Hi Any body got a stock manifold set for sale. Need to take headers off because I need an inspection sticker. Police in Va said that can't run headers. Mike
What year? If it is before 75 you should be ok... 75s are a mixed bag. Some had cats that year, some did not. Have to look at the emission sticker on the valve cover to find out. I was a North Carolina emissions inspector at one time. I can't imagine VA being more strict. Kalifornia is about the only one to take that honor. My 75 would not pass (and I was an inspector)... I went to the Highway Patrol to get a variance, but they would not give it without seeing a sticker on a stock valve cover dated 1975 and stating "non-cataylist". I had just thrown my original covers out, and remember clearly that's what they said. I thought about finding a 302 cover from the junkyard with the right wording, which would have worked, but it was easier to get a TN plate. Anyway, you are probably getting misinformation from a zealous, but ignorant beauracrat. From experience, if you don't know the law, emissions enforcers can ruin your day. Not on purpose, but maybe they haven't done the job long enough to know what the rules are on older cars. Good luck Dave
I have a set of factory exhaust manifolds for a 302 in a Maverick if that would help. craig(a)maverickcorral.com
Thanks Now I think I need to do more research into the laws and rules in Va. As for the year of the car, it is a 1974 Comet GT. It has a 1968 289 in it I think. It was a race motor that I had bought in 1986 and in 1995 had it refreshed and/or rebuilt, car has headers on it now and I was told it could not be inspected with headers on it. I was fine when I had antique tags on it but sometimes I need to drive it more than to just go to shows and the shop. Does anyone know the url for Va inspection rules and regulations, I will google it and see what I come up with. Thanks for the replies. Later Mike
Also, find out if VA inspects by car year or engine year when a swap has been done. If both car and engine are pre-smog, some states inspect under the rules of the engine year. 74 did not have cats, so headers would not be an issue. Headers run cleaner and more fuel efficient, so they shouldn't be an issue. The only reason they don't pass with cats is because they don't allow cats to heat up enough to function. I remember other inspectors and state police referees that just tossed out anything that wasn't stock out of pure laziness. Some folks get a power trip and you have to fight for your rights. Good luck Dave
That is very interesting that the headers aren't a issue. That is one thing that one inspector said would not work. I will get on the horn in the morning and talk to the State police. In the mean time I may just put the antique tags back on and go. Had a chance to read up on antique tags. They are restrictive but there is some latitude if you just think hard enough. Thanks Mike
Are you going to put the manifolds back on just long enough to get it inspected, then put the headers back on? If you are going to the manifolds permanently, I would be willing to swap and pay for those headers, if they are in good shape. Look into the rules and other inspectors first, I would hate to take 20HP from you without you verifying that you NEED to lose them...
