Headers ... Decisions on which to buy
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 50
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From: Redlands CA
Headers ... Decisions on which to buy
Hi All, I could use some opinions on which company makes the best headers for a 1988 L98. At this point very little modifications, such as K&N filter, opened up the filter holder, removed screens. I live in California and have to do the O2 sensor thing also. Please let me know what your experiences are like with which kind of headers.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 27,818
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From: CT
I'm pretty sure they're highest priced, but the TPIS long tubes seem to be the crowd favorite for fit, performance and spark plug access.
I've seen many sets on LT-1's and L98's and would definitely recommend them. 
I've seen many sets on LT-1's and L98's and would definitely recommend them.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,171
Likes: 1,735
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
There are no longtube headers that will pass the visual check in Cali, unless you know somebody or your county isnt as strict.
They can pass the sniffer test with a new main cat though.
They can pass the sniffer test with a new main cat though.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 37,642
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From: The last place on earth to get cable... Sacramento
Oh where oh where are the JBA 1810's at...
Another Cali L98'er wishing on a star...
Hmmmm...
But still I like my 98...
Oh the poster... sorry Bud can't help ya... CARB makes car owners a hostage to arbitrary rules.
It's the law that stops us (use a "friendly" smog station when required when you've put on the longtubes)...
Ahhhh...
Of course they're all friendly... right...
Shoot... did I say that.
Another Cali L98'er wishing on a star...
Hmmmm...
But still I like my 98...
Oh the poster... sorry Bud can't help ya... CARB makes car owners a hostage to arbitrary rules.
It's the law that stops us (use a "friendly" smog station when required when you've put on the longtubes)...
Ahhhh...
Of course they're all friendly... right...
Shoot... did I say that.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,295
Likes: 4
From: I'm the walkin dude I can see all of the world...
St. Jude Donor '03
The only headers you can get in Cali are shorty headers. Long tubes will not pass your state emission testing. Shorties dont net much of a gain so look elsewhere for mods.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 4
From: rome ny
Originally Posted by vader86
There are no longtube headers that will pass the visual check in Cali, unless you know somebody or your county isnt as strict.
They can pass the sniffer test with a new main cat though.
They can pass the sniffer test with a new main cat though.
i dont understand.. if you can pass the sniffer what is the difference if you have long tubes..
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Alma AR
While I've never lived in California, and can't comment on their emission testing, I will say that included in the price of TPIS headers is the rear Y pipe. So when you do your price comparrison, be sure to include that into your calculations.
Also, it looks like you should become an expert in removing and reinstalling the old exhaust parts when emission testing time comes around.
Also, it looks like you should become an expert in removing and reinstalling the old exhaust parts when emission testing time comes around.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by mos90
i dont understand.. if you can pass the sniffer what is the difference if you have long tubes..
I could install some magical exhaust system on my car that eliminated all pollutants, and sprinkled pixie dust and rosemary instead, but it wouldn't pass smog since it wouldn't have a CARB number.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 634
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
In California, if you don't pass the "visual", they don't hook you UP to the sniffer. Or if they do...you've pre-failed based on the visual.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Glad I live in the boonies!
