?

Rod-Tarry

Providing that the exhaust gas emitions and the noise level are not altered from the manufactures specifications, and that the exhaust gasses escape from behind the level of the front axle, there is no offence..

The Mercedes SLR had them on a production car as did some older cars.

chris cdti

Trucks and vans have them but they must be on the side facing away from the pavement. So on the drivers side.

bigluke200

iTrader: (3)

I have one on my Cossie.. No problem at all.

mattman1234

have one on mine

GVK.

Caterhams etc have them.
Dodge Viper, Merc SLR as Rod says.. all from factory!

stevieturbo

UK/Euro Dodge Viper had rear exit exhausts because of this very problem.

Not sure how other marques get around it.

I think part of the rules are that the exhaust exits behind the passenger compartment

XRT_si

iTrader: (2)

I was always told that when it came to fitting a side exit, legally it had to exit from the right-hand/driver's side I.e. Away from people on the pavement.

That is unless the car came from the factory like that I.e. Caterhams etc...

I ran a side exit (driver's side) for 4 years and never had any problems.

Rod-Tarry

If it came from the factory it would be legal so all side exits can be made legal. The SLR has twin pipes each side. Provided it passes safety & noise levels the only stipulation is it exits behind the front wheels. Know a modified Mini that got through an MOT with side exit on passengers side just in front of rear wheels it certainly did not come from the factory like that.
A quick check on a Police site where this question was asked reavealed that no such stipulation exists in law.

Fast Guy

I ran a passenger side exit exhaust on my old montego for years and only got pulled once when they thought my exhaust had fallen off as they couldn't see it from the rear.
They were happy enough when they saw where it was.

(was funny though when my mate got out of the car and it back fired as I turned it off and shot a flame at his legs, never seen anyone jump so high)

CrOwSoN15

There's no set rule as to where an exhaust exits, bit of a grey area I think. I'd imagine so long as it doesn't endanger the public in any way, so not spitting 6 foot flames towards the pavement

bj928

i was always under the impression it had to exit behind the cabin area, so anywhere from the front of the back wheel back, on a car, and behind the cab on a van or pick up, this in theory is to stop fumes coming into the cabin area

mattman1234

pretty sure lots of lorries have side exhausts too

kevchard

Our Cobra kit car has sidepipes fitted to both sides. Passed SVA and every MOT like it.
As long as edges arent sharp and noise is below 101dB at 3/5 max rpm then SVA people are happy.
Cheers