hi all...

I have a 89' that I've been working on. anyway, I wanna purchase a set of headers for it. I have looked into them and see there is one that has all the smog stuff built into them and others don't...

my question is, do you need the smog stuff or can you get rid of it? if I get rid of it, will it set off codes? what is the better thing to do in your guys opinions....

thanks all....Good Day!!!!

 

It all depends on how strict your state/county/city are when it comes to vehicle inspections.

Austin has been doing tailpipe sniffing for years now...and they do a visual inspection as well. If it had smog on it from the factory...they want to see it on there.

If where you live doesn't care about it...don't worry about it and get headers without A.I.R. I don't think you have to worry about any codes being thrown.

Have you thought about the rest of the exhaust system once you put headers on? Are you going to get a true dual system or are you just planning to tie the headers into your stock exhaust?

 

Whatever you decide keep the old stuff, your state may not require smog checks now but things change.

 

I have all my OEM smog equipment in a box...better safe than sorry.

 

Do you have to have the car go thru smog testing where you live? If yo do, then you will need the version of the headers you want that includes the smog tubes.

If you don't need to do a smog test, then you can remove the AIR system and the tubes related to it. You could also remove the catalytic converter and install true duals. If you go with true duals and no cat, I would remove all of the original exhaust, install the headers, remove the license plates and trailer the car to a muffler shop to get true duals installed on your "off-road only" car. Most shops will not remove a working cat from a car. It's a violation of federal law and a shop could get hit with a 5-figure fine if they got caught.

Removing the AIR system will not set any error codes. You should retain the O2 sensor by welding in a bung on the reducer. The cable will be long enough to move the O2 sensor that distance from stock.

There is an air tube that runs from the top of the passengers side exhaust manifold to the EGR valve. Just cap the end of the tube. Again, no codes will be set.

You will probably need to fabricate some support brackets for the alternator and possible for the AC bracket.

I just finished installing Hedman headers on my '87. Both pieces went in from the bottom. You may have to relocate a wire harness that's above the starter and possibly get some heat shielding for the fuel lines. You will have to fabricate a mounting bracket for the dipstick tube (it has to come out for the passenger side install).

 

You can also just buy a used LT1/LT4 exhaust system, buy the transmission and rear differential hangers for a '92-'96 and then have them bend you pipes to go between the headers and the "H" pipe (behind the trans).

I bought a Corsa system for mine...but that is basically what it is. Hangers from GM at the time ran me <$30.