Edelbrock is as big as it gets when it comes to the automotive aftermarket. And for good reason, too. They’ve been cranking out products for the wanting masses since 1938. The company is now acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost manufacturers and distributors of aftermarket replacement components for the automotive market.

Pictured here is Vic Edelbrock Jr. with his favorite race car, the famous Duntov 614 Corvette.

Early Adapters:

But a company doesn’t achieve that level of clout by remaining stagnant and simply producing the same products it started with. This country was founded by risk-takers and the people at Edelbrock are no different. In fact, back when Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1970, effectively tieing the auto manufacturers and enthusiasts’ hands, Edelbrock rose to the challenge.

The folks at Edelbrock partnered with SEMA to do battle with the California Air Resource Board (CARB). They did so by creating an emissions test lab in El Segundo to show the CARB, and the world, that aftermarket parts didn’t have a negative impact on emissions.

Before you go thinking this was a selfish endeavor, Edelbrock also showed the Resources Board that others in the industry also met the stringent requirements of the newly enacted laws. Granted, that did bolster the argument in Edelbrock’s favor, but what’s good for the goose is good for the gander, as they say.

Interestingly enough, even with modern technology making things harder on aftermarket companies, Edelbrock hasn’t let up. They’re still waging war with the emissions overlords at CARB and they’re still winning battles. But don’t take our word for it. They sent over a list of the top five compliance myths they’ve busted, and with permission, we’ve published them below:

Continuing The Fight:

“Today Edelbrock’s/COMP’s emission compliance program is led by a highly skilled Director of Compliance & Calibration Engineering.  The director and his team are responsible for, among other things, Powertrain Calibration Engineering and Regulatory Affairs, combining multidisciplinary engineering skills, regulatory compliance expertise, and project management for automotive powertrain projects.  This team is highly trained and advises Edelbrock’s/COMP’s executives on the regulatory aspects and the regulatory climate that would affect corporate direction, warranty requirements, and business development.

Edelbrock/COMP takes emissions compliance seriously to protect its customers, installers, and distributors. The company’s decades of experience in systems engineering, performance, emissions, and diagnostics enable them to provide high-performance powertrains that are fun, very fast, extremely durable, and still emissions compliant. Although CARB is known to have the toughest emissions standards in the nation, they do issue Executive Orders (EO’s) that allow modifications of emissions-controlled automobiles.  Edelbrock/COMP together have 208 EOs; the most of any aftermarket performance parts company – with more on the way!”

The Stage 2 supercharger system for the Mustang is currently Edelbrock’s highest horsepower kit that is also emissions-legal in all 50 states (E.O. D-215-108).

Debunking Myths:

“Over the years Edelbrock has identified many myths associated with emissions compliance.  Here are the top five:

• Myth: The EPA and CARB won’t go after small “mom-and-pop” installation shops.

• • Fines for small shops have been issued for as little as $475 and as large as hundreds of thousands.

• Myth: Declaring that a part is “Race-Only” (e.g. advertisement, label) is enough to evade emissions compliance.

• • EPA and CARB will ask the manufacturer or distributor for proof that there are enough race cars to use the parts that were sold.

Even late model V6 Camaro get love in all 50 states thanks to Edelbrock.

• Myth: “49 state legal” means that components can be sold in any state except California.

• • There are states that follow California emissions rules. All states have the option of following California emissions rules and can change status at will. A “49 state legal” emissions status doesn’t exist.
  • Even if the states don’t follow California rules, they must follow EPA rules.

• Myth: Altering vehicle ride height, changing the drive axle ratio, or changing wheel size on an emissions-controlled vehicle doesn’t affect emissions compliance.

• • Altering vehicle ride height, changing the drive axle ratio, or changing wheel size is not allowed unless the configuration has an EO, or is EPA Legal in states that don’t follow California’s emissions rules.
  • CARB and EPA believe that by raising a vehicle, the frontal area of the vehicle increases and causes an increase to wind resistance, which may cause higher emissions.
  • CARB and EPA consider changes to the drive axle ratio or changes to the tire size may affect transmission shift points, which might cause higher emissions during the emissions test procedures.

• Myth: Emissions compliance is not needed for vehicles older than 1976.

• • Although vehicles older than 1976 may not be emissions tested on a regular basis, emissions compliance is still required on pollution-controlled vehicles. Note that vehicles that were manufactured before emissions control regulations were imposed can run non-compliant parts. These vehicles are considered “uncontrolled vehicles.”

• Uncontrolled vehicles are defined as:
  – 1965 and older U.S. manufactured California Certified vehicles
  – 1967 and older U.S. manufactured Federally Certified vehicles
• – 1967 and older foreign manufactured vehicles

For more information to help determine which Edelbrock components are legal for use on a vehicle, go to https://www.edelbrock.com/emissions-guide.”

So, there you have it, folks. We hope this clears up any misconceptions you have surrounding emissions compliance, CARB, and EO #s. If you’d like to know more, give the people at Edelbrock a call. They’re always willing to help an enthusiast.