Some countries limit the horsepower SAE or NM in vehicles under a certain gross weight. I need to find out if there are horsepower limits in CH so I can properly de-tune my vehicle before importing to meet the criteria. any information?

Thanks-M

Not that I know of, there are plenty of 5 and 6 litre cars around.

how much does yours have? I know of several here that have 3^400 so I think you will be good.

My '10 Camaro has 568bhp (dyno at rear wheels) after tuning and exhaust, but I am reinstalling factory exhaust and removing cold air intake which will be approx -100bhp. I will still retain 30bhp above the factory 440bhp due to more efficient programming in ECM (I couldn't leave it alone, it's what I do for a living) which is undetectable in testing. 470 ought to be enough to accelerate right smartly though. (yes I intend to obey traffic laws) the final will be 470/3670 pounds

well, there are no limits, but you need to pass the MFK (which means motor control station) every few years, and especially the first time you bring the car with swiss plates on the road. but that shouldnt be that big problem! have good fun drivin around with your beast (nice passes opened up during summer )

I know people who had CAI - which upon removing them had MORE power.

An exhaust worth 100bhp?? Must include the manifold!

Judging by the cars you see in the streets in Zurich, there can only be a lower limit.

You intend to import a Camero, and it would be extremely simpler and cheaper if you imported one that had been already sold here. Otherwise you will have to pay for a full test, including checking the safety glass etc etc. The current Camero details are available here below:

http://www.fleetcar.ch/der-neue-chev...che-daten.html the 6.2 liter engine power is listed as 426 HP

I really think you would be better off buying a car here: Swiss authorities are very particular and car details are a minefield. Do you have a good garage in Houston that could explain the problems, ideally you need the parts list of your car, so the Swiss Chevy garage can compare it with the parts list of their already approved Swiss specifications car. It really is a mine field, and you will need endless patience!

Switzerland has the highest Ferrari-per-capita rate of all nations larger than Monaco. (I am not making this up, I really read it before).

Last weekend I drove only once across the city center of Zurich and have seen a 599, 612 a brand new California and last but not least an McLaren SLR.

So the answer is:
- No, there cannot be a limit as there are SLRs, Veyrons and Murcielagos zippping around.
- You have a close-to-100% chance that the officials will spot your ECM mod as you have to do an exhaust test which would definitely deliver different results...

I wish I knew more about cars.

Very much doubt it. My Murcielago LP670-4 SV has 670bhp, and had no problems

It can also make a difference which checking station you go to. Zurich has a bad reputation of always finding something wrong, the company I work for will not take their cars there anymore (it is also not easy changing to a different checking station). Having said that I was (reluctantly) there on Monday for a check (96 Nissan Micra different kettle of fish to yours) and was in/out in 15min with no problems at all but everyone I spoke to could not believe that it was possible with the age of the car and Zurich being Zurich. It might be worth trying to find a Camero club here and see if they can give you any tips.

Well, it looks like your vehicle has a rather low horsepower/weight ratio, but then again it looks like a rather sturdy SUV. It might have better MPB (miles per bale) if you remove some of the cargo though. Chrome rims might be a nice addition....

The SS2 with Bowtie Performance Pack (RPO 19C) is 440bhp. It includes A larger throttle body for increased flow. This option is very rare, and only available special order from Chevrolet. Only cars that are ordered may have this option.

Let me get this straight.

You have a 2010 Camaro that has 426hp stock (not at the wheels so subtract about 13-17% loss) and after a ECU tweak and a bolt on exhaust and filter you get 568 at the wheels?

426hp is from the Chevy site btw for the V8.

Short of forced induction I dont see how an exhaust is going to make a difference. In fact on an NA car it makes very little difference. You would get more more removing the cat. While there are bigger benefits from having a free flowing exhaust on a turbo car (helps spool), an NA car needs some back pressure.

Not saying I dont believe you, just something does not add up.

I have seen Buggatti Veyrons that were licensed in this country and they have just over 1000 hp. At least I think it was licensed in CH.

Ok, did you start the thread to answer a question or do you just want to brag about your car? Sorry, wrong forum. We do not do unrefined cars in Europe

Seriously: The words "option" and "special order" will give you hell at the Swiss authorities to get your car road legal over here - if it is at all possible. I personally doubt it will be possible without an "Einzelabnahme" - an individual test which would cost you a couple of thousands. I looked into importing an sports car and as soon as the engine is not the EU spec or type approved by an importer, you are in trouble.

I would check with a specialist, I have seen quite some 2010 camaros at this shop and I would call them up and ask if your mod is a problem.
http://www.us-performance-cars.ch/index.cfm
Even if you are not a customer who buys a car from them, if you tell them that you are moving here and might in the future need camaro spares, I am sure they help...

I started this thread to get as much information as I possibly could about importing a car with some factory approved modifications. It looks like it got a little out of hand. I apologize. This car is sounding worse and worse as a viable mode of transport in CH. I might just end up buying an M3 or some similar german performance vehicle...as long as those are legal?

This was my first thought as well. As soon as you have anything that differs from standard factory spec, you end up in a nightmare of red tape and expensive one-off testing. If I were in your shoes, I'd either focus on importing a standard car or one that's 30+ years old (and qualifies as an antique). Or enjoying the time in Europe, and buying a European car (which is better suited to the roads here anyhow).

No one has really addressed the horsepower limit. There is a sophisticated formula for determining maximum horsepower allowed for any specific driver. It is based on age, driving experience, maturity, and self-control. It looks like this:

Much more suited - they can turn corners! (© J Clarkson)