ItsanF

I think everyone wishes there were a set of carb legal headers for ANY car in cali. It would definitely make car modding and tuning easier without the worry of a fat ticket for emissions.

hwy1isf

iTrader: (1)

There have been in the past. for example Callaway made a set of shorty headers for C-4 and C-5 corvettes, the problem is they produced very little gain and as a result not too many were sold so they wound up discontinuing them. The problem with headers in Ca. is that CARB does not permit the Cat. to be moved or changed.

meade916

the header on my honda civic has a carb number.

ItsanF

Really?? I cant tell if there is a bit of sarcasm or if your headers really are carb exempt? Most headers dont have insulation in them because they are high flowing...Correct me if I am wrong, but dont most aftermarket headers contain no catalytic converters?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Really. There are some CARB legal headers out there - it just depends on a lot of factors, mostly how many of them will they sell to recoup the cost of bribing the CARB guys to approve the design.

Dv8tion388

iTrader: (2)

Preventative, is how I loop through the system. I bought a junk DC Honda header, cut the carb badge off and tacked it to a set of my custom headers on my race car when it was N/A. I then had it all Jet Hot coated black. I got pulled over many times, the couple of times they wanted to see the carb number I would just point to it. They would look at it and move on. Then theres the reflective lables I had professionally printed with real intake carb numbers and a fake brand for my many intakes....

Where theres will, theres a way.


~Dv8

meade916

no sarcasm here......it really does. And yes, i still have a Honda Civic in my fleet.

i3urton

so what are ca guys doing about the headers and exhaust on check up? we just need a good shop?

knshro13

iTrader: (4)

Typically, the ISF is just a plug-test-and-go, kind of testing. Unless they do a visual inspection or you have a CEL, you SHOULD be ok in California.

TranV

iTrader: (4)

Just need a good shop....

2008ISF

iTrader: (1)

What will you guys do (that have headers and live in California) when California changes the smog laws again and your car has to get the tailpipe/sniffer test?

And does anyone know California emissions laws well? What is the legality of forcing someone to only buy stock manifolds from Toyota at $1200 a piece when I can be completely tailpipe compliant with headers and a good set of carb legal catalytic converters?

After working on many of Toyotas V8s and seeing their manifolds fail at the flange...why am I forced to rebuy a stock manifold with a poorly designed flange that is prone to fail again (whether I am trying to fix an exhaust leak, or fix a P0420-insufficient cat efficiency)?

Right now I have decision to make while replacing my starter; buy headers or not. Like the poster initially said, I don't want to constantly install/remove headers every time I am due for smog.

I would like like to get some intelligent responses instead of the usual 'pay someone some extra money under the table' or 'registering my car some where else'. Anyone?

nks979

Sorry to make it worse but every dealer I've talked to has them priced at at least double $1200 apiece. I'm glad I don't have to worry about it but I have to agree with those who say go aftermarket and pay the right person to do your testing.

jspecvtec

iTrader: (4)

There's no other option if sniffer is required. Put back to stock or pay shady shop. Shady shops r cheaper and easier. Less time and hassle

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Until they get busted. Many do. That's why you rarely see the same guys giving an easy pass in Cali, and just another reason I left almost 10 years ago. Zero issues with GA smog checks. Piece of cake compared to Cali.

FWIW, my Supra was put on the Test Only list without ever failing a single inspection.

ISF4life

iTrader: (30)

Mr Benjamin will do anything for you