CHRIS COVE

I'm thinking of getting headers and would like the straight scoop between long and short. Are all long headers illegal in California if so why? Emissions or noise. Thanks for any clarification.

Slammed..

Just covered this in another thread,sorry,but nope,evidently shorties are still legal.

tiojames

In reality any modification to the exhaust is illegal unless covered by a CARB sticker-goes for the intake also.

terlox

It's my understanding that longtube headers are illegal in CA because they don't have a C.A.R.B. number. I believe they don't have a C.A.R.B. number because longtubes require the cats to be relocated (although I think the cats are far enough back on the C5 for this not to be an issue). Regardless, longtubes are illegal in CA. I believe B&B shorties posses a C.A.R.B. number however they only advertise 10rwhp gain max.

frank dupuy

It's illegal to drive one mile over the the posted speed limit in Ca but lots of people do it anyway.

Slammed..

Just browsing thru a catalog again,says,BBK shorties,and B&B shorties are illegal in Calif also.I remember reading the laws have changing within the past 3 months or so.On 2000 and up (4 cats) long tubes eliminate the pre-cats,(97-99 only have 2 cats)not relocate them,thats the problem there.Weather it would pass the sniffert or not doesn't matter,you won't make it past the visual inspection.

You could try to run your longtubes and then when it's smog time,swap back to the origanal exhaust,but you'll have to have a custom tune for each set-up also.This is what i would do.

WALLstAL

Improvise

Jiver67

B&B shorty headers are legal in California...they have been assigned a CARB number.

SGT. PYLE

The only headers that have a CARB # (unless something else just came out) are B&B Tri-Flow Stainless Steel Shorty Headers.

Kevin G

CARB Approved Mod Parts searchable database.

CHRIS COVE

Thanks everyone. I don't intend on switching back and fourth between short and long tube headers. I'll get some legal shorties. I have a daily driver and was challenged by a Subaru WRX STI (which was surprisingly fast. damn little turbo four banger) and would have liked to have put him away faster. Headers are next on my list.

SGT. PYLE

That AWD is quick off the line but you'll leave him in the 1/4.

Jiver67

The B&B shorties are a quality header but they are not cheap ($1,100 new). If you intend on picking up a pair, look for a used set here on the forum or on LS1tech.com. Another option is to have your existing exhaust manifolds CNC ported. This will save quite a bit of money and your manifolds will flow almost as well as the shorties. Here is a link to a shop that offers this service: http://www.hinsonsupercars.com/

TheLaserShop

Actually..... The Vette' etiquette is you just don't give them the time of day. Same goes for the ricers. Mustang is fair game though. Far as the headers go (I live in the Bay Area, CA.), you just need to find a "freindly" to pass smog. Ill be shopping for one next spring to overlook my twin turbo's let alone the headers.

_Will_

My B&B shorties came with a CARB #. Shorties really aren't that bad. You can gain 8-10 rwhp easily. Actual dyno #s usually show around 25rwhp with a long-tube system. Remember, that also includes an x-pipe and either high-flow cats or no cats. Plus the shorty install is much easier, not to mention no worries about burning things. You can also compensate for the shorties by using a less restrictive exhaust. I'll bet my B&B shorties and Bullet exhaust netted me just as much power as I would have gained by keeping the Z06 exhaust I used to have and adding long-tubes. Don't ge me wrong, if money was not an obstacle I would have gotten LGs and had them professionally installed. But in your situation I would not think twice about using shorties.

p.s. If money isn't a problem, you might want to cosider moving to one of the other 49 non-socialist states.

SGT. PYLE

That was just a statement, not street raceing talk. I do not support street racing in any way and am happy to say I have never given anyone the satisfaction of running my Z06.

TheLaserShop

I implied nothing at all. I just have always felt that an american muscle car with the credentials and the history of the Corvette has nothing to prove to something like a Subaru regardless of the outcome. Basically... they are not worthy. But now and then you just gotta' show a 5.0 who's the boss.....

Z06Plasticfantastic

Illegal. Not used, heck no. Its all up to you

SGT. PYLE

EVILNESS

I got em and have passed smogged with the when i had the high flows in there. As far as racing someone with a subaru honda or anything its your car you do as u please. IMHO id rather own a million subarus than a single Ford. If you really need someone to smog you shoot me a pm i might be able to help out im located in Monterey.

R.