Mr. Monday

I live out in California so I have to worry about emissions more than the other states. I spoke to the guys at Weistec and they said that their long tube headers are a no go for CA residents who don't want to throw a CEL. My question is how far can I go? Is it worth it to do headers at all if I live in CA? I have been eyeing these Kleemann ones on vividracing.com https://www.vividracing.com/catalog/...9-p-56202.html.

I would also like to switch to an x-pipe and a quad exhaust but I'm not really sure where to start with that. I assume that high flow cats would be beneficial as well considering the emission regulations.

kb24forlife24

I have a CLK500 and wanna do headers as well but can't figure out how to pass smog with them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Amir_AMG

no headers would be legal for CA, best bet is doing whatever system you want and finding a place to "pay off"

MouTine

First... The headers in that link are for M113 V8, not for M156. Second... The picture of headers in that link is not Kleemann headers. Can't say anything about actual product but in pucture there is no Kleemann headers.

Mr. Monday

This may be the best bet, but a lot of mechanics probably won't even install them.

I realize the picture is wrong but the price is enticing depending on what they actually look like.

insame1

Any modification to the intake or exhaust will fail the visual for smog. In CA if you are pulled over for exhibition of speed or suspected street racing the cops can look for these mods and if found can impound your car and refer it to the BAR.

Mr. Monday

Luckily a cop wouldn't be able to see headers on the m156 engine by just looking at the engine bay. Also, although I really like the idea of a true dual exhaust (quad tip) it seems like a daunting task on the clk63 cabrio due to the spare tire well location.

insame1

You can register your car in amador or siskiyou county.

kb24forlife24

How would you do it? Register with a PO box?

insame1

I dont think a PO box would work. I may have had some friends that let me use their address when in was in CA.

Jim's500E

What are you looking for, more power or sound?

The car stock is about one of the fastest drop-tops around with a ton of HP on a normally aspirated motor in a 'economy' sized chassis.

One can delete or gut the front resonator for more sound and perhaps a bit more responsive throttle.

A fresh engine management program could move around the power more aggressively but a chip won't make anymore power on a NA car, usually, unless you can get more air in and out (intake work/headers/freer flowing exhaust).