Will aftermarket headers cause my car to fail the smog test? Unless the aftermarket headers you purchase and install have an EO stamp, meaning they have been tested by the California Air Resource Board and been issued an Executive Order number, yes they will fail the smog inspection; as a tampered emission component.

Will my car pass emissions with headers?

Headers shouldn't affect the dyno/emissions readings either (assuming you haven't removed or disabled any of the emissions systems).

Are shorty headers worth the money?

If you're driving a turboboosted engine, you will absolutely want shorty headers, but they're also great for a variety of other drivers. If you're looking to increase the performance of a vehicle that's primarily your daily driver or commuter, shorty headers are a good idea.

Can you ship headers to California?

Member. American Muscle will ship headers to CA. When you get to the submit order screen, you have to select the 'for off road use only' box.

Why can't I buy headers in California?

Well-Known Member. "Legally" there are NO long tube headers that are smog legal in CA. The reason is, the cats have to be in the stock location, and obviously that isn't possible with a long tube header.

California doesn't want me to own this car! Trying to pass SMOG with a MISFIRE...

44 related questions found

Can you buy headers in California?

If the performance upgrade component which you want to add or install on your vehicle, whether it be a supercharger, turbo unit, air intake, headers, ect. is not listed on CARB's website, it is not for legal use in California, except for off-road use only in certain circumstances, and it might cause your vehicle to ...

Do shorty headers do anything?

Shorty headers perform best in the idle to mid-RPM range. This makes them the perfect headers for vehicles that rely on low-RPM power, like a daily commuter or a work pickup that sees a lot of towing and hauling.

Do shorty headers make exhaust louder?

Shorty headers are usually a little louder... especially at part-throttle and Idle. IMO the bullet type muffler(race magnums? whatever they are called), while they are loud, are the worst sounding mufflers ever made.

Do I need a tune for shorty headers?

Shorty headers are not enough of an aspiration change to require a tune, unless you are removing the catalytic converters at the same time.

Can you pass smog with long tube headers?

Any modification to the headers, intake manifold, or exhaust manifold, including removal of a "Y" tube from the exhaust pipes (if equipped) is considered an emissions tamper. Your vehicle will fail the smog inspection even before the tailpipe exhaust is checked.

Are long tube headers illegal?

16 Long Tube Headers

Not only will they make your vehicle louder, but it is also considered tampering with your vehicles emissions, which according to the EPA is illegal under federal law.

Will long tube headers throw a code?

Hi there, There is NOT ONE long tube header/hi flow cat design that does NOT throw codes or skew fuel trim measurements to the point of creating problems. This is due to o2 sensor location changes, along with converters that are NOT as efficient as factory cats.

Do you need a tune after headers?

And for aftermarket headers, the answer is yes, you should tune your car when installing a new exhaust header. Major performance mods like a header can significantly alter important variables like air/fuel ratio. Tune is required to ensure you get the most out of the header without future problems.

Do you need a tune to run long tube headers?

Long tube headers constitute as a major change for the exhaust aspiration of your vehicle's engine. To compensate for the added air flow, and the relocation of the oxygen sensors, a new or updated tune is required.

Do I need a tune with long tube headers?

long tubes do require a re-tune, because thats the point of getting a "tuned" length runner. Without typing out a book, basically you want to optimize the exhaust gas pulses with the cam timing, and since the tube is now significantly longer (and likely larger) than stock, those timing events have changed.

Which are better long or short headers?

Shorty headers aren't as loud as long tube headers, although they'll definitely have better sound than your stock manifold. You can choose unequal length headers for better sound, but equal length is the way to go for consistent gains in performance.

Do headers add HP?

In general, a quality set of headers should provide an increase of approximately 10-20 horsepower, and if you're restrained with your right foot, you may even see an increase in fuel mileage.

Are shorty headers better than stock?

Although shorty headers don't always produce as much low- and mid-range power as full-length headers, they do provide significant power gains over stock manifolds and have the potential to produce higher rpm power gains. You can maximize the performance of your shorty headers by opting for equal-length primaries.

Do headers change exhaust sound?

But will it improve the sound of your car?! To put it simply – yes, an exhaust header will slightly improve the sound of your car. Exhaust headers are wider and thinner when compared the stock system. These characteristics allow the sound vibrations to flow better and exit the car – allowing for a louder sound.

Are 5.0 and 5.8 headers the same?

As far as I know, 5.0's and 5.8's take the same headers.

Are JBA headers legal in California?

That's because of the assigned California Air Resources Board Executive Order (EO) number. JBA's Cat4Ward headers are 50-state emissions-legal, and the collectors feature a Fire Cone, which is a smooth transition to increase exhaust flow velocity. ... That means long-tube headers cannot typically be used.

Is Twin turbo illegal in California?

Many turbos are not approved under California's Vehicle Code Section 27156 and can land you in trouble with the law since turbos are one of the illegal car modifications in Los Angeles, California. ... Ensuring you have an EO number or get an OEM turbo, and buying locally are two ways in which to avoid a lot of hassle.

Can you pass smog with a supercharger?

While superchargers might demand more from the engine, they don't affect the exhaust system like a turbo does. ... That means, a vehicle with a supercharger equipped is more likely to pass a smog test, reducing the expense of controlling emissions that turbochargers create.”

Are headers good for your car?

Headers are one of the easiest bolt-on accessories you can use to improve an engine's performance. The goal of headers is to make it easier for the engine to push exhaust gases out of the cylinders. ... During the exhaust stroke, a good way for an engine to lose power is through back pressure.