Headers + smog issues
Jan 27, 2009 | 11:19 AM
#1
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Headers + smog issues
I know I read somewhere on here that only downey's headers for the 3vze are smog legal and none of the others are. My question is: Are the others smoggable or just doesn't pass inspection? Or will they not even pass the smog test at all if put on? Sorry if question was asked before, I couldn't find my answer as I was looking around so had to ask. Thanks in advance!
Jan 27, 2009 | 11:25 AM
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From: DFW, Texas!
In general, headers that fail smog do so because of the visual part of the inspection, not for any impact on the exhaust (assuming you kept the catalytic converter, O2 sensor, and air plumbing intact).
California requires a CARB registration (by the manufacturer) for anything aftermarket applied to the vehicle.
California requires a CARB registration (by the manufacturer) for anything aftermarket applied to the vehicle.
Last edited by Windsor; Jan 27, 2009 at 11:27 AM.
Jan 29, 2009 | 09:04 AM
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In general, headers that fail smog do so because of the visual part of the inspection, not for any impact on the exhaust (assuming you kept the catalytic converter, O2 sensor, and air plumbing intact).
The headers I am looking at I think it does have place holders for 02 sensor and egr valve, only problem is the seller doesn't know what brand it is from. Plus, I don't remember much of visual inspection whenever I do get my vehicles smog, am I just not paying attention or missing what they are looking for? Note: This will actually be the first vehicle that I will put an after market headers for, never had any need for it on the other vehicles before.
California requires a CARB registration (by the manufacturer) for anything after market applied to the vehicle.
The headers I am looking at I think it does have place holders for 02 sensor and egr valve, only problem is the seller doesn't know what brand it is from. Plus, I don't remember much of visual inspection whenever I do get my vehicles smog, am I just not paying attention or missing what they are looking for? Note: This will actually be the first vehicle that I will put an after market headers for, never had any need for it on the other vehicles before.
California requires a CARB registration (by the manufacturer) for anything after market applied to the vehicle.
Sorry I asked so much, I hate this emission thing just as much as anyone, I always do my part to keep my car and the air clean when I can. I just want to see if I can prolong the life of this vehicle. Again thanks for your help and reply. Anymore help and insights are welcome. Thanks again.
Jan 29, 2009 | 09:11 AM
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From: Oklahoma State
So even if it passes the emission test, it will still fail due to the fact that it does not have a registered CARB registration sticker? Is there any way around this? Like if it smogs fine, will they overlook the no brand after market headers?
Sorry I asked so much, I hate this emission thing just as much as anyone, I always do my part to keep my car and the air clean when I can. I just want to see if I can prolong the life of this vehicle. Again thanks for your help and reply. Anymore help and insights are welcome. Thanks again.
Sorry I asked so much, I hate this emission thing just as much as anyone, I always do my part to keep my car and the air clean when I can. I just want to see if I can prolong the life of this vehicle. Again thanks for your help and reply. Anymore help and insights are welcome. Thanks again.
Jan 29, 2009 | 09:27 AM
#7
You can look up the header model and see if it is indeed smog legal:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php
If so, perhaps contact the mfg. and see if you can get an EO sticker for it. Or see if you can find someone with a similar header and see if you can grab a picture of their sticker and try making up a duplicate (color printer). I have found with my LC headers (22RE) that it seems the smog tech looks at them and the EO sticker about 50% of the time.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php
If so, perhaps contact the mfg. and see if you can get an EO sticker for it. Or see if you can find someone with a similar header and see if you can grab a picture of their sticker and try making up a duplicate (color printer). I have found with my LC headers (22RE) that it seems the smog tech looks at them and the EO sticker about 50% of the time.
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Jan 29, 2009 | 09:35 AM
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Man,Cali is harsh if they actually look for that stuff;here in Colorado they just make sure you have a cat in place,gas cap doesn't leak and underhood ispection is barely even an inspection and if it passed that's all they care about. They now don't even care if your vehicle is showing as CEL.
Jan 29, 2009 | 02:09 PM
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So the visual inspection is pretty much up to the smog tech?
If that is the case I will see what I can do about the sticker, if anyone has done this, I would definitely like to know
.
Thanks everyone!
If that is the case I will see what I can do about the sticker, if anyone has done this, I would definitely like to know
.Thanks everyone!
Jan 29, 2009 | 02:11 PM
#11
Technically they are supposed top check everything visually before starting any testing. But some techs just give it a quick look and unless something looks obviously wrong, they call it good.
Jan 29, 2009 | 05:30 PM
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From: So Cal
I go to the same guy for all my cars and he's friends with my muffler/exhaust guy and their friends with my mechanic, and we all go to the desert together and our whole family uses the same people soo... He never does anything illegal as far as the sniffer/CELs go, but visually he's kinda blind. 
I don't want to pollute and I'm not promoting polluting, but make friends with your smog tech and be loyal. They can lay off the visual a bit as long as you still blow clean enough to stay within Cali's already strict limits.
I don't want to pollute and I'm not promoting polluting, but make friends with your smog tech and be loyal. They can lay off the visual a bit as long as you still blow clean enough to stay within Cali's already strict limits.
Jan 29, 2009 | 06:17 PM
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From: Tucson, AZ USA Age:60
Jan 30, 2009 | 03:47 PM
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I go to the same guy for all my cars and he's friends with my muffler/exhaust guy and their friends with my mechanic, and we all go to the desert together and our whole family uses the same people soo... He never does anything illegal as far as the sniffer/CELs go, but visually he's kinda blind.
I don't want to pollute and I'm not promoting polluting, but make friends with your smog tech and be loyal. They can lay off the visual a bit as long as you still blow clean enough to stay within Cali's already strict limits.
I don't want to pollute and I'm not promoting polluting, but make friends with your smog tech and be loyal. They can lay off the visual a bit as long as you still blow clean enough to stay within Cali's already strict limits.
FredTJ:
Well, what I meant is that if it will help the truck in someway with it's head gasket issue at all, even if somewhat then it's worth it.
Jan 30, 2009 | 05:08 PM
#16
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From: Oklahoma State
There are some that believe the stupid cross-over design on the 3VZE is possibly a reason for the HG failures. It does seem like it could add extra heat to that cylinder on the back drivers side.
Jan 31, 2009 | 12:11 AM
#17
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From: Lake County, CA/Sacramento
Mine passed with the downey's installed. I talked to the tech, and he said that usually they just check for emissions equipment, to make sure it is still installed/functioning.
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