I'm looking through the options of a head/cam swap on my 01-C5-LS1. Looking at the TrickFlow kits, AFR heads, Texas-Speed Magic Stick, etc.

For you Californians in the know.

Here's the big question though. AFR heads are CARB compliant, but it's the Cam that delivers the real power. So, how radical can a Cam get while still being CARB compliant and passing smog ??????

I didn't even know the heads were compliant. I was to the understanding that if it "looks" aftermarket you are getting a fix it ticket in CA.

I didn't even know the heads were compliant. I was to the understanding that if it "looks" aftermarket you are getting a fix it ticket in CA.

Heads are pretty well hidden. Not many people can tell the difference without knowing part numbers.

My concern is how radical the cam ....

Well I think that most good shops kinda know what the limit is on the cam. Also, cops are being trained now to detect aftermarket parts easier, I know that most of the head companies stamp their names on the front of the head for everyone to see.

Well I think that most good shops kinda know what the limit is on the cam. Also, cops are being trained now to detect aftermarket parts easier, I know that most of the head companies stamp their names on the front of the head for everyone to see.

I guess if you get yourself into a position to be hassled by the cops, then you're going to get hassled :sm_party:

Never had that problem before. I've never seen a cop look under the hood before.

If you're speeding they typically want to write you a ticket and go. If you're racing with a bunch of others on a Friday night, I suspect they'll tear you down....

Well I think that most good shops kinda know what the limit is on the cam.

Good point. Maybe I'll finally make that call to DTS...:thumbsup:

I'm looking through the options of a head/cam swap on my 01-C5-LS1. Looking at the TrickFlow kits, AFR heads, Texas-Speed Magic Stick, etc.

For you Californians in the know.

Here's the big question though. AFR heads are CARB compliant, but it's the Cam that delivers the real power. So, how radical can a Cam get while still being CARB compliant and passing smog ??????


I'm a Californian in the know and I'll take a wild stab at 215-220 degrees duration; up from the stock 202/206 degrees. My '82 passes the smog test with flying colors with a 214/214 Erson roller cam. But as I have the cam advanced 4 degrees, that makes a BIG difference in how much crap comes out of the tailpipes.