I know cat-back systems are okay in cali.... but what about headers?

 

the ones made by the big brand names usually are... most will advertise "50 state leagal" and will have a tag on the header to tell the inspectors that it is.

 

They're also sometimes referred to as "C.A.R.B." legal/exempt. (California Air Resources Board). The DC's, for example, will have a plate with the CARB E.O. # (exemption order number).

But, here's my personal experience with it... I took a car to one of the "Quality Tune-Up" chains for smog once with a DC Sports CARB header. The tech didn't like the way the O2 sensor was located (reading off one primary vs. all four) even though the sniffer numbers were fine and the CARB plate was on the header. He woudn't pass it and wanted me to come back another day when the owner was present to make a decision.

The powers that be in this state have some of these guys so spooked/paranoid about fines. It was easier for me to just put the stock manifold on for the test. So long story short CARB certified headers are legal but YMMV if you show up with one.

 

I've heard a couple storys of cops just ripping up the "50 state legal" cards and just writing a ticket anyways. Glad I live in Oregon, no emissions for like 6 yrs here (cept Portland).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr.Saturn &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've heard a couple storys of cops just ripping up the "50 state legal" cards and just writing a ticket anyways. Glad I live in Oregon, no emissions for like 6 yrs here (cept Portland).</TD></TR></TABLE>

If that ever happen, you could fight it and win with out a problem. Well only if your header is really legal, if it has the c.a.r.b stamped on it or how ever it is, then your fine.

 

ok.. sounds like it is risky.. dammit. thanks for the replys

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CRXTSEE &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ok.. sounds like it is risky.. dammit. thanks for the replys</TD></TR></TABLE>

Just by a good header, like a dc sports. There is no way there gonna rip the c.a.r.b plate off of it. Plus I'm sure it says on there website its 50 states legal.

 

It needs to have a CARB # that also matches the corresponding year of the vehicle if they get REALLY ****.