Tired of leaks with the shortie headers and and that y-****. I'm contemplating selling the shortie headers and going long tube. Main objective is to cut off leaks. Comparing shorties to long tubes which are likely to leak more? How about emission legal?

 

The only way to "legally" make a set of non-emissions headers into smog-legal headers is to submit them for testing yourself to the CARB people, and paying the $3500 fee and letting them test them. However, you can cheat the system by getting an emissions sticker from another company, and telling the smog tester that your headers are legal. However, I've never heard of a long tube header that is emissions legal, only the shorty style.

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1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
13.25 @ 107.18 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Webmaster: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

The tester will be more inclined to believe you if you have the AIR tubing in place (required in CA. on a third gen). Long tubes don't come with AIR tubing, so if you take them off your old shorties, you better be a good welder, or know one.

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85 calif. iroc
383/A4
9" rear

 

As for the leaks, where are they, on the head flange area? If so it won't matter what type of headers if you are not installing them properly, I have used OEM manifold gaskets on my headers with no problems. I have also used header gaskets made exclusively for the headers and had leaks (and vice-versa). One thing to check is to verify that the mounting flange is relatively flat +/-.125 max, otherwise you will get leaks from blown gaskets. Besure to torque the flange to specs and double check after a week of use.

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George P. Lara
1994 Z28 LT1 T56
1984 Z28 High Output
Member: SCCA, SCFB, SC3GFB
Chevy Info --> MadMike's