Anybody put the factory 1998+ tubular headers on a '96?

[Lawrenzo]

I know they are 24 pounds lighter, but do they add any HP on a 708 cam motor? Only reason I am considering this route is to have the car pass CA smog without any issues.

 

[99 R/T 10]

May add 5 HP at the most. Biggest + is the weight loss.

 

[Dom426h]

Why would aftermarket headers cause any smog issues? The Gen1/2 has no pre-cats off the headers like alot of newer vehicles.
Only one cat in the sidesills which if left inplace should sniff clean for the smog test.

 

[Lawrenzo]

The visual test is the issue. When I smogged my car this week the tech should have been required to use lube. He got so deep into my engine bay I thought he was never coming back out.

 

[Dom426h]

They are covered by heatshields. Even if you could see them how would a tech know the diff between the 98+ tubular headers and aftermarket ones?

 

[Lawrenzo]

My guy has done a bunch of Vipers so he let me in on what he looks for. I guess I need to find a noob.

 

[plumcrazy]

id call DC and see what he suggests. but isnt bad bioyz garage from cali too ?

 

[Ron]

Done it. Weight savings yes and while well within the margin of error, I observed slightly less HP (1.7 as I remember) after the swap. Hardly worth the effort. Go big if you're going to go.

 

[Lawrenzo]

Thanks for the first hand experience. Sounds like my idea is a dead end.