DC Performance stage 1-3 SRT/10 Performance package results

[Daniel Cragin/DC Performance Inc]

We just finished testing our first 3 engine performance packages for the SRT 10 models. Our stage 1 and 2 systems were designed to be truely smog legal.
They will pass an IM 240 smog inpection in all states (the visual, emissions and dynamometer test). These systems had to work with the stock exhaust manifolds which are very restrictive. With the positioning of the dual catayst
so close to the stock manifold, there is no way a smog legal header can work.
changing the cats or relocating them is prohibited on new vehicles unless it is certified. Our stage 3 system uses a true header with a single cat but is advertised as a "off road sytem only". The results have been good and the hp numbers real (subsequent testing of our systems on other dynos have shown much higher numbers.) There are no real smog legal headers for the SRT. Systems may pass an emissions test out the tailpipe but are not certified (This can be a big problem when you sell a car or have to go to a referee smog station).

Here are the results,

Stock 434rwhp 465rwtrq

Stage 1 476rwhp 498rwtrq
Street port heads
Non bleed down lifters
Chromoly pushrods
K&N Filters
Borla Mufflers

Stage 2 497rwhp 525rwtrq
Extruded intake
CNC heads
True roller rockers
Chromoly pushrods
Non bleed down lifters
K&N filters
Borla mufflers
A/F tuning

Stage 3 530rwhp 541rwtrq
Same as stage two plus
Headers
Comp Coupe camshaft

Our biggest hurdle now to get more hp is in the intake manifold, with longer
runners another 40hp can be gained.

Pricing and dyno sheets will be on our web page soon at www.dcperformanceinc.com soon.

[Mach500]

"There are no real smog legal headers for the SRT. Systems may pass an emissions test out the tailpipe but are not certified."

Dan,

Does this statement apply to all states, or just California? I'm looking to add a new header for my SRT-10 this winter, but don't want to do anything "illegal." Please clarify. Thanks.

[Daniel Cragin/DC Performance Inc]

No, there is no Smog Legal SRT 10 header. Headers for all new models must be
certified by the air resources board for all 50 states. This has always been a gray issue but it is really apparent on the new SRT 10. On the older models you could "cover up" the headers with heat shields. Many smog stations had not seen to many Vipers and just figured they came with headers. In 1996 with OBD2
they started restricting aftermarket cataylitic converters, as long as the cat worked well most folks could sneek it through the smog because they were hidden in the side panels.

With the SRT things get tricky. First of all if you put headers on a SRT you have to remove 4 cats and replace them with 2. So not only are the headers illegal but the cats are also. The pre cats are can be seen during a visual inspection so if they are missing they may catch it. They also plug into the computer of the new cars to make sure that the car passes the cataylst effiecency test (with one cat it may not). Once that single cat gets a few miles on it it may fail the tailpipe emissions also.

New cars do not need to be tested for three years so most people do not know they have a problem till down the road. If you have to go into a referee station and they find the parts on your car they can fine you and the shop who put it on. Over the years I have seen folks buy cars only to have a big problem getting them registered because they will not pass the smog.


Of course people often find ways around things, but my advice is if you do change to a non certified header, save your old parts. If someone tells you it is smog legal (a header) have them show you the label that must be affixed to the car.

[Mach500]

Dan,
Thanks for the info.

[Greg 99ACR Red and Silver]

Good discussion Dan.
Additionally, California sometimes directs you to a "test only station" (usually after a few years). Is this the same as a "referee station"?

[Daniel Cragin/DC Performance Inc]

Thanks for the questions,

A "Test Only Station" can only test your car and cannot do any repairs. The idea is to keep the smog places honest and get an accurate idea of how many vehicles are really polluting.

Lets say you have a twin supercharger system we put on your car and you have been taking it to Herks gas station to get it smog tested (The system is not certified). Old Herk is your buddy and kind of looks the other way when your car goes througth the visual inspection. Heck, if it passess through the tailpipe its really not polluting, so whats the big deal? Well down the road your registration comes in the mail and it specifies a "Test Only Station". You take it down and they fail you on the visual inspection. Your only choice is to change back to stock (that could be a big expense).

A referee station is run by the state. It makes a decision whether your car is legal or not if you dispute. Your car may be directed to one of these stations if a test only station has reported your car, it is a gross polluter, or if
has been reported to have missing or modified emission control devices.

Whatever the case, you need to be aware of the law. There are many legal modifications you can make to your car. The law is kind of gray in many states and enforcement is not as strong as in California. Just be aware.

Our smog legal SRT 10 packages offer good hp gains, exceptional torque gains, a powertrain warranty and no hassles. We welcome your interest.