Smart Header for the 451

[mendo]

Originally Posted by rexxxlo

should be installing mine this weekend got some header wrap too as i wasn't sure if the heat shield was still intact after install
its a 50' roll so i should have a ton left over.....

also i understand that the CEL ill come on but there is a window from the time you reset it and the time the emissions scan is done that you can get a pass on the test

also if ppl just wrap the o2 sensor and replace the one in the header with a plug it got me thinking is this a nominal thread or something we can find in a hardware store or is it a special thread for just o2 sensors?

i will test it out but if anyone knows about the thread and if another sensor can be put in its place to plug the hole please let us know

there are 2 O2 sensors. you gotta have the primary one it so the ECU reads how the fuel mix is. the 2nd one just senses if the cat is functioning, that will throw the CEL.

[bluedeuce]

Originally Posted by rexxxlo

also if ppl just wrap the o2 sensor and replace the one in the header with a plug it got me thinking is this a nominal thread or something we can find in a hardware store or is it a special thread for just o2 sensors?

It's a regular M18 x 1.5 thread, but a plug for that is a bit too exotic for a typical hardware store. See the bottom of this page:

O2 Bungs & Plugs | RacePartSolutions.com

[rexxxlo]

well its in and its loud !
70 mph at about 3660 rpm is the quietest spot on the thruway


i got a cel in about 2 hours

and i didnt realise that every year i need to get an inspection in the great state of NY that requires a test scan of the obdII port and this will fail me

i can
1 get a waiver for one year then have to do something about it the next
2 swap the old exhaust in every year or inspection
3 go back to factory
4 find a workaround

what is everyone's suggestions
i will be calling DTH in the morning to see if they have any recommendations

unless someone from there reads this and can PM me

[John_H]

My personal suggestion: save the header for offroad use and return the car to legally stop emitting pollutants that would otherwise be converted by the catalytic converter for your commuting pleasure.

[bluedeuce]

Originally Posted by rexxxlo

i got a cel in about 2 hours...what is everyone's suggestions

If you want to keep the header, you could try an antifouler. They sometimes work and sometimes don't. You could also try clearing the codes across the street from the inspection station.

[rexxxlo]

Originally Posted by John_H

My personal suggestion: save the header for offroad use and return the car to legally stop emitting pollutants that would otherwise be converted by the catalytic converter for your commuting pleasure.

suggestion noted but is pollution road dependent? is it ok to pollute off road but not on?

[VinceLA]

Originally Posted by rexxxlo

suggestion noted but is pollution road dependent? is
it ok to pollute off road but not on?

In my books "off road" = race track. So yes, all full blown race cars are polluting the environment. But spectators/workers/pitcrew members who attend/work at such events know what they are getting into. They had a choice: either to attend/work in such environment or not to.

But your next door neighbor, fellow highway/road users, pedestrians didn't have a choice when you zoom pass them on their way to work/school/shopping. They did not expect your car to be cat-less.

That being said, of course, one can argue shouldn't the older cars be retrofitted with cats. Perhaps they all should. There should be a group pushing for this bill somewhere...

[rexxxlo]

Originally Posted by VinceLA

In my books "off road" = race track. So yes, all full blown race cars are polluting the environment. But spectators/workers/pitcrew members who attend/work at such events know what they are getting into. They had a choice: either to attend/work in such environment or not to.

But your next door neighbor, fellow highway/road users, pedestrians didn't have a choice when you zoom pass them on their way to work/school/shopping. They did not expect your car to be cat-less.

That being said, of course, one can argue shouldn't the older cars be retrofitted with cats. Perhaps they all should. There should be a group pushing for this bill somewhere...

then why is there a mating flange to attach the factory muffler race cars dont use mufflers

its sold to the public im in that group and i respect your right to not agree so lets leave it at that?
now back to the topic
i got a header on the smart and its loud! my weedwacker got jealous when i started it and hid behind my pressure washer generator and lawnmower and leaf blower all of which have no cat and come really close to my neighbor and pedestrians that use the sidewalk around my house and they dont have a choice or heck they dont seem to mind either

but my CEL comes on so i got problems might put it back to stock might not i kinda like it

[John_H]

Originally Posted by rexxxlo

suggestion noted but is pollution road dependent? is it ok to pollute off road but not on?

Off-road use tends to be significantly fewer miles, less overall fuel consumed and - even without the cat - fewer pollutants generated than a commuter car going about its daily grind. Putting 12k miles per year on a car without a cat is doing nobody on this earth a service.

Originally Posted by rexxxlo

then why is there a mating flange to attach the factory muffler race cars dont use mufflers

Perhaps because race cars are designed for conditions where there is limited or no backflow pressure. It's my understanding that modern engines will easily burn the valves if there isn't significant back pressure. With no muffler - burnt valves. With a muffler, the valves are protected but the particularly nasty pollutants still escape free and clear.

Often there are reasons for laws beyond just wanting to cause problems for the populace. And there are reasons the people who develop and sell the headers state that they're for off-road use only.

[mendo]

Originally Posted by John_H

Off-road use tends to be significantly fewer miles, less overall fuel consumed and - even without the cat - fewer pollutants generated than a commuter car going about its daily grind.

even running super rich to make the most HP they can realize, all the race cars running "off-road" right now do not make a "drop-in-the-bucket" of pollutants compared to the 350 billion autos on the morning commute.

there are not many that will bypass all the EPA stuff on their car and figure out a way to sneak it past the gov each time. In my opinion, those that do generally have their cars running pretty good. Keep in mind that too rich doesn't make power either.