California NSX's with non-CARB Headers

[nsx1]

There is a set of headers that I would like to get, but they are not CARB certified. How do you California NSXer's, with non-CARB headers, get through smog inspection? Do you cross your fingers that they don't check during the visual inspection, or what? This might only apply to NA2... I'm not sure.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[CDub]

I'm not advising that you should ignore it, but as long as I have owned my car, most of the smog stations don't event know where the engine is. So far, none have actually jacked up the car to check for non-CARB parts.

 

[BD]

There will always ways around that problem. If I'm correct, only Comptech is CARB legal, so every one with Taitec, Fujitsubo, DC Sports (AKA SOS) would not past, but that's not the case... They do.

 

[scorp965]

I have supersprint headers on my car, and had no header-related issues last January when I had the car smogged... I would say it's similar to an aftermarket intake, in that if your smog station starts to give a suspicious eye towards these items perhaps you would be better served finding another smog station. Personally I do not see what relevance items like a carb certification on headers, or a intake design, have to do with anything, provided the car passes a simple emmissions test.

 

[SoCalDude]

I have the Comptech headers and they pass with no problem. I've had my car smogged twice now and they have never looked at the headers. As long as the headers are capable of passing smog, you have a good chance that the tech will not inspect them.

 

[otto_joe]

On my previous NSX, the tech noted the CARB number on my DC headers, but then again I'm in an area where they require you to run on a dyno so they may be a little more strict.

What are the gains from the non CARB headers you are thinking about? I personally went with Comptech the second go around since I wanted reliablity(my DC headers cracked) and CARB peace of mind.

Otto

 

[CDub]

Mine are DC also and I do recall a Card label on the headers before they were installed.

Have had numerous smog checks since 98 and no issue.

Yes I too had a 1 inch crack on the flex pipe

 

[Hapa88]

I think most smog stations will have no clue to even look at your headers, even with "Test Only" stations. Your car should pass no problem. I don't see any reason why a header alone would cause any increase in smog levels. Even if you added an exhaust (just as long as the CATs are still in working order), the numbers shouldn't be outside of the allowable range.

Also double check.. . but I thought I read that the stock OEM NA2 header is supposed to be very well tuned already. Aftermarket headers for NA2s have shown little if any gain in performance, if I remember correctly.

 

[Tom239]

Biannual inspections aren't required in my county. :biggrin: