Exhaust/smog question for all you Cali guys

[blocke]

So being blessed that I live in the state with the strictest, most BS smog restrictions..Im somewhat limited on what options I have for aftermarket "smog legal" parts.

Im looking to upgrade the entire exhaust system on my 90 325i.
What are my options for headers, cat, and cat-back that are CA smog legal? I dont want to have to fool with returning my car back to stock every 2 years, and then putting all my parts back on.

Any companies make CARB legal headers that bolt to the stock cat without modification?

Any help from you fellow california members would be greatly appreciated!

[E30_fiend]

No companies make CARB legal headers because headers are illegal on any CA car if they arent stock.

BUT HEY!!

youre in luck. Here's my setup that passes smog with flying colors:

Ireland Engineering Mid Tube headers

Custom 2.5" piping through a Magnaflow highflow cat

to a Spyntech single in single out muffler with dual 3" tips.

I am also running 19lb injectors FWIW

So after looking over that you should feel more than comfortable picking you exhaust setup. The REAL thing you have to worry about is sound decibles in CA not smog provisions. Cops and CHPs in California are nazis when it comes to sound decible regulation.

As long as your motor is in good running condition and you have a known working cat and o2 sensor the you will be fine.





Taylor

[stumble_t]

Its awesome that Taylor was able to get all that stuff to pass, just don't expect the same results. CARB and BAR are very subjective. It depends on the tech or referee that you end up dealing with in most cases, which is a very well documented topic of frustration. Also certain more densely populated areas seem to carry stricter guidelines than less populated areas (there was a write-up about this somewhere) And yes they can fail you for the visual REGARDLESS of how the car blows.(headers)

[Pinepig]

No companies make CARB legal headers because headers are illegal on any CA car if they arent stock.

This would be incorrect, there are many headers available for cars in California that have CARB exemptions, just not any for the E30.

[Brian 89 325i]

This would be incorrect, there are many headers available for cars in California that have CARB exemptions, just not any for the E30.

Ding Ding Ding!!!