I ask this because I am trying to buy headers and I can only find shorties with AIR connections. But, if it is not possible to pass emissions anyway, then I might as well go with long tubes. By the way, how much work is involved when going with long tubes. What's your setup?

 

Lots of guys over at Thirdgen.org claim that they pass emissions with flying colors with their deleted AIR system and aftermarket headers. I guess it's all about how good your car is running as well. With that said, I think you may still be able to pull off long tubes for your application, but I would ask around on www.thirdgen.org 's message boards for people who passed emissions in Texas.

As far as the workload when installing long tubes, it's a little harder to get them into the engine compartment than shorties. You may have to remove some things like the alternator, or some parts of the A/C. You also have to watch out for ground clearance as well. I know a few of the guys that run long tubes are cutting it close. Another thing you might wanna consider doing, regardless of long or short, is to put 3-4 coats of hi-temp paint on them, to try and keep them from chipping and flaking off. Big problem with these headers, unless of course you get ceramic coated.

I've got a pair of Summit Shorties, and they just BARELY squeezed in there without having to take anything out, but I STILL cant get to the last stud closest to the firewall on the passenger side, due to the heater box, or A/C box...idk what its called but it's in the passenger side against the firewall. I also sprayed on some hi-temp paint, but they are starting to wear, and I probably could have put a few more coats on, but I was excited to get them into the car, lol. You learn the hard way. Oh yeah, and don't forget to drill out your O2 sensor hole inside the bung. I put them in and forgot to do that, and had to go back later under the car with a drill and a file...not fun. Since then I have learned the importance of "prep work".

Good luck on the LT1 + headers swap bro, keep us updated!

 

if you are running OBII it isnt a problem. but the thing here in MO, it doesnt matter what kind of computer you run but what year you run. im not sure if its a federal law or what. you probably have to run on the rollers. hopefully you can get a tune for emission runs and one for your driving. and just change them out. i dont do emmissions anymore so im not sure on how it would work for ya.

 

Yeah, I dont think it would be a problem to pass emissions with long tubes and deleted AIR. The emissions test have grown more strict since 1987(the year of my car) and the LT1 should be worlds more emissions friendly. I dont know. Thank you for the input. I will try to keep everyone posted as best as I can. Thanks again.

 

I live in Vancouver BC Canada

our emmisions standards are the same as California,

without AIR hooked up but my cat in I pass emmisions, barely,

with an LT1 you shouldn't have a problem with headers but I'd keep the AIR to be safe

 

He's right in a way. Honestly, what you may want to do, is just do the long tubes, and keep your AIR system in your garage or something, and if you DONT pass, you can always convert your headers to be AIR compliant. So hang onto them until you know if you need them or not.

 

If your going to run long tubes ,all you need are the bungs for the tubes (use your stock tubes/or plug them for future)welded in and while your at it you might add another O2 bung on the other side ,of course it would help to know a welder also ,parts would only be around $10-$15. Do this while you have them off.