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A.I.R System Delete?

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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 03:40 PM
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Default A.I.R System Delete?

Hi,
I've got an 81 that I'm nursing back and I've thought about deleting the AIR system. The belt has already been remove (the way I bought it) and with non OE carb etc, I've got hoses that go?? So, I thought I'd just remove the system all together. I've included a pic just to get an idea of what I'm dealing with.

My question is, is there a write-up on doing this, and what exactly to remove?

I realize the obvious of pulling the pump etc, but I'm not entirely sure what else should be removed - hoses, shielding, etc... and will this impact the check engine light (CEL)?? It's on now, and I'm not entirely sure just why yet. If I can start with removing the AIR system and that has no impact on the CEL than that's one less thing I have to diagnose. The carb also has lines that are disconnected as the new carb does not have the connections the OE system had.

Any help is much appreciated!
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 03:55 PM
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When I removed the AIR form my 69 over 40 years age, I plugged the holes in the exhaust manifolds & also removed the drive pulley. I have since installed headers, no evidence it was ever there. This should not effect check engine light.
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 08:15 PM
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Well, the CEL light is on likely because the carb has been changed out and the 2 electrical connectors are disconnected. Deleting the AIR system is easy enough, simply remove the parts and install plugs in the ex manifold ports. I think there is 1 bracket connected to the ex on the pass side, that bolt will need to be replaced. Something else, if you have the stock distributor your not getting any spark advance because the CCC is stuck in Limp Home mode because of the carb connections. Check around on there to see what else is disconnected. It is probably time to make some decisions: Either put all the right parts back in and run the CCC or delete ie and replace the distributor and a few other things
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 08:21 PM
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CCC? It runs ok, so I don't think its in limp mode. There is one line that runs down to a hard line thats bolted - on the passenger side. Not sure where it goes.

Whats the solution for the people who swap out the carbs and don't have the (electrical) connections?
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Old Mar 2, 2016 | 08:23 AM
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I've read many old post that say to "pull" the manifold tubes out...these look to be welded in. What is the best way to remove them?? Once removed, what should be done to plug them??

Also, there is a vacuum line that ties to a hard-line that's bolted. You can see it in one of the pics. What's to be done with that??

Sorry for so many questions, I just really don't want to screw something up by barbarically tearing things out.
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Old Mar 2, 2016 | 03:26 PM
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Like someone said above, you have a choice to either take it back to stock or get rid of all the smog and AIR stuff. It sounds like you are part way there already with the carb being changed out. Depends on how you feel about it and where you live. In Ohio we don't need emissions stuff on anything over 25 years so I took all that off and removed the CCC and it's harness. Much cleaner and easier. Then you're on your way to building a hot rod!
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Old Mar 3, 2016 | 06:32 PM
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I removed the AIR pump from my '81 and plugged the manifolds with a pipe