Short Tube Headers in California - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Kill3mall · 01-20-2014, 01:36 PM

So as much as I would love to do LT headers on my SS. Im thinking of just doing shortys to avoid any hassle when comes time to smog the car. From what I've read some people say its worth it, some disagree. SO would I be wasting my money on the shortys? I have k/n cai and borla stype catback with plans to tune after header install. Also JBA or Doug Thorley?!

Retro69 · 01-20-2014, 01:39 PM

Won't a tune be a problem with CA emissions?

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Kill3mall · 01-20-2014, 01:45 PM

from what I understand depending on what kind of tune I get I should be ok. I suppose the main concern is not tampering with the stock cats or that's an auto fail in CA

ZED SLED · 01-20-2014, 02:05 PM

You might want look into ARH shorties. They are pricey, but will have better gains than DT or JBA. That said, the biggest restrictions are in the cats. You might look into a set of hi flows unless that kills your smog test, too.

TPAJETSKI · 01-20-2014, 03:22 PM

Somewhat off topic but don't headers improve power and gas mileage? If so, why doesn't GM build the things with headers?

sean90 · 01-20-2014, 03:26 PM

HI flow will also auto-fail you because of visual test, even if they pass the sniffer! CA emissions regulations is so lame haha.

Headers with a stock cat will give you maybe 1 hp, and when I had them on a previous car (350z) I did not notice any increase in mileage. If anything you get less because you love to mash the gas and hear the deep rumble =P

RollaMo · 01-20-2014, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TPAJETSKI

Somewhat off topic but don't headers improve power and gas mileage? If so, why doesn't GM build the things with headers?

As with most performance parts, there are some trade offs.

Nothing is going to match the factory cast iron exhaust manifolds for cost of production, longevity, and the noise standards that manufacturers have to meet.

rontammy0 · 01-20-2014, 04:03 PM

jba shorties with solo hi flow cats....I did this for emission purposes and am very pleased...jbas look great..and the will add gains with hi flow cats. Just look at padres build journal. He has the facts about the shorties....track proven results.

01-20-2014, 01:36 PM	#1
Kill3mall Drives: Black on Black 2011 Camaro2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 35	Short Tube Headers in California So as much as I would love to do LT headers on my SS. Im thinking of just doing shortys to avoid any hassle when comes time to smog the car. From what I've read some people say its worth it, some disagree. SO would I be wasting my money on the shortys? I have k/n cai and borla stype catback with plans to tune after header install. Also JBA or Doug Thorley?!

01-20-2014, 01:39 PM	#2
Retro69 Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Morgan, UT Posts: 1,359	Won't a tune be a problem with CA emissions? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD __________________

01-20-2014, 02:05 PM	#4
ZED SLED Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South of Raleigh, NC Posts: 9,615 View My Garage	You might want look into ARH shorties. They are pricey, but will have better gains than DT or JBA. That said, the biggest restrictions are in the cats. You might look into a set of hi flows unless that kills your smog test, too. __________________

01-20-2014, 01:45 PM	#3
Kill3mall Drives: Black on Black 2011 Camaro2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 35	from what I understand depending on what kind of tune I get I should be ok. I suppose the main concern is not tampering with the stock cats or that's an auto fail in CA

01-20-2014, 03:22 PM	#5
TPAJETSKI Drives: Camaro Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 710	Somewhat off topic but don't headers improve power and gas mileage? If so, why doesn't GM build the things with headers?

01-20-2014, 03:26 PM	#6
sean90 Drives: 2014 2SS Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: CA Posts: 46	HI flow will also auto-fail you because of visual test, even if they pass the sniffer! CA emissions regulations is so lame haha. Headers with a stock cat will give you maybe 1 hp, and when I had them on a previous car (350z) I did not notice any increase in mileage. If anything you get less because you love to mash the gas and hear the deep rumble =P

01-20-2014, 04:03 PM	#8
rontammy0 Account Suspended Drives: 2011 2SS/ RS INFERNO ORANGE L99 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alliston Ontario Canada Posts: 9,057 View My Garage	jba shorties with solo hi flow cats....I did this for emission purposes and am very pleased...jbas look great..and the will add gains with hi flow cats. Just look at padres build journal. He has the facts about the shorties....track proven results.