SOHC header question...theory...something...

[S13CoupeLover]

So me and my dad right now are tearing down my engine and replacing the timing chain assembly and now thinking a little more into this. He's been asking me if I know about any headers on the market and i told him none really that are CARB/Smog legal. now he's asking me why aren't they legal? etc etc etc.

He's saying the fundamentals of making headers isn't all that difficult, basically bending pipe, etc etc. now if it had the o2 sensor and smog stuff on the headers wouldn't that really be considered smog legal? he's telling me that it's just pipes with an o2 sensor and smog crap on it, once it goes through the cat it should be able to pass the sniffer.

now would this be true or is there more to the subject??

[redsx13]

you are correct, there is somthing more to it. even thought the design of a manifold is simple and in most cases has almost no effect on emissions, if it is not c.a.r.b. certified, than it is not smog legal, period.

and in answer to your question, there is a 99.9% chance it will pass the sniffer test. but most likely NOT a visual inspection.

hope this answers all your questions!

[Vegascorbin]

Is this C. A. R. B. a california thing or????

[AZ89two4Tsx]

C.A.R.B. = California Air Research Board (I think).

But the same rule pretty much applies to all other states that enforce smog rules/laws. Anyways, I doubt someone would even spot a custom header let alone care. But idk, I don't live in CA.

[Cone Junky]

If it doesn't have a CARB approval, it is not smog legal in CA. I know OBX has a knock-off of the DC header. But unlike the DC, it does not have CARB approval.CARB approval tends to double the cost of any upgrade because of the licensing involved.

[redsx13]

Its really stupid, last time i had my car smoged they actually checked for a carb sticker on my intake piping.

[redsx13]

lol, now i have a sr20 with a frontmount intercooler, aftermarket manifold, intake, no egr and no cat. I would like to bring that thing to a smog shop and see what they say now

[S13CoupeLover]

now is there away to get a header CARBed? like get a CARB approval your self?

[Cone Junky]

now is there away to get a header CARBed? like get a CARB approval your self?

No. The manufacturer needs to get it.