At PRL Motorsports, we are committed to delivering high-performance products that not only enhance your vehicle’s capabilities but also meet industry regulations and emissions compliance. Our recent visit to SEMA Garage in Detroit highlights the rigorous testing process we follow to ensure our parts are engineered to perform while remaining emissions compliant.
Why Emissions Testing Matters
For many automotive enthusiasts, emissions compliance might not be the first thing on their minds when upgrading their vehicles. However, ensuring that aftermarket parts meet EPA and state regulations is essential for:
-   Legal use on the road – Certified parts comply with emissions laws, preventing fines or registration issues.
-   Reliable performance – Properly tested parts won’t trigger check engine lights or interfere with diagnostics.
-   Environmental responsibility – Emissions-compliant parts contribute to cleaner air and responsible tuning.
At SEMA Garage, our Civic Type R FL5 underwent extensive emissions testing to verify compliance with EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations.
Â
Inside the Testing Process
Our Civic Type R FL5 was evaluated on several aftermarket upgrades, including:
- Cold air intake
- Intercooler
- Turbocharger
- Charge pipes
     To ensure accurate results, testing follows a structured, multi-step process:
1. Vehicle Preparation
Before testing begins, the car must be in factory-stock condition with no check engine lights. The ECU is reset to factory settings to establish a baseline.
2. Individual Component Testing
Each part is tested one at a time—never all at once. This allows us to isolate the emissions impact of each upgrade.
3. Dynamometer (Dyno) Testing
The vehicle is placed on an AVL emissions dyno, which simulates real-world driving conditions:
- City driving
- Highway cruising
- Performance driving
A large fan system mimics airspeed to ensure accurate testing. Emissions data is collected directly from the exhaust and analyzed in a computer-controlled lab.
4. Emissions Data Analysis
After completing the dyno tests, emissions are measured against EPA and CARB standards. If a part meets compliance, it can be legally sold in 49 states under SEMA certification (SEERT). For California compliance, the part must receive CARB approval.
PRL’s Commitment to Compliance
Passing emissions testing is no easy feat—it takes days of testing, validation, and engineering precision. But at PRL Motorsports, we believe in going the extra mile to ensure our customers receive:
 High-quality, emissions-compliant performance parts
 Reliable products that won’t trigger check engine lights
 Legal peace of mind when upgrading your vehicle
When you see a SEMA-certified PRL part, you know it has been tested, validated, and proven to meet industry standards. That’s our commitment to quality—performance without compromise.
Check Out Honda Pro Jason's Visit To The SEMA GarageÂ
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue pushing the limits of innovation at PRL Motorsports!
Â
