CA Smog Check??
 

I've been living in San Diego for 2 years now with my 86 and I currently have Invidia N1 catback w/ midpipe. I am at the point where I want Aftermarket header (MXP to be exact). Would i run into problems getting a smog check and when do i have to get one?

You should be fine unless you throw a CEL with the header. They don't drive the car anymore, they just plug it into the OBD 2 port.

I was going to tune it with the headers. So i guess i'll run into a problem huh.

depends on the smog shop, but chances are most shops will still fail you on the visual test even if the OBD2 test passes. the BAR has been cracking down hard on smog stations, so it's harder and harder to find a shop that will bend the rules even a little bit since their licenses are on the line.

^they will check any aftermarket parts on the car for CARB stickers and then run the # on it to be sure it is for that exact veh. It is rough in California

You will not be fine. Almost every smog shop in CA does a thorough visual inspection looking for aftermarket parts and SMOG exempt stickers.
You have 5 years from build date before the vehicle has to be smogged.
Your best bet is to keep the stock manifold to swap back in when it's time for inspection.
You however can be cited for driving with a modified header or removed cat.
Risk v. reward.

Yeah this citation isn't fun. It is called a REF ticket it is usually $800-$1000 and requires you to go to the BAR to have the car smogged and certified. You can't go to just any smog shop for this one. I have had 2...so I would know....:bonk:

I had one -for a modified intake manifold- in my Rx7 that was registered out of state. I went in for an inspection just for the hell of it, & the car was labeled a gross polluter and is not allowed to be registered in this state(one of my life's greatest accomplishments). In the end the ticket cost me just under $900. Also why I know that it doesn't matter what state your car is registered in, if it is operating on CA highways it needs to meet CA laws.

Can't you swap back to stock prior to it being inspected?

yes and that is recommended. if not, the above advices is more of a warning to others of the high chance (almost guarantee. lol) of failing.

Kinda off topic-ish.

But I wish someone would design a heat shield (similar to OEM) for aftermarket UEL headers. With that I think you would pass a visual inspection.

Yes you can swap back and you should. Just want to make it clear a smog shop will not cit you for a ref ticket only fail your smog test that time. All that means is you would need to do something to correct the issue and come back and pay another $50 to test again. ONLY A POLICE OFFICER CAN CIT YOU A REF TICKET

Ok, so if you were cited a ref ticket...

You have to immediately go get your car inspected? Thus failing if you're aftermarket? Is there no time buffer lol?

Car is illegal to drive if you are cited. It would be impounded if pulled over again without fixing everything