Experience w/ Catless Headers?
 

Hey guys, thinking about running catless headers - that being said, our state's got some wonderfully tight laws on emissions. I've always been compliant but now that I'm contemplating doing some extra work on this car, what are some ways that I would actually get in trouble or caught for having headers in the first place?

I really appreciate any insight I can get here :thumbsup:

Well, you can argue with the pd all you want but all they need to do is write you up a ticket to have the state ref look at your car for approval. Most stuff needs to be carb legal and if it isn't. Well you know what comes next... Easiest way to upgrade without a hassle would be a tune. Add e85 to the tune and you will have a well running car without the worries of the emission laws.

What exhaust are you going to run with the headers?

I felt the same way. My main concern was getting pulled over for having a loud car. I'm currently running the RevWorks UEL header with the Invidia N1 catback and I don't regret it one bit. My girlfriend and I love the sound but a couple of my buddies say it's too loud.

Living in the east side of san jose I come across cops alot and havent been pulled over yet (knock on wood.) I've had them driving behind me and beside me. They dont seem to mind. As long as you're not being a douche and driving responsibility, I think you should be fine. Good luck!

FT86 Speed Factory is working on a catted header system that I believe is almost ready for release.

Might be a viable option for a "middle ground" if you're looking to at least fill the legal requirements of the cat plus it may aid in a visual inspection.

It's the option I've been eyeing as I would like to stay as close to legal as possible with all the mods on my BRZ but also really want to get rid of that torque dip.

Visual will not pass, unless you know a guy. But its also not a difficult to swap them.

In reality if you dont drive like a **** and keep the muffler and some resonators sound should be ok. Getting something without huge shiny tips to stay more stealth would help too. But really the only ones worried about crap like this when driving normal are CHP.

I am considering the catted headers... I'd probably run with something quiet to give it that growl with the headers. I'm loving the sound of my Nameless Axleback right now though! 2.5" x 5" mufflers...

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Hmm, you don't need to take it to a SMOG station for 6 years so you have that time do to what you want with out taking it in for a SMOG check. IF CHP or someone sends you to the REF then swap it back then.. Figured with the missing CAT you will need to get an O2 simulator, if not then the CEL will be on.

Right, but am I correct in thinking that my OpenFlash Tablet can clear the CEL?

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I'm thinking of running FT-86 Speed Factory catted UEl. (already on the waiting list). with Arc GRiP cat back and see how it goes for volume. if i feel i can go louder i finish out the exhaust with an over pipe and front pipe.

OFT can clear the CEL no problem. they actually have a OFT and OFH combo going that looks pretty promising for power too.

You can clear the problem aka CEL, but your car will always be in relearn mode, therefore fuel trims will be all screwed up and mileage will drop.. You will need to put something in there therefore eliminating the need to reset that thing every time you get to 55mph or higher.

OFT will not just clear the CEL, it will avoid the CEL. If you run the stage 2 tune it takes care of things if you are running a catless header.

I actually have to take a few of my cars in for smog soon... when I am in there I will ask when they think the new OIS system will take over for CA smog... supposedly sometime in mid-2014 I hear. What will happen when that comes into effect, is any cars post 2000 will not require tailpipe emissions check, just hook up computer to OBDII and if no CEL codes, you pass. :w00t:

I've run the FA20club.com EL catted header, it's loud, it flows great, I returned the CBE to stock to reduce the exhaust noise.
Current Setup
EL Catted Header, Perrin Overpipe, Nameless Performance Catted Front Pipe with Helmholtz Resonator, stock exhaust system.
The primary cat is easily replaced with a straight pipe on this header

that will be amazingly car modifying friendly:cheers: