Headers and California emissions

[SS Drifter]

Originally Posted by radz282003

Yup - you can't remove them (or even replace them unless they're malfunctioning); you can't replace them with anything less than CARB-approved cats'; can't move them from OEM locations; no headers are legal unless they have CARB-numbers, AND I'D ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO CHECK THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA'S WEBSITE (AIR RESOURCES BOARD) AND VERIFY ANY CLAIMS BY THE MANUFACTURER/VENDOR WITH NUMBERS ON THAT WEBSITE. IF IT DOESN'T APPEAR ON THAT SITE, FOR THAT CAR, FOR THAT YEAR AND ENGINE COMBINATION. The laws are strick, and depending on the area you live, and how strick the local law enforcement is, I'd be very careful with modifications. Some of the officers in my area are very well versed in identifying illegal parts, and even knowing what to question, which is enough to get you sent to a smog referee; and THEY will know exactly what to look for and find out if it's legal. I've been there, and done that a few times. I've had worse luck than most have had in this area, and it's not because of the way I drive, I guarantee you...

Your best bet, IMVHO, if you don't want to have to worry about smog or about smog equipment guidelines is to stay with CARB-approved parts. I think even MOST CAIs are illegal if they don't have CARB-numbers. I have not been troubled with these parts, but know that can be a problem. If you want to run LTs and high-flow cats', the tune and car have to be spot-on and in tip-top shape. Make sure those are good cats' too, because a good tune is not going to get you by the sniffer.

JMO.

Hmm... any jobs available in Oregon.

[SS Drifter]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

Unless the Law changed in the past year, I believe it is under 1975. Meaning, anything from 1974 and under.

I made sure to look at this. You want to buy my 74 LT?

Nope, '75 and older is exempt. After that you enter CARB hell.

[SS Drifter]

Originally Posted by Michael_Js

I have JBA Shorty headers and a Cat Back exhaust. Didn't want to touch the 4 cats that are in there. Supposedly, if they see a different CAT that's not CARB approved, you're fined... Hopefully someone knows more...

Ok, so JBA shorty's and stock CATs are untouched. Was it worth it? What kind of gain did you get?

[Michael_Js]

Not sure what the gains are from the headers. I'll know on the 27th of Feb when I get the next dyno. Current numbers are about 380 RWHP - with CAI & CAT-Back.

I like the additional sound though

[supercwf]

Originally Posted by sav1

do it, the gains are WELL worth it. I have my stock manifolds and cats, but Im sure I can find a shaddy smog tech. Nothing a $100 grease cant fix.

[2010 4 DW]

Originally Posted by Michael_Js

Not sure what the gains are from the headers. I'll know on the 27th of Feb when I get the next dyno. Current numbers are about 380 RWHP - with CAI & CAT-Back.

I like the additional sound though

Make sure you re-dyno the car on the same dyno you used for your inital numbers or the results will not be correct. All dyno's are different and I saw a supercharged 2010 Camaro make 430rwhp on one dyno and 560 on another one week later.

just my o2

DW

[radz28]

Originally Posted by SS Drifter

Hmm... any jobs available in Oregon.

LOL! I think about that the longer I stay here...

Originally Posted by JBAGREG

A note of (Dis)couragement for all of us to keep in mind.

It's a federal law that the factory Catalyst system can not be modified for 8 years. In cases of OBD Il-equipped vehicles (1996 and later which includes your Camaro), the O.E. manufacturer's 8-year/80,000-mile warranty must have expired and a legitimate need for replacement must be established and documented. Please note that Federal law prohibits removal or replacement of a properly functioning O.E. converter.

What this means is that it is against Federal Law to put Long Tubes, & High Flow Cats on your new Camaro in ANY State, not just California.

So why would a JBA Rep come out with this? We have more CARB EO certified header applications that any other header manufacturer. As a responsible manufacturer of the best Off-Road Racing Long Tubes and Emissions compliant Shorty headers we want everyone to understand what they are purchasing and the laws that govern those products.

Before buying any Header, Supercharger, Cold Air Intake or High Flow Cat system, make sure you know what your long term plans are for that vehicle and understand all your local and federal laws.

Great post, IMVHO. Kinda' keeps things in perspective.

Originally Posted by Michael_Js

Not sure what the gains are from the headers. I'll know on the 27th of Feb when I get the next dyno. Current numbers are about 380 RWHP - with CAI & CAT-Back.

I like the additional sound though

Please report back to us. This will be very interesting

Originally Posted by supercwf

+1

[sik68]

I have heard that in CA for 1975 & older vehicles, that we are exempt from CARB rules, with the exception that we still need to pass the off chance of a random visual inspection of having the original emissions equipment on the vehicle. IE smog pump, etc. I personally don't know of any exempt car that has been visually inspected so I can't say for sure. Unlike you guys with new cars, police go easy on hot rodders.

Anyone else know of this?

[brandotron]

Originally Posted by sav1

do it, the gains are WELL worth it. I have my stock manifolds and cats, but Im sure I can find a shaddy smog tech. Nothing a $100 grease cant fix.

Not that I've ever done this, but if I did, it cost me $300 last time I did it.

[Don O]

Originally Posted by sik68

I have heard that in CA for 1975 & older vehicles, that we are exempt from CARB rules, with the exception that we still need to pass the off chance of a random visual inspection of having the original emissions equipment on the vehicle. IE smog pump, etc. I personally don't know of any exempt car that has been visually inspected so I can't say for sure. Unlike you guys with new cars, police go easy on hot rodders.

Anyone else know of this?

Yep, I have a 69 and a 70 Chevy. Neither require smog checks.

Don O

[SS Drifter]

Thanks for all the great posts. So, it sounds like the only legal headers in CA are CARB approved shorties that don't replace/relocate the OEM Cats. I just bumped into this site regarding road side emission testing.

http://www.smogtips.com/remote_sensing.cfm

[SS Drifter]

Originally Posted by BabyHauler

From the DMV web site


Smog Information
Currently, smog inspections are required for all vehicles except diesel powered vehicles, electric, natural gas powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs, hybrids, motorcycles, trailers, or vehicles 1975 and older.

I just heard that our wonderfully "green" state senate has voted in emissions testing for diesels.