Headers and Exhaust kits for CJ5 258

Okay another question from me, I want to put headers and a new exhaust set up on my 1980 cj5. Problem is I am going to be moving to Cali. soon and I am sure you all know about the Emission laws there. So what i am asking is if there is a set up that would give me the power and the Demonic growl I want for my jeep that will also allow me to pass emission laws.


I am still not sure if I wanna register it in another state nearby that does no require such strict testing.

 

Born and raised in CA, still hanging on by my broken fingernails. IMHO, CARB (California air Resourse Board) has over the years, become one of the most relentless, ruthless, agencies in the state. They require all original smog equipment, in perfect operating condition, for ALL autos built from 1976 forward. If they catch you being a resident of the state for more than 30 days, driving a vehicle registered out of state, things get grim, and expensive. For instance, you get two parking tickets on your vehicle from Oregon over a 3 month time span, and you have a CA address, the fines can be unbelieveable, along with possible criminal prosecution, unless you are a real good tap dancer.

1975 and older vehicles are worth their weight in gold here, for just that reason. After initial inspection, providing you pass, you will be smogged every two years in most counties. ( I happen to live in one of the few counties where once you past the first inspection, you never have to smog again, but this is not the case in any kind of urban area) So bring in the 80 stock, pass smog (do what they call a pre-inspection first, so you can correct any problems before you are labled a "gross polluter") and you can do what you want to your vehicle for two years, until your next inspection. Then ya gotta put it back to stock, and pass. A big PITA, but I know people who go through the hassle.

If you would like to get the word on the true scope of this orwellian nightmare, right from the horses mouth, I would suggest a visit (set aside a few hours) to the CARB website.

I just went through a huge battle at the DMV, involving every single clerk, and supervisor in the office, and a visit to the Highway Patrol to prevent them from forcing me to smog my '75. The situation was made far worse due to the fact that the jeep was registered in Oregon before it became mine. In the end the '75 and older law was the only thing that saved me. And again, I live in a county with probably the most lax smog rules in the state.

As the '75 and older rule is the ONLY smog law not subject to change (ever increasing restrictions) were I you, I'd sell the '80, and buy/build yourself a killer 75 or older.

Its the only real way to keep these guys out of your hair (providing you have any)

 

OKay i seem to understand what you are saying, mostly. But if I am in the military

Do fall into this as well. If not than it will suck horribly but I think I can live with switching back and forth. Or changing my home resident to a state that requires no Inspection.:twisted:

 

Regarding the '80 engine, that's the last year of the 'heavyweight' 258, with the cast iron manifolds, steel valve cover etc.

The manifolds from an '81 or later will fit your 258, though I expect you already have a 2V carburetor. The intake manifold is an aluminum 2V and a big improvement over the stock cast iron intake manifold.

The 81-on exhaust manifold is much smoother than your manifold, and can be paired to a low-restriction muffler and convertor (if your app uses one). The exhaust from the cat-back will give you the sound that you want, and you'll still be within the emissions laws. You may have a slight interference with your power steering bracket (if you have PS), but all you need to do is grind a small notch into one of the brackets to clear.

Which carburetor do you have? Whether you have a 1V or 2V, I would suggest buying the Howel fuel injection kit to replace it. It has a CARB number and is certified legal in CA. AFAIK that's your only option other than 100% stock for a post-76 vehicle in CA. You must keep all the original emissions equipment, in addition to the Howell kit.
http://www.howellefi.com/shop/customer/product.php?productid=16214&cat=0

 

Jack, first off, thank you for your service in the military. Yes, that could create some sort of a special situation. Again, I would recommend a visit to the CARB website. If possible, try to do a search and find the precise written regulation. The law is so complex, if you go to any DMV and ask in person what the law is, you will get a different answer from each official you speak with.

I have had to "educate" more than one clerk/supervisor. It is much harder for them to make up their own rules if you have a copy of the written statute with you. 9 times out of 10 they will try to make up the rules on their own...

 

military wont help much... some posts will make all vehicles comply with county/state laws even if registered out of state.i got lucky, in WA vehicles 25yrs and older do not have to go through emissinos.

i runa borla header and exhaust and love the way it sounds... dont know how i'd do if i had to go through emissions though.

 

Soo does any one know If California has a set date/year all I could find online in 1975 or is it done by years or how old the car is i.e thirty years. In three years i can put Antique plate on my jeep here in Luisianna.

 

hello from California.. Welcome to the state crazy laws... !976 or earlier no Smog... Just went to DMV two weeks ago and got the facts.

 

The thirty year deal use to be in effect in CA. I don't remember when, precisely, but it was changed in the interest of cleaner air. At some point CARB came to the conclusion that smog controls had reached a point where everything made from 1976 onward would be forever maintainable...parts would be available. There is one rule...1975 and older, no smog necessary.
1976 and newer, always gotta smog. There is no 30 year rule in CA. Doesen't get simpler than that.

 

I will have to second Farfle's findings, I may mistepped when I said 1976 and older and meant 1976 and newer!@ Big difference in your case.