Headers in Calif.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,945
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From: Salinas Ca.
Headers in Calif.
In December I am taking my vert to Andy at A&A in S. Calif to get a cam, tuning and Halltech air induction system. Headers were recommended but I understand they are "technically" illegal in Calif. Do any of you in Calif know if headers can screw up the smog test? I know some of you have headers, so why is there a potential problem. I am going to call Andy to discuss this, but I wondered what your input would be. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,253
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From: Sandy Eggo Calif.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '16
I would worry about the cam and the tune, before the headers. (w/ cats) My experience has been that as long as it passes the sniff test, and there are no disconnected or missing smog parts under the hood, it will pass.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
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No headers are not illegal in California as long as they are C.A.R.B exempt and have an EO number assigned to that specific header. Go to the California Air Resource Boards' web site and they will have a list there of the approved headers that are legal. Any more questions let me know.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 14,537
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From: I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges
Originally Posted by TommyV
I would worry about the cam and the tune, before the headers. (w/ cats) My experience has been that as long as it passes the sniff test, and there are no disconnected or missing smog parts under the hood, it will pass.
My experience is that normal gas station smog places will test the car for smog and it will pass the tests, and they will not know headers from normal exhaust. Caution should be noted, however, that the car can still pass the actual tests and fail the visual test of having headers, if an attendant is that astute. The whole visual test concept is beyond me...one should be worried about pollution, not a visual.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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Originally Posted by benspruce
In December I am taking my vert to Andy at A&A in S. Calif to get a cam, tuning and Halltech air induction system. Headers were recommended but I understand they are "technically" illegal in Calif. Do any of you in Calif know if headers can screw up the smog test? I know some of you have headers, so why is there a potential problem. I am going to call Andy to discuss this, but I wondered what your input would be. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 125
From: laguna niguel ca
Halltech ???
I've got the cam, headers,cat backs,160 stat,and tunning. never had a code until I put a halltech on. Now I have a lean code for both banks at idle. My tunner said the Halltech sets this code on some motors. I put My moded stock unit back on and cleared the codes just to see what would happen. I'm going to see my tunner this week to see what can be done so I can use the Halltech. I had my cam done at A&A corvettes. The do great work for a fair price. Andy is great to work with. As for smog testing. Like the previous threads state; if you pass the sniffer you should be ok. But it wil never happen with a cam change. Anyway I hear there pushing the smog testing back to every 6 years instead of 4. That's a long time the contemplate what you want to do. Good luck with your choice.
Last edited by andreas g.; Nov 18, 2005 at 11:15 AM.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
Originally Posted by midnite902
Kooks puts the cats in the stock location on the C6
One of the reasons I choose Kooks
One of the reasons I choose Kooks
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 125
From: laguna niguel ca
bunk22
I have the kooks system, with magnaflows. The system includes the headers, 3 inch X-pipe and high flow cats,(one piece) and 3 inch mid pipes to the pipes starting your cat back mufflers. If you already have an x-pipe throw it away it won't work with the kooks system. The fit and finish is great. went in no problems,and never set a code. As for power after headers, moded stock air box, tunning and 160 stat I made 375RWHP/367RWTQ. most all of it from the kooks. Best bang for the buck. After the cam install making 420RWHP. Headers help the cam work up to it's full potential.
Andreas g.
Andreas g.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
Originally Posted by andreas g.
I have the kooks system, with magnaflows. The system includes the headers, 3 inch X-pipe and high flow cats,(one piece) and 3 inch mid pipes to the pipes starting your cat back mufflers. If you already have an x-pipe throw it away it won't work with the kooks system. The fit and finish is great. went in no problems,and never set a code. As for power after headers, moded stock air box, tunning and 160 stat I made 375RWHP/367RWTQ. most all of it from the kooks. Best bang for the buck. After the cam install making 420RWHP. Headers help the cam work up to it's full potential.
Andreas g.
Andreas g.
Last edited by bunk22; Nov 18, 2005 at 02:19 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 50
From: Sandy Eggo Calif.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '16
Originally Posted by midnite902
Kooks puts the cats in the stock location on the C6
Unless you get the Calloway or other shortys, the cats will be moved.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,253
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From: Sandy Eggo Calif.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '16
Originally Posted by bunk22
Meaning, would I need a new mid-pipe?
Intermediate
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 27
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From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by TommyV
All the long tube headers relocate the cats and you need their catted mid pipes. The Corsa won't work.
I have the Corsa sport. What part of the Corsa would I actually keep? Just the mufflers?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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Originally Posted by midnite902
Kooks puts the cats in the stock location on the C6
One of the reasons I choose Kooks
One of the reasons I choose Kooks
crap what have i done 
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 639
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I have a '95 Z28. Although I do have shorty headers my random tech y-pipe relocates the drivers side cat. I had it smogged twice this way never a prob with the visual. Because they never look. If they do and they tell you it doesn't pass a visual just go somewhere else. I had an intake on the Z28 that I made and went to one place and they told me they couldn't pass me because I had changed it and it doesn't carry a carb# (don't blame they didn't want to get busted). I just looked for a place that looked like they were into Hot Rods or fast cars and got it smogged no problem. Everything was hooked up the way it was supposed to be they didn't care they just said looks cool and asked me how much it cost me to make it then went about smogging the car.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
Originally Posted by TommyV
Umm, this is the stock C6 location:
Unless you get the Callaway or other shortys, the cats will be moved.
Unless you get the Callaway or other shortys, the cats will be moved.
This is true - The "longtubes"all will be rejected at the inspection places, uness you have "made arrangements"
The C6 design actually sits closer to the head than the C5 design
