hey,
I have a 1980 truck 20r. 72k miles, (it was my uncles) it was mostly used for off road, it was purchased new in California, registered out of state in the early 80s all smog removed. He passed away and I inherited it, (it was always garaged and sat non oped in california in his garage for the last 6 years) I am putting it back to California smog, (new California legal weber, smog pump, k&n, complete tune up, clutch, clutch master and slave cylinder, cat, throttle cable)
I am in need of a California legal header? I can not seem to find one? or worst case scenario a stock manifold, (cant find one of those either). would any other year California header work? do they make any California legal header that would work?
any advice, direction, phone #s, websites would be great!!

thank you in advance.
Chad

 

I think the California header just had a spot for an o2 sensor. But I'm not sure about the 20r motor.

 

It would probably cheaper and easier to move out of California than it would be to re-smog that truck. LOL But since you are far more ambitious than I... I'm pretty sure that Trail Gear makes a smog legal Rock Ripper header. I have never dealt directly with a CA smogged truck, but I think the difference in the header is an oxygen sensor prior to the cat.

 

I think the only difference is holes for the EGR tube to hookup and an o2 sensor port if yours has one up that high. Stock manifolds are dime a dozen, but for aftermarket you've got maybe 4-5 options that will work.

 

Doug Thorley, TG Rock Ripper, Hedman... I think lcengineering makes CA legal headers. The header has to have the O2 sensor. If your not sure on a part, get the part number and go to a smog station to have them check the numbers. They can look up anything to see if it's legal in a few minutes.

 

CA legal header doesn't have to have an o2 sensor bung - not all rigs had an o2 sensor up on the header. what a CA legal header DOES need to have is a CARB certification stamp with an executive order number on it in order to make the Air Resources Board happy.

 

thanks everyone for your answers. I called, and emailed all header companies in the u.s. that I can find, Nobody makes a c.a. legal header for the 80. they start in 81 so the 80 does not have the c.a.r.b sticker/plate so I bought a stock manifold and a stock air cleaner assembly. (I think I am almost there.

 

aren't the headers interchangable from 79-83?

 

The 1980 had a different trans which changed into a different sub model for the later models, this caused a difference in placement, as to your smog legal application, California only recognizes the 1981-95 models to be smog legal with our headers.
˟ they are interchangeable, and i was confused as to why the 80 was not c.a.r.b legal, so asked them to please explain it to me. the above was my answer.