There’s been a lot said about reducing exhaust emissions from new engines. But what about the ones made prior to 10/02? They don’t have to abide by the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, but air quality agencies in California, British Columbia, and other jurisdictions, are considering incentives and mandates for retrofit emission controls.

With that thought hanging in the atmosphere, the Cleaire Advanced Emission Controls division of Cummins West (www.cleaire.com) has developed an aftermarket emission control system called Longview, which simultaneously cuts oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and hydrocarbon emissions.

Longview replaces your engine’s muffler with a NOx reduction catalyst and a silicon carbide diesel particulate filter (DPF). Electronic controls help preserve engine performance and provide diagnostics. The results-verified by the California Air Resources Board, author of the toughest emission standards in North America-are impressive: typically, Longview reduces NOx by 25 per cent, CO by more than 90 per cent, HC by 65 per cent, and PM by 85 per cent.

The entire package weighs 106 pounds and can be used on a variety of four-stroke engines. The only maintenance required is an annual de-ash of the DPF along with a general system inspection.

In an agreement announced last month, Longview will be distributed in North America by Fleetguard Emission Solutions, a division of Cummins.