Roys92BlackRose

I've been hearing a whirring sound when the engine on my 92 starts up, and also periodically while I'm driving. Thought it was a cooling fan stuck on so started checking relays and AC switch. All good. Then I noticed the fans weren't running so I traced the whirring sound to...you guessed it, the A.I.R pump! Silly thing sounds like a hair dryer. FSM gave me the answer. Glad everything is functioning properly. Learn something new about this little hot rod every day!

ricasso

Is it high pitched whistling and rises and falls with the revs? happens at start up and eventually stops a mile or so down the road? If so I have the same on my 94, sounds like its coming from the left side of the engine, what does it even do anyway?

ghoastrider1

careful it not the starter getting stuck. had one happen to me( back in the 70s) and burnt up a nice 66 impala big block.. burnt it to the ground/ashes.

Roys92BlackRose

No, it's a constant whirring noise independent of the engine speed. Located in the left front corner of the engine compartment. Large motor and blower unit.

crowz

That's sounds like the electric air pump that's on my lt1 firebird.

Not sure if the vettes had that or not though.

Kmcoldcars

I used to own the car the OP is talking about. It is indeed the airpump running on startup. Its function, as I understand it, is to pump air into the exhaust when the engine is cold, for emissions reasons. It does indeed sound like a hair dryer going. Enjoy the car. KM

mike100

better than a belt driven one to clutter the accessory drive anyday.

JD Shredds

Question: Was that one of the noises they reduced in the upcoming LT1 years? I recall reading that in '93 and '94 there were some noise and efficiency improvements, but I don't remember specifically what was done.

thegame

Maybe your wife turbocharged it for you!!

crowz

My firebird is a 97 and its quite noticeable so I guess they didn't get much quieter

Was going to sell the 97 formula firebird with the 6 speed trans etc but I think Im going to keep it now in case one of my vettes need a motor transplant or trans one day.

1993C4LT1

Believe 93 was the year that silenced the noise. But that was to silence the valve noise.

MaxDaemon

Nah, no such luck. My '94 makes that exact noise. The only good thing about it is that it WILL go away after awhile. The car warms up and it shuts down.