New Federal 2005 standards will kick in soon.
California Air Resource Board (CARB) had reared it's head last year with a new Tier III set of standards on Permeations & Evaporation that is estimated to cost the engine makers of engines for OPE & Construction industries about one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000.00).
Thank goodness the "Terminator Govenor" who isn't a 'girlie man'.......put a hold on them going into effect till a more complete study was done.
Some engine 'displacement bumps' will be because makers know: 1. People buy SIZE. Whether it works better or not.
2. Emission ratings, and points "banked" for 'clean' engines vs points deducted for 'dirty' engines is very complicated, convoluted set up. Don't envy them one bit.
We will see more of the 'displacement bumps' because they can sell more of the larger engines that are a little cleaner, but won't meet, or they won't have the more stringent EDP ratings of: Class 'A', Extended, or 300 hours (all mean the same thing).
Manufacturers that are behind in R & D on clean engine development, and or production of them will benefit from this.
Helps to somewhat level the playing field on unit sales, because they will not having to spend the $$$$ for pure R & D, and product development other companies have.
Kind of like riding the other guys shirt tails.
'Displacement bumps', four cycles, and the increased usage of catalytic mufflers will be greatly increased, which add extra costs, reduce operating performance, and component life.
Many of the companies are literally speaking out of both sides of their mouth.
Three come to mind:
One super big one is pushing a hybrid four stroke, while quietly buying rights on a two stroker from another company who couldn't get it to work.
Another is pushing a two stroke, that will need a catalytic muffler (already in Calif), and is quietly trying to develop a four banger.
The last 'big dog', will be introducing a retarded version of an "air head" or better described as a 'stratofied air induction' design that was Federally certified in 1995. But it probably just gets them around the patents, but it's still crude, and heavier.
Because of the regulations.....we ALL are somewhat stuck with some of our future choices by some companies, and some other companies that are small,....but....offer equal to or better design, and quality of some of the giants will struggle to get their products out due to having fewer dealers.
Caveat Emptor...."Let the buyer beware" is certainly true for this industry and it's spin.
