ld63

Seems daunting to even attempt it. No way you're passing smog without major surgery every two years (or more w/ any 'modified exhaust' tickets/trips to the state ref)

ugh.. really liking the sound of MBH, MHP, and Agency Power headers. Trying not to lose hope..

bhamg

Probably the same as in any other state...one nut at a time.

SROC276

You can always go for a set of shorties so you still run your primary cat.

pjdizzle94

You don't need smog every two years though... By a nice radar and hope for the best. When in comfort it sounds very take and cops can't really tell. Just make sure you don't turn your car on around them or drive in sport+. Downshifts = holy crap

ld63

Thanks. What did you mean by you don't need smog every two years? How does a radar help with that?

And, do shorties achieve the same or similar sound to MBH and Agency Power?

CarHopper

Not a cali resident, but I'd assume if one needs a radar then cops have some sort of portable sniffer...

As for sound, the primaries not only make it quieter but you really don't see the power gains either.

Have you deleted your secondary cats / resonator?

Lastly, if you're set on headers, you can always just swap them when it is time for an inspection. Yes, pain in the ***. However, it's a way it can be done.

pjdizzle94

Radar meaning throw it in comfort when the police are around. I've gotten a solid anoung of fix it tickets for noise on my last car (damn chp) and I'm extra aware of my surroundings with this one.

And I thought california regulation for smog was like 5 or 6. I had my last e92 with catless downpipes for 3 and didn't need smog. If you want to hear my agency power in person shoot me a PM! Not sure if you're in SoCal though

pjdizzle94

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm

Skimmed it and it says 6!

ld63

ah ok makes sense re: radar. I have an integrated passport setup that should cover me in terms of awareness.

PurpleHeartAMG - currently running without secondary cats (straight pipes), but still have resonator and stock everything else. Sounds fantastic but of course tempted to go with headers.

OK so I'd be able to run headers for ~5 years without needing an official smog (ie needing to resolve the issue of not having cats, etc). This also assumes I dont get a modded exhaust ticket in the meantime, which may fast track the need to resolve. Hmmm need to decide if I can commit to the lifestyle :-/

Also, cold starts might be a dealbreaker - crushing my peaceful community with a NASCAR alarm every morning is sure to get me excluded from the block yard sale invites and holiday cookies.

Thanks for the info! I am in socal and will hit you up pjdizzle94 if I get closer to taking the plunge..

CarHopper

Cold starts are loud. However, "Your honor, it's an AMG..." works like a charm.

pjdizzle94

What he said ^ again if you're in SoCal. I can get the ticket situation helped out:.. Maybe even the smog

ld63

"Your honor, it's an AMG..."

Good point! I imagine they deal mostly with rice pipes too

pjdizzle94 - cool man I may just be reaching out if I 'grow the cajones' to put headers on the daily!

Conv_GSDriver

Yes if the car is new, 6 years until you have to re smog it. Headers can yield you some of the biggest gains on the car other than going SC. the one I got recently came with the full akrapovic exhaust so secondary cats and resonator are gone. Sounds great, just don't know if it has a flash tune. Need to get it dynode to see where its at.

odonnks

Seriously... been there, California has great weather but the whole 'Green' attitude really blows.
If your seriously into autos you may want to consider a move.

While the US and other 1st and 2nd world countries strive to clean it up China and India continue to dump it to the rest of us.

CarHopper

Moving for cars is ridiculous especially when there are ways around things.

Now that I got that out of the way... New York's gun laws, car regulations, and lack of legal marijuana is making Washington rather... enticing. CO is gorgeous but altitude kills power so that defeats the purpose.

I'll probably see if I can't find a job in Seattle at some point.

odonnks

Not to derail the op but I know allot of folks who moved for better experiences with their hobbies. If your really into autos its not too different than being into skiing, hunting, horse back riding, off roading etc...

And, don't get me started on firearm laws !!!