DC race Header Question

[100miles+]

Probably a noob question, but why does it say off road use only when detailing the header on all sites?

It means that its illegal to drive with it on the street or what? I am planning on getting one as soon as dc gets there shipments out. Also, if my 07 civic si sedan is my daily driver and I add a DC race header to it. Would it still be ok to drive on a daily basis?

[Grizam303]

The header eliminates the catalytic converter that is required for all emissions tests. The tickets for this are very steep (I've read $5,000 ballpark), but also from what I've heard, there are like 3 cops in the US who would know to ticket you for it.

The catalytic converter essentially burns off particles that were unburned during ignition. These particles are super toxic and smelly (like when you're driving behind that 1970 Ford).

Personally, I was going to get the DC header, but have decided on the more-expensive Vibrant with HFC. Legally, you could still get ticketed for replacing the functioning stock cat, but you're not bending over the environment to get gains. Also, as a daily driver, the un-catted smell may get to you.

[xslick]

depends on where you live... correct me if im wrong but arent there no emission laws in Fl?

[Grizam303]

Originally Posted by xslick

depends on where you live... correct me if im wrong but arent there no emission laws in Fl?

I've read some people talk about not having emissions laws in their state. I think VA was one; I don't remember FL though.

Seriously though, if you go without a cat, you probably don't need to worry about recycling, fluorescent light bulbs, or turning down the thermostat either. Catalytic converters are the reason we're not globally choking in smog.

[organiz3d_chaos]

Originally Posted by xslick

depends on where you live... correct me if im wrong but arent there no emission laws in Fl?

It is a federal law.....


Some states don't do inspections, but its still illegal in every state

[100miles+]

Thanks, I was looking at the vibrant with high flow cat. Does that get rid of the smell????

Also, will it do anything bad to my car if im driving it on a dail basis?

[Grizam303]

Originally Posted by 100miles+

Thanks, I was looking at the vibrant with high flow cat. Does that get rid of the smell????

Also, will it do anything bad to my car if im driving it on a dail basis?

The cat will take care of the smell. The header (technically the 2nd o2 sensor) may or may not throw a check engine light which will do nothing to the car. You can install a defouler (tons of threads about these) to prevent this.

[Hondacivicsi23]

Originally Posted by Grizam303

I've read some people talk about not having emissions laws in their state. I think VA was one; I don't remember FL though.

Seriously though, if you go without a cat, you probably don't need to worry about recycling, fluorescent light bulbs, or turning down the thermostat either. Catalytic converters are the reason we're not globally choking in smog.

No emission laws here in FL. The smell really isnt as bad as everyone says. I hardly ever notice it. Its only when you have the windows down and its hott out that you really smell it. And the DCRH wont do anything bad to your car, its possible to get a CEL but its rare with a defouler. I got a CEL once WITH the defouler, but thats only because it got clugged up with all the black junk. After it was cleaned the CEL went away.

[xslick]

Originally Posted by organiz3d_chaos

It is a federal law.....


Some states don't do inspections, but its still illegal in every state

i'm pretty sure the law depends on your state... take cali for example a lot diff than where i live... NC

[sh33t_0f_p4p3r]

just weld your stock cat heatshields over your header, thats what im ganan do, atleast itll like you still have cat

[Grizam303]

If you smell it at all, it means you're already inhaling the super-toxic unburned hydrocarbons. I would bet that people behind you can smell it too. It only takes one cop that knows what that smell is, and your next $5,000 isn't going towards a turbo.

sh33t - if the cop smells that you're not running a cat, he's not going to know (nor care) the difference of what a stock and non-stock random model year car looks like (of which happens to be your car).

Defeating engine emissions systems is generally frowned upon. There's a reason why there's a dashboard light for it. You're free to to what you want to your car, but take that step with open eyes.

[jdmcoupe]

how bad is it going to smell

[organiz3d_chaos]

Originally Posted by xslick

i'm pretty sure the law depends on your state... take cali for example a lot diff than where i live... NC

NO... the requirement for a catalytic converter is a federal law set forward by the Clean Air Act

3)(A) for any person to remove or render inoperative any device
or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor
vehicle engine in compliance with regulations under this subchapter
prior to its sale and delivery to the ultimate purchaser, or for any
person knowingly to remove or render inoperative any such device or
element of design after such sale and delivery to the ultimate
purchaser

read:
US CODE--TITLE 42--THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE



also here is another snippet i a little more layman's terms:

According to federal law, catalytic converters may not be removed and replaced with "converter replacement pipes" by any person. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments even prohibit private individuals from installing "converter replacement pipes" on their own vehicles. Anyone who installs such pipes would violate the Clean Air Act. Some may think it's okay to remove a converter if they are offroading, but the law still provides you with the guidelines to follow. All manufacturers certify each engine and chassis configuration meet emission standards and cannot be de-certified by anyone for offroad use.

Even replacing your header with a vibrant high flow cat is illegal unless your current cat is damaged, and this has to be documented. This applies for ANYWHERE in the USA(other places too im sure)


Just because your state does not do emission testing DOES NOT mean you do not have emissions laws, they just are not enforced as heavily.

Other states, Like Communfornia can ADD to these laws, but no state can REMOVE these laws.



That said, if your state is lax enough or you think it is worth the risk, go for it. And as far as the smell goes, it never bothers me. and i drive with the windows down all the time.

[Grizam303]

Nice research. Just to clarify, the prefix to 3-A is "The following acts and the causing thereof are prohibited--".

The smell isn't overpowering, but it is noticeable.

Just to reiterate, if you remove the cat on your car, you lose the right to give anyone grief about not recycling, drinking bottled water, or otherwise being non-eco-friendly. Even if you get the header through a private sale, Al Gore's got a list.

[organiz3d_chaos]

Originally Posted by Grizam303

Nice research. Just to clarify, the prefix to 3-A is "The following acts and the causing thereof are prohibited--".

The smell isn't overpowering, but it is noticeable.

Just to reiterate, if you remove the cat on your car, you lose the right to give anyone grief about not recycling, drinking bottled water, or otherwise being non-eco-friendly. Even if you get the header through a private sale, Al Gore's got a list.

haha, Al Gore is the reason I got mine.

[miketat594]

Yes the ticket's SUCK, and the fines to go with it. If you live in an area that does not do fix it tickets you may be in for a rude awakening, I got lucky and got the fix it ticket, but was informed that if not taken care of I would have to pay a fine of 1500 for a first offence and that it could go up 3x that for a 2nd. Do the catback once you dump the restricted resonator and muffler your gonna feel a good diff from stock. As for the daily driver I go 140 miles a day no probs other than the headach it will give you after a while.
I enjoy my ride more without it, and not that a cop having a bad day won't ticket you for an altered exhaust but the fine is much less and almost always a fix it ticket, save your stock and it's 2 hanger's and and a few bolt's to freedom.