KA Header Info

[45guy1]

Just letting the world know...DC Sports' KA header is NOT CARB approved. The dealer didn't know this and neither did I, until after it was installed, the old manifold hauled away, and my receipt faxed in to DC.DC Customer Service says that, despite their reputation as the source for CARB-approved headers (Cali folks care about this) it's too much hassle to note on their site that this one is not approved. Just a heads-up from a disappointed driver.

[DjPantsSpecR]

wasn't it pending carb approval? i thought you would have researched it a little better... or did i...

anywho, i'll trade you two s14 manifolds for your DC. Comeon, with he s14 manifold on your s13 you can buy your downpipe, testpipe, and exhaust for the turbo you were planning on doing. comeon, you cant bolt a downpipe up to your s13 manifold....

[ShionS14]

i hate to be arrogant sounding but when ever you install a header that removes the catalyic converter there is no way in hell you are going to pass emissions. the only way you could possibly do so is by installing a cat in the pipe line, even still you migh not pass, just depends on your setup.

[45guy1]

The catalytic converter is intact. DC's header does not displace/replace it. Do I still have a chance?

[mmm240]

i would imagine..... yes

i believe it is only the 95 up (s14) that has the cat in the downpipe. i know that my 93 s13 doesn't have a cat in the downpipe.

now i am just waiting for my header from enjuku (that i ordered a MONTH AGO) i think i will call them tomorrow and ask them to refund my money.

i thought they were reputable, but everytime i call they can't give me any idea of where my header is (probably called 6 times now), sorry needed to vent i guess

but to overview, you should be fine. where i am the first 3 emissions tests are free, so plenty of tuning will be allowed!

and you should also be allowed to get tested even if you don't need it, in milwaukee it will cost 15 bucks each though

good luck, and let us know how it went!

[Red coupe]

Does it maintain the stock o2 location?In cali you gotta have CARB approved....If the tech is doing his job, and you have an aftermarket without CARB approve you fail, thats the rules.

Dont say anything or point it out to the tech though. If it still has the o2 and egr in place he *could* over look it, but still if he is doing his job well he wont.

If you were planning on a turbo kit that would be even harder to get though emissions as there are no CARB legal kits...

[45guy1]

EGR location is stock, O2 is a relocated a bit downstream (clearances) with a sender wire extension. Theoretically, it's all good, but I know what ya mean about the CARB sticker.

[Red coupe]

You know im PRETTY SURE that the controls must maintain original position, and they might have something to say about splicing in extension wires, they are pretty anal about original stuff....If I get a chance Ill get out the smog book and see if I cant find something a little more official for you..

Edit:K so according to the BAR smog check inspection manualQuote »2.3.3 Modified DefinitionModified: "any emission control system or component that is found to be modified, as defined below, will fail smog check inspection."

An emission control system or component has been modified if :

-It has been physically or functionally altered; or

- It has been replaced with a non-original equipment manufacturer part that has been identified by the manufacturer as not legal for use in California on pollution controlled vehicles: or

-A replacement part designed for one application is used on a different application for which it was not desined; or

-An add-on part, which has not been approved by the ARB[or for us CARB], is installed. For example an "Off-Road-Only" performance carburetor is installed on an exhaust emission controlled vehicle. You should identify the carburetor as "modified."

2.4.11 Sensors, Switches, and computersFor computer controlled vehicles only

Oxygen sensors and connectors -Check for visible modifications, disconnected wires or defects of the oxygen sensors(s)

Wiring of Other Sensors/Switches/Computer -Check for visible modifications, disconnected wires or defects of the wiring for management systems(manifold absolute pressure, coolant temperature, throttle position, OBDII diagnostic link connector, switches ect.)

Vacuum Line connections to sensors/switches -Check for visible modifications . disconnected vacuum lines, or other defects of the vacuum operated sensors and switches.[/quote]but you still have the O2, and while the wiring is modified, its only for the purpous of reaching the O2....I think technicaly your car has to fail. the guy at the shop might pass you but he has to worrie about the fact that if he passes something that shouldn't, and you have to goto the ref. they will be coming back to talk to him.
Modified by Red coupe at 12:55 PM 4/5/2006

[skydragoness]

I guess you failed to mention you own a S13? I have a DC sports header, its not on my car yet but its says on the forms that came with it that it is carb exempt. Since the o2 and EGR holes are still there and intact. Which is all that matters for you to pass.

