C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Headers in California

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 30, 2006 | 03:53 PM
  #1  
hbvette07's Avatar
hbvette07
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 926
Likes: 0
Default Headers in California

What are you guys doing if you want headers knowing they are illegal in Ca.. Are you going to just remove them in 5 years for the emissions test and inspection? I would like to install LG's and a CAI with tune this summer but I am curious what others are doing.

Thanks
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2006 | 04:40 PM
  #2  
rothchilds's Avatar
rothchilds
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 103
From: Visalia CA
Default

pretty much thats your option, unless you "know" someone who does smog testing and will pass the visual for you. It's why i don't have them, I want no hassles
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2006 | 04:43 PM
  #3  
LOS ANGELES PI's Avatar
LOS ANGELES PI
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 4
Default

Thats is the plan Stan.

Just go for it. No biggie if you do have to put on the old manifolds. Besides, you might just slip through a smog, get your headers coated so they look as clean as possible.

As far as a CAI, I chose the Calloway because it does look OEM under the hood. No one could possibly know.

However, if you happen to get pulled over by one of those roaming smog check stations, you will most likely get cited for the headers. They staff those events with techs from BAR, Bureau of Aotomotive repair and they know their poo poo.

Live large, go ahead install them and thumb your nose at the system.

It feels good.
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2006 | 05:07 PM
  #4  
hbvette07's Avatar
hbvette07
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 926
Likes: 0
Default

I probably will go ahead and install them, just have to jump through what ever hoops I come across. The increase in performance everyone states is just too much to ignore.
Reply
Old Dec 30, 2006 | 09:15 PM
  #5  
Wayne O's Avatar
Wayne O
CF Senior Member
Supporting Lifetime
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by LOS ANGELES PI
Thats is the plan Stan.

Just go for it. No biggie if you do have to put on the old manifolds. Besides, you might just slip through a smog, get your headers coated so they look as clean as possible.

As far as a CAI, I chose the Calloway because it does look OEM under the hood. No one could possibly know.

However, if you happen to get pulled over by one of those roaming smog check stations, you will most likely get cited for the headers. They staff those events with techs from BAR, Bureau of Aotomotive repair and they know their poo poo.

Live large, go ahead install them and thumb your nose at the system.

It feels good.

"Roaming smog check stations" in California. OMG...you have to be kidding! I knew I lived....not there for a reason.
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 10:12 AM
  #6  
BADC64GO's Avatar
BADC64GO
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Default

Set of 4.10's will net more then the headers - no smog problems.
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 10:16 AM
  #7  
LOS ANGELES PI's Avatar
LOS ANGELES PI
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 4
Default

Originally Posted by mvonada
Set of 4.10's will net more then the headers - no smog problems.
From what I hear, true. Maybe too much shifting for my taste.

Headers add sound and power. They add a dimension to the vehicle that you just have to experience. Its almost as if the engine says "thank you"
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 10:57 AM
  #8  
VET4LES's Avatar
VET4LES
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Default

Originally Posted by LOS ANGELES PI
From what I hear, true. Maybe too much shifting for my taste.

Headers add sound and power. They add a dimension to the vehicle that you just have to experience. Its almost as if the engine says "thank you"

Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 11:07 AM
  #9  
Rockdog's Avatar
Rockdog
Racer
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: Brentwood California
Default

Originally Posted by LOS ANGELES PI
From what I hear, true. Maybe too much shifting for my taste.

Headers add sound and power. They add a dimension to the vehicle that you just have to experience. Its almost as if the engine says "thank you"
I do want to go with LG's. Hoping I can find someone to smog it in 5 years. I was wondering what kinda heat that creates under the hood. I've heard of melted brake lines from the heat off the headers, is that true. I live in an area that is 100 plus in the summer. I should ask Wayne O since he lives in Arizona.
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 12:01 PM
  #10  
C_Williams@RPM's Avatar
0C_Williams@RPM
Former Vendor
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,749
Likes: 4
From: Valencia Ca
Default

Originally Posted by hbvette07
What are you guys doing if you want headers knowing they are illegal in Ca.. Are you going to just remove them in 5 years for the emissions test and inspection? I would like to install LG's and a CAI with tune this summer but I am curious what others are doing.

Thanks

Cal Headers

Yeah, they aren't legal - but that seems to have not stopped thousands of header swaps that go on in Ca. every year, including many, many Corvettes.

Most smog stations care little for what is under the hood but stay to the letter on emissions. Unless a roaming “mod squad” hits you, you will never have an issue.

