Noob Headers Question!!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 672
Likes: 1
From: Sapulpa Oklahoma
Just so you're fully aware of all the 'issues' with headers........ Even in OK, which doesn't have smog checks, under the Federal law long tube aren't emissions legal, because they require that you relocate the catalytic converter(s), That's a violation of the law, which prohibits 1) relocating the catalytic converter(s), 2) changing the number of catalyitc converters or 3) replacing a catalytic converter that is still under warranty unless it has been certified defective.
So......... you might want to keep your original system in case you want to sell OR the OK law changes. You could put it back on.
So......... you might want to keep your original system in case you want to sell OR the OK law changes. You could put it back on.
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,511
Likes: 22
From: Southern MD
Your post is dead on. All LT systems are sold/referred to as off road systems because they require relocating the cats..and in most cats use high flow cats that do not clean the emissions to factory spec.
To add to it...I get a lot of people asking "But I have an X-pipe on my 08 from the factory...why do I need a Kooks X-pipe". The short answer is..your LT headers are about twice as long as you factory manifolds. Because of this you need a shorter X-pipe like the Kooks one. Also, the factory cats are 2.5" vs 3" for Kooks.
To add to it...I get a lot of people asking "But I have an X-pipe on my 08 from the factory...why do I need a Kooks X-pipe". The short answer is..your LT headers are about twice as long as you factory manifolds. Because of this you need a shorter X-pipe like the Kooks one. Also, the factory cats are 2.5" vs 3" for Kooks.
Just so you're fully aware of all the 'issues' with headers........ Even in OK, which doesn't have smog checks, under the Federal law long tube aren't emissions legal, because they require that you relocate the catalytic converter(s), That's a violation of the law, which prohibits 1) relocating the catalytic converter(s), 2) changing the number of catalyitc converters or 3) replacing a catalytic converter that is still under warranty unless it has been certified defective.
So......... you might want to keep your original system in case you want to sell OR the OK law changes. You could put it back on.
So......... you might want to keep your original system in case you want to sell OR the OK law changes. You could put it back on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 111
From: Tucson AZ
Your factory exhaust consists of a cast iron exhaust manifold that bolts to the cylinder head, then a catalytic converter bolts to the cast iron manifold at the bottom of the engine compartment, then an X or H pipe bolts to that and runs the length of the tunnel under the car, and finally a muffler and tail pipe assembly that connects just in front of the rear axle.
When you install headers, they take up the space formerly used by both the cast iron manifold and the catalytic converter. You must install new catalytic converters that are now located further back into the X pipe assembly, but you can retain your NPP muffler assembly.
When you install headers, they take up the space formerly used by both the cast iron manifold and the catalytic converter. You must install new catalytic converters that are now located further back into the X pipe assembly, but you can retain your NPP muffler assembly.
Last edited by Vito.A; Apr 7, 2008 at 02:06 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Well, he won't actually need to get them, he can go with the off road (catless) X pipe as well but that of course would be even less legal than going the 'high flow cats' route. 
True. Many people think that they're fully legal as long as they get the high flow cats that are available with most header/X pipe kits but it is still an illegal system/change. Though it is still likely better than going with the off road set up (what I would likely go with) because at least it has something resembling an emissions device on it. 
Either way, the good headers out there do work and are a great starting point in modifying these awesome machines.
Just so you're fully aware of all the 'issues' with headers........ Even in OK, which doesn't have smog checks, under the Federal law long tube aren't emissions legal, because they require that you relocate the catalytic converter(s), That's a violation of the law, which prohibits 1) relocating the catalytic converter(s), 2) changing the number of catalyitc converters or 3) replacing a catalytic converter that is still under warranty unless it has been certified defective.
Either way, the good headers out there do work and are a great starting point in modifying these awesome machines.
