Young Version — April 1998

They are designed to meet required performance standards, control noise and heat, and protect safety. Manufacturers provide data to transport authorities or certify compliance so the vehicle can pass inspection. In general, replacing the muffler should not cause an inspection problem. However, a muffler is a wear item: exhaust leaks from deterioration or incorrect installation can still cause a failure. These are good parts, and there is no need to worry as long as you use them properly.

This sounds less like a mechanical failure and more like the idle speed is simply too low. Does it happen when the air conditioner is off, but not when it's on and raising the idle? It would also help to know whether this happens all the time. First, try adjusting the idle. A typical idle speed for the 4A-G is around 800 rpm; loosen the idle-adjustment screw and set it there. You can do this yourself, but if you know a shop, it may be better to have them adjust it. If that doesn't solve it, check the electrical and intake systems. A dirty air cleaner can make the engine struggle to rev, though that usually affects performance overall, not just idle. Start with these checks.

…and must not shine on the ground to the right of the car's outer edge. Rear lamps also have rules: they must not be taped over and must be red. A vehicle that fails these standards will not pass inspection, and police may stop it for defective maintenance. If you comply with the standards, changing headlights or taillights is generally allowed. Even swapping in another car's lights should be fine if those lights are stock and compliant; afterward, adjust the beam aim. Different taillight designs are also acceptable if the wiring is secure and the brake lights illuminate. Installation must be solid, and changes that alter the vehicle's dimensions may be treated differently.

I noticed something called a 'muffler compliant with safety standards.' I often see 'inspection-compliant mufflers' and 'competition mufflers,' but what exactly does this mean? Can it pass inspection? (Yamagata City, Yamagata; Midnight Purple 2)

Simply put, 'inspection-compliant muffler' and 'safety-standard-compliant muffler' mean essentially the same thing. In either case…

I have an AE Levin. The other day, while reading a magazine…

How are they different from inspection-compliant mufflers?

Can it pass inspection without any trouble?

Please explain; I'm curious.

Generally, these are mufflers that replace the system downstream of the catalytic converter. Different makers may use different names. They are based on their own standards or on standards set by JASMA, the Japan Automotive Sports Muffler Association…

Garbled fragment.

1992 Levin (AE101) GT Apex

It's an automatic. When I release the accelerator on an uphill road, the engine stalls. The idle is also unstable when stopped at a traffic light. A mechanic I know checked it and said nothing was wrong. The car is stock except for a Kakimoto Kai muffler.

(Fukuyama, Hiroshima; 180SX with round taillights)

Will it really pass inspection? Please tell me the conditions. (Obama, Fukui; Ten-go Fastest VTi-R)

For example, headlights must be white or pale yellow and all the same color. They must illuminate obstacles on the road 100 meters ahead at night. The main beam must point downward…

Details on passing inspection…

Questions…

Make a case file!

Please include: (1) vehicle name, model, grade, year, and transmission; (2) specific symptoms; (3) tuning overview and parts used; (4) how you use the car, such as track days; and (5) oil and fluid change intervals. Please write as much detail as possible.

Mail to: YV Editorial Department, Q&A Desk, 4F Uchikanda Shibuya Building, 2-16-11 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101. Include your name, address, age, and occupation. If your question is selected, we'll send you a YV sticker!

Young Version — April 1998

About this issue

Page 93 — English draft translation