Might I suggest the Dynatech headers? I have seen and tuned virtually every make out there and these are right on par with the best of them. You will love the torque and HP, cost is good, quality, materials are the best, and installation is sweet.
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 12:11 PM
  #11  
TommyV's Avatar
TommyV
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 50
From: Sandy Eggo Calif.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '16
Default

Originally Posted by C_Williams@RPM
Cal Headers

Most smog stations care little for what is under the hood but stay to the letter on emissions. Unless a roaming “mod squad” hits you, you will never have an issue.
Never had a problem with headers on all my cars. As long as it passes the sniff test, you're good to go.
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 12:58 PM
  #12  
hbvette07's Avatar
hbvette07
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 926
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by C_Williams@RPM
Cal Headers

Yeah, they aren't legal - but that seems to have not stopped thousands of header swaps that go on in Ca. every year, including many, many Corvettes.

Most smog stations care little for what is under the hood but stay to the letter on emissions. Unless a roaming “mod squad” hits you, you will never have an issue.

Might I suggest the Dynatech headers? I have seen and tuned virtually every make out there and these are right on par with the best of them. You will love the torque and HP, cost is good, quality, materials are the best, and installation is sweet.
You prefer Dyantech over LG and the others, how does the Tq, and Hp numbers compare along with fit?
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 09:15 PM
  #13  
hbvette07's Avatar
hbvette07
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 926
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by LOS ANGELES PI
Thats is the plan Stan.

Just go for it. No biggie if you do have to put on the old manifolds. Besides, you might just slip through a smog, get your headers coated so they look as clean as possible.

As far as a CAI, I chose the Calloway because it does look OEM under the hood. No one could possibly know.

However, if you happen to get pulled over by one of those roaming smog check stations, you will most likely get cited for the headers. They staff those events with techs from BAR, Bureau of Aotomotive repair and they know their poo poo.

Live large, go ahead install them and thumb your nose at the system.

It feels good.
Did you do the install yourself, or do you have any recommendations I too live in OC.
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 09:38 PM
  #14  
shopdog's Avatar
shopdog
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 14
Default

Scofflaws!
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 09:45 PM
  #15  
DSOMC6's Avatar
DSOMC6
Race Director
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,893
Likes: 107
From: God's Country, ID
Default

Originally Posted by hbvette07
Did you do the install yourself, or do you have any recommendations I too live in OC.
Hey hb,
I have LG lt's on and they are very easy to install. If you want to hear them or need help on install pm me. I'm just south of you. OCC (a forum sponcer) is in Lakeforest and they do real good work. You may want to have them ceramic coated prior to install. There is a place in O.C. that does ceramic coatings as well, for a good price.

Last edited by DSOMC6; Dec 31, 2006 at 09:48 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 31, 2006 | 10:48 PM
  #16  
crabman's Avatar
crabman
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 81
From: Whidbey Island WA
Default

Originally Posted by LOS ANGELES PI
From what I hear, true. Maybe too much shifting for my taste.

Headers add sound and power. They add a dimension to the vehicle that you just have to experience. Its almost as if the engine says "thank you"
Gears add a dimension to the vehicle that you just have to experience. Way more sotp than headers. Not that I dont agree with your header assessment. Thats why I reccomend doing both.
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 09:28 AM
  #17  
Sven's Avatar
Sven
Team Owner
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 32,921
Likes: 2
From: Coppin' a tan from the Messiah's aura
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

I didn't know anybody @ smog, but never had issue w/ aftermarket headers on my SUV (which were clearly not factory--smooth, stainless v rough, rusted cast steel)...b/c I had such great numbers on the sniffer think the station techs weren't concerned. Data sent on vehicle would not have gotten a second look on an audit.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Headers in California

Old Jan 1, 2007 | 12:24 PM
  #18  
Rockdog's Avatar
Rockdog
Racer
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: Brentwood California
Default

Originally Posted by crabman
Gears add a dimension to the vehicle that you just have to experience. Way more sotp than headers. Not that I dont agree with your header assessment. Thats why I reccomend doing both.
I want to get both gears and headers/corsas
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 12:26 PM
  #19  
LOS ANGELES PI's Avatar
LOS ANGELES PI
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 4
Default

Originally Posted by hbvette07
Did you do the install yourself, or do you have any recommendations I too live in OC.
I PM'd you some info.

You can install your self, but have a good tuner do it. Call Sean at Orange County Corvettes in Irvine. They are the BEST. We are lucky to have them in our backyard. They will treat you and your car with top shelf service and attitude.

There is more to header install then just bolting them in. You have to consider heat, so Sean wrapped my oil and tranny lines in therma tape and installed heat socks on my spark plug wires. Also, running your O2 lines in the proper coniguration is important to avoid any possibility they could come in contact with the fast cats or headers themselves.

So, someone with experience can take you a long way on your projects. Plus they can reccomend which headers fit the best and perform the best. People change and so do manufacturers of product like Headers. I have American racing and love them. But whos to know if they are still making a good product?

Get to know Sean. It will be a good move on your part.
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2007 | 12:41 PM
  #20  
USMC0341's Avatar
USMC0341
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood California
Default

So its safe to assume that there is no CARB legal headers coming in the future?? what about shorty headers? No gain/not worth it?
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:32 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE