Exhaust maifolds/headers

[Bob_K]

I have a '79 L-82 that has full length headers with true duals run. My job makes me move a lot and I'm afraid I may soon end up in California so I have to get all the emissions and exhaust junk up to snuff. I know I have to replace the exhaust system to be legal, so I was planning on going with one of the complete kits offered by MA or Eckler's. My questions are:
1) Does anyone make a quality shorty header that I can bolt up instead of manifolds until I know for sure where I'm going?
2) If I put on the tubular manifolds from 81-82, do I need to but an 81-82 exhaust kit, or should I order the 79 that would be for my car?
3) Would it be legal for me to use the tubular heads?
4) Would I actually see an improvement over the ram horn headers or are they just lighter (which may be enough reason to use them even withour hp gains)

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[JohnZ]

California not only requires that the car pass an emissions test, they require that the emission system components visually match original equipment, unless the replacement non-stock components carry a C.A.R.B. E.O. number. Some California guys can chime in if that's not correct, but that's the way I understand it. If you're going to spend some money on it, you probably want to get components that will pass the visual inspection portion of the test.

 

[KenSny]

Don't transfer to CA........ simple solution. I moved out in '74 and never looked back.