Caterham Questions

[rx7locost]

Lucky, I registered my Locost as a 1960 model year "Custom Vehicle" in Illinois. The Lotus 7 Series 2 is what I chose. I had a 1960 magazine advertisement that I sent along in my application as a "reference". Claiming prior to 1968 eliminates all safety equipment and even some emission (PCV) valve requirements etc. I chose to go further back just because I could.

[Hettric]

Just dropped off the paperwork for the first hurtle at my insurance agent, the "runner" goes to the RMV tomorrow for Title and registration. Then I have to get the Emissions waiver.

The procedure described here in 2011, http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/archive/index.php/t-1677.html?

I believe to be accurate with the exception of

 

"The downside is that if you get caught after April 2012, your car will not be allowed on the road until it is emissions legal."

 

I have confirmed with the DOT that all cars legally titled and registered prior to 4/30/2012 are grandfathered exempt.

 

I choose a 1963 Lotus 7 as the description, doubt they care at all beyond 1998 Replica.

[Jim F.]

When I titled and registered my newly built Caterham in 6/03 here in Oregon, the laws were specific and w/o exceptions: if it has a 17 digit VIN that is how it is registered. Even though the build wasn't completed until 6/03, it's titled as a 2002 Caterham Roadster because the VIN indicates the chassis was brought into the USA (Caterham Denver) in 11/02. I proposed all types of identification, but the home office of the DMV in Salem was firm. The lady I spoke with at the time even knew of the Lotus 7 and the subsequent ownership by Caterham.

As a tradeoff, the registration process was a very simple affair, and here in Josephine County we have no smog inspections. I couldn't be happier!

[Hettric]

Just been told it is not exempt - by the same guy in DOT that prior to my buying it, told me it would be----------

[rx7locost]

Bummer!

 

 

That would imply that a legally registered Emission-Exempt vehicle looses that exemption when sold?

 

 

Doesn't sound right to me.....

 

 

 

Ask for a supervisor's interpretation of this scenario. Emphasize, as many times as you must, that your car was legally registered (in another state) before the MA April 30th cut-off date and as such meets the MA law. Nowhere does the MA law state that it must be registered in MA before that date. Further, ask the supervisor what emission testing it must meet since it doesn't have an OBD2 port. If that doesn't help ask for their supervisor.

 

If all else fails, ask your state representative to get involved. Get an attorney if you have to.

 

By all means, don't let them change the 1998 year on your title. Fight that with tooth and nail. Next Jan it becomes 15 years old and becomes emission exempt. If they issue it as 2012, you will have 15 yrs of this BS to put up with.

Edited August 28, 2012 by rx7locost

[Hettric]

rx7locost - once again I completely agree, it makes no sense.

You can't sell a car that hasn't been blessed? What was the point of the grandfathering, to stop from banning existing owners cars?

 

I specifically asked about buying a out of state car before. Now he's saying only cars that were owned/titled before the deadline by me. I asked 6 weeks after the deadline - how could I buy and title before the deadline at that point?

 

Another insult - a Composite title in Conn. is exempt, MA doesn't care.

 

I put a hold on the title/registration in case that would limit my options.

Edited August 28, 2012 by Hettric

[Klasik-69]

Just as a point of curiousity, what would make this car emissions legal ? If you don't yet have a catalytic converter, how much trouble would it be to add one ? Or is there more than just the emissions to be considered in MA.

[coffee break]

In GA, it depends on where the car is registered. If it is in the metro Atlanta area it will need to pass some level of emissions. If the car is registered outside this area, or is over 25 years old, no testing is required.

A "kit car" is based on the motor configuration, and a simple test is specified. My car has not passed yet. Webers are NOT designed to be clean, but to make POWER! I am currently looking into conversion to FI to meet these requirements.

[Hettric]

Croc- Sorry I hadn't replied to your well thought out post - been more than a little preoccupied.

" my question is whether the MA DMV actually inspects for this stuff thereby enforcing the EPA rule literally or partially? "

No one knows how it will be enforced, they do have a dyno.

The engine is 1996 Miata, the OBD11 port is missing = automatic fail

MA only requires emissions testing of cars newer than 15 years - this year 1997 is not tested. So my car is not tested next year or if the engine year (1996) it would not be tested now. Here is the rub, as a "replica" it will not be treated like a regular car and will be sent to the state emissions center for the above unknown enforcement, not passed like a regular car. Local inspectors only do what the computer tells them to do when your info is plugged in - that's what it will tell them. The implication is it will have to meet the "configuration" standard at that point and then never be tested again - or maybe not, once again no one knows.

rx7locost - I think the "guy" is the supervisor, my rep is looking into it for me but I don't think I'm going to be successful in avoiding the emissions requirement.

[Hettric]

Is anyone able to change the title of this thread to reflect the content?

"Caterham MA registration questions"

Thanks