[Red coupe]

so is the DC head exempt or not? didnt the original poster said he talked to DC and they said it wasnt? Sky reguardless of if it maintains everything it must be passed by carb, but If you have the paperwork that came with it saying that it is then your good.

[InsanityInc]

I think it's exempt. They show a picture of it and it has the little CARB approval plate welded on one of the runners.

[45guy1]

Yes, it's an S13.NHC4203 is my DC part number. They say it's CARB pending and the approval process is lengthy---we're talking maybe the end of the year. If you have the same model with a tag, I sure wanna know about it. Ignore the pics--take a look at the header itself.Thanks

[mmm240]

from my understanding, the emission test consists only of what comes out the tail pipe and a check of the gas cap to see if it seals properly.

DO THEY DO MORE THAN THAT IN CA. ? (physically check that the car is all stock)i would imagine as long as it passes it won't matter if it's modified, cause not all modifications mess with emissions (just cause it flows better, doesn't mean worse for the environment) correct?

i would like to move there in the near future

thanks all

[Red coupe]

yes, california has a visual inspection too...All components having to do with emissions (since the header is pending approval Id say they consider it related to emissions)Some areas (enhanced area's) have the car run on a dyno and go though a typical drive cycle while testing it as well.Some areas (basic areas) have the car run in nuetral, with all accessories off at ~2500 RPM then again at idle.

[mmm240]

in regards to this visual inspection. will you fail just having a different muffler than stock?

the only thing i know about is a check to see that the air filter is in a box. this is only looked at if they do a forced idle test (probe in tail pipe), this test is done if the car is too low or too dangerous to drive on the dyne

[Red coupe]

cat back is ok, but I think for an OBDII car it would have to maintain the second O2 sensor.

Im in a smog class and so they make me smog few cars a week...We have to do the full visual inspection, functional tests, then the two speed idle test...They havent ever had us check for an airfilter though, and no were does the machine ask you if there is an airfilter...Strange, but I dont think we check that here...at least for smog.

[mmm240]

it is a test called forced idle, it was how all cars were tested when emissions first came out. i used to work at an emission testing place here in milwaukee, but no one i worked with knew why they did that, but it required a supervisor to do the inspection. and i guess having an open air filter is illegal, also breathers.

the way it should go is:1) dyno test all cars that aren't 96 or newer (OBD 2 only requires a test from the OBD 2 port) you could actually fail for anything that sets off the check engine light

2) if you own a 96 or newer and your car's sensors aren't ready to give info (say the car's battery was disconnected recently, not allowing the ecu to gather the info (could take a few days after disconnect), it would be tested on the dyne (actually testing engine emissions)

3) the car is too low or too dangerous to drive on the dyne. (usually a front drive with bad alignment, sometimes a rear with low tire pressure). the car would get the forced idle test, which cannot gather nox gases (don't know why)

all the tests require a check of the gas cap, too see if the gasket still works. some 96 or newer vehicles would set off the check engine light if it were bad (not sealing), and would fail the test

in short, keep all your stock parts!

[Red coupe]

yeah pretty much...strange though the TSI (two speed idle) test we generaly run in class reads NOx...yeah we pull in, you visualy inspect all components, make sure all vacuume hoses are propper, test that the CEL and MIL function and are not currently showing any codes, put it on the dyno (unless like you siad something makes it unsafe or unable to do so..) and run it throught the computers little rev rages...then check gas cap and the restrictor on the gas filler neck for tampering..

[mmm240]

so when i know i won't pass emissions in ca, what will i owe you to pass me?

[Red coupe]

lol this class dont even give me the credintials to be a smog tech Im not really lookig to be a mechanic anyways, just taking the class to learn whats going on with my car, and how full of **** the machanic is

[mmm240]

you never know if that mechanic is telling the truth or not. for most people as long as the car runs it's fine, and with all the gullibles (spelling?) out there it's easy for mechanics to take advantage of you

i say get a second or even third opinion

or do what you are doing

maybe get yourself a vehicle to drive in the meantime and do some research to find out for yourself whats wrong

[Red coupe]

my 240 is for the most part in decent condition...I mean its a POS, and I gotta jiggle wires to get it to idle right, but it does the ob and I trust it...

but yeah learning about cars has made me very hesitant to let places work on mine...

Ugg the last place I went to left my steering rack/pump empty,I hade to bleed it in their parking lot at 11pm when I went to pick up my car...they also kept a few bolts

anyways enough tread jacking....any further offtopic comments you wanna make you may as well post in the big thread in the test forum...