Thoughts on Shorty Headers Opposed to Stock Manifold For Those in California...

[ChevyMuscle]

Being we have pretty strict smog regulations here in California, I wanted to know what the general thoughts were regarding shorty headers in lieu of the stock manifolds. I know that long tubes are best but to stay smog compliant that really isn’t an option. I know about the five/six years before first smog check but don’t want to hassle the swapping out to stock or looking for a smog center to look the other way when they see the long tubes. I know form a friend of mine who bracket races his ’67 Camaro said that shoties will at least give low end to mid range torque and allow much more free flowing of the exhaust then the stock manifolds. Open to opinions and suggestions. I am sure there many other California folks wanting to know the same.

EDIT: What if adding a TVS2300 super charger. Would shorties benifit over the stock manifold.

[Mr Twisty]

lighter weight... if they're Stainless, they'll last forever... increase in HP and torque, just not as much as LT

[BlownChevy]

my thoughts are save your money.

[kdoske]

couple HP if your lucky, I wouldn't bother.

[Rallyman6]

Originally Posted by ChevyMuscle

Being we have pretty strict smog regulations here in California, I wanted to know what the general thoughts were regarding shorty headers in lieu of the stock manifolds. I know that long tubes are best but to stay smog compliant that really isn’t an option. I know about the five/six years before first smog check but don’t want to hassle the swapping out to stock or looking for a smog center to look the other way when they see the long tubes. I know form a friend of mine who bracket races his ’67 Camaro said that shoties will at least give low end to mid range torque and allow much more free flowing of the exhaust then the stock manifolds. Open to opinions and suggestions. I am sure there many other California folks wanting to know the same.

I am in Massachusetts and I want to stay legal - I ordered Shorties and a cat-back. I will not risk LT headers and "cross my fingers and hope to see if it'll pass". It will make a diff. - how much - dont know

[SS 376]

Can any California people able help me out?

I'd like to get catted long tubes but here's what I don't understand about California. I know that there is 1) smog check (at least for LA county) and there is 2) emissions and then there is 3) visual inspection.

If smog check is the only time that Long tubes will flunk, it's worth it to get the long tubes because the first smog check is what, only after 5-6 years for a new car like the Camaro?

I think catted long tubes can pass emissions but if they do underbody visual every two years, I wouldn't want to have to swap out long tubes every other year or so. Anyone know what the deal is?

[Jeanius]

Im in the Bay Area, ill pay the $100 to have it done by a "friend" every 5-6 years, LONG TUBES all the way

[pruettfan]

A buddy of mine in CA faced these issues with his C6 Corvette. Key issue here is that the first smog check required will be no sooner than 5 years unless the legislature makes a change. Given that info and the fact that most guys will not likely keep a car beyond the 5 year point you should consider how long you will have the car. Personally I don't believe there is enough to gain for the cost unless you are going to make more substantial mods. In my buddy's case he got his LS3 supercharged so long tube headers are essential to letting that 600hp engine breath.

Like I said, if you are doing more then I would consider but headers alone are likely a waste of resources.

[ChevyMuscle]

What if adding a TVS2300 super charger. Would shorties benifit over the stock manifold.

[bilydean]

I live in CA as well. Keep in mind that when you sell your car, it is the seller's responsibility for it to pass smog. If the new owner goes to smog the car to get it registered in their name and it doesn't pass visual inspection, legally it is on you as the seller to make it right, even if you state the car is sold as is.

In practice, it may not happen that often. I did have one car that I sold in the early 90's come back to me due to a check engine light which I had to fix. Not a big deal since at the time I worked at a dealership and they fixed it for me right away.

Dean

[radz28]

I've gotten three tickets as a result of headers that didn't have CARB numbers here in Cali'. No - I wasn't racing in any of the instances either. The last one was a sting that CHP set up right outside the local track and they were hitting up any cars they could find to have a reason to pull them over for to have them open their hoods. It's not a matter of having to smog, as much as it is when you get pulled over for them. If the officer has any idea what to look for, you could be done...

While I won't lie and try to convence myself shorties will do much, I think it's more of a mind-thing for me. Since I'm staying CARB-legal this go around (at least to the untrained eye ) I'll probably fork over some money for these after I have the rest of my goodies on the car. I'll have cutouts and catback on there with the 2300 and then the shorties when the money is there. I'm sure they'd help a little on a stock motor and a little more with FI, but I won't say that I think they're entirely worth it. I couldn't tell much of a difference, if any, with my Edelbrocks. I had a set of mids', and two sets of LTs, and these shorties were nothing compared to either :(

JMHO.

[ChevyMuscle]

I agree not much HP can be gained with shorties. But what the shoties will provide is this 1.) Give a nicer look to the engine compared to the stock manifolds 2.) Help alleviate heat better then the cast iron logs, especially with the ceramic coating 3.) Help the exhaust flow better then the stock manifolds and 4.) Have an EO number. On a street car which this will be, I feel these are “gains” in conjunction with a TVS2300 and Corsa catback that are best when having to stay CARB legal. If it was a track car or not a California car, then that’s a horse of a different color.

[SubSolar]

Seems like the longtubes are getting about 40-50 HP with a tune. Are the shorties really not worth it, can they get like 20-25 with a tune at least?

[SubSolar]

Originally Posted by radz282003

I've gotten three tickets as a result of headers that didn't have CARB numbers here in Cali'. No - I wasn't racing in any of the instances either. The last one was a sting that CHP set up right outside the local track and they were hitting up any cars they could find to have a reason to pull them over for to have them open their hoods. It's not a matter of having to smog, as much as it is when you get pulled over for them. If the officer has any idea what to look for, you could be done...

While I won't lie and try to convence myself shorties will do much, I think it's more of a mind-thing for me. Since I'm staying CARB-legal this go around (at least to the untrained eye ) I'll probably fork over some money for these after I have the rest of my goodies on the car. I'll have cutouts and catback on there with the 2300 and then the shorties when the money is there. I'm sure they'd help a little on a stock motor and a little more with FI, but I won't say that I think they're entirely worth it. I couldn't tell much of a difference, if any, with my Edelbrocks. I had a set of mids', and two sets of LTs, and these shorties were nothing compared to either :(

JMHO.

I live in California too. I was wondering, on those three tickets, do you just have to pay them and that's it? Or must you change them back to legal headers/manifolds and show them to a cop or something? How much were the tickets? I've heard stories that they'll even tow your car away if they find illegal parts. Not sure what to believe.