Headers without messing with emission issues

[nardox]

I know there are several threads about different headers but since I'm completely new to the whole modding thing I'm still confused after reading several thread and I apologize for creating another header thread.

I read that the long headers are suppose to give you more HP gain but have emission related issues, the short headers doesn't but you also see less gain in HP.

My question here is, what is the best header option(Performance gain wise) that does not mess with the emission stuff? And how much gain can you usually expect from these short headers?

[muscle]

i'd go with long tube. but you need to upgrade your ECU in that case.

[jagan323]

Check with your state, or wherever you live, check the emission laws in your area. LT are not smog legal in some places, and fine in others. =)

LT gives more power, you just have to tune the O2 sensors, otherwise they will give you a CEL. Which doesn't ruin your car, it's just annoying.

Shortys still give you some gains, but not as much. But already mush less restrictive than our stock 4 cat setup. As far as I know, no tune is necessary for that.

[PoorMansCamaro]

don't forget about losing your warranty after a tune.

[muscle]

Originally Posted by jagan323

Check with your state, or wherever you live, check the emission laws in your area. LT are not smog legal in some places, and fine in others. =)

LT gives more power, you just have to tune the O2 sensors, otherwise they will give you a CEL. Which doesn't ruin your car, it's just annoying.

Shortys still give you some gains, but not as much. But already mush less restrictive than our stock 4 cat setup. As far as I know, no tune is necessary for that.

hey, jagan. Is LT legal in BC?

[KMPrenger]

Shorty headers: If install goes well, will not cause CEL. No tune required. Decent low end gain with 5 - 10 HP gain on top depending on your existing mods. Adds a nice low tone and burble to the exhaust note

JBA shorties: Been known to cause headaches with the install b/c of the flanges not sealing properly, thus causing a CEL

Doug Thorleys: No known cause of CEL so far b/c these are welded into place instead of using flanges. Seems to be best bet as far as shorties go.

Long Tube Headers More expensive, but possibly double the power gain. Replaces your stock cats with their own high flow version. Almost 100% chance a CEL will occur...and unfortunently theres been no known cheap fix for the issue. Thus a tune may be required, which will run an additional 400 to 600 bucks. If tune discovered by your dealer, will likely kill your warranty. Last but not least, will likely change your exhaust note significantly, and could be very loud depending on the exhaust your running.

ARH: High quality, High cost.

BBK: No complaints on quality here either, but much cheaper than ARH.

[jagan323]

Originally Posted by muscle

hey, jagan. Is LT legal in BC?

Not 100% sure, I can ask the BC guys though... I havent seen anyone (at least from the Vancouver Meetup) with LT headers...

[muscle]

Originally Posted by jagan323

Not 100% sure, I can ask the BC guys though... I havent seen anyone (at least from the Vancouver Meetup) with LT headers...

I guess I'll be the first one

[Ivan @ Southwest Speed]

Originally Posted by KMPrenger;2376938[I

Doug Thorleys[/I]: No known cause of CEL so far b/c these are welded into place instead of using flanges. Seems to be best bet as far as shorties go.

Over 40 sets out so far and not one CEL. These are hotcakes!! Yes, a little welding but they are very good pieces and made to last. Most definitely the way to go in the V6 market if you are not wanting to have to tune your car.

Great sound, excellent low end and midrange torque, show quality ceramic coating and a lifetime warranty make em tough to beat.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...ghlight=johnvs

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...oug+thorley+v6

13rwhp and 17 ftlbs of Torque seems to be the standard on these.

Pretty awesome for shorties!
Ivan

[Xanthos]

I concur with shorties being the way to go if you want to stay emissions legal. The doug thorleys would be my recommendation. They seem to make more power than the JBAs with less hassle.
- X

[A.R. Headers]

Nardox, Take it from someone that does this for a living, you simply can't beat long tubes and it's the reason why we won't manufacture anything else. Properly made, a set of long tubes will outperform a mid length or shorty throughout the entire RPM range. Many believe that long tubes void your warantee. In and of themselves they don't. Tuning is what can be a problem depending on who you're dealing with and how it's done. Long tubes require tuning but the advantages of tuning are well documented as a vast improvement in overall performance. These V6's benefit from headers and tune no different than a V8. Pm me a phone number and a good time to call and I'll reach you with more information you can use to make a choice. Thanks.

Nick

[jagan323]

Yeah... I'd go with LT headers. I'd just have to see if my laws don't prohibit it =p Right now, im thinking ARH, SW, then BBK...

[Amenti]

In the US, if you're in a state where California Air Resources Board standards have been adopted, long tubes will not pass smog. Also, CARB regulations prohibit the use of aftermarket catalytic converters that do not meet original factory spec for that specific vehicle (no hi-flows). The laws are quite draconian.

For those reasons, I personally had to go with shorty headers and chose the Doug Thorley offering. I've driven with them for about 1000 miles so far without a CEL or any issues specific to the headers.

[Ivas]

Originally Posted by jagan323

Check with your state, or wherever you live, check the emission laws in your area. LT are not smog legal in some places, and fine in others. =)

LT gives more power, you just have to tune the O2 sensors, otherwise they will give you a CEL. Which doesn't ruin your car, it's just annoying.

Shortys still give you some gains, but not as much. But already mush less restrictive than our stock 4 cat setup. As far as I know, no tune is necessary for that.

I don't think he's asking about laws here. He wants to know about exhaust.
Long tube headers are the way to go, what ya' run behind them depends on how ya' want it to sound as well as how fast ya' wanna' go. Whatever combination ya' choose, a professional tune makes all the difference in the world. Pay a pro' to do it right, it's super worth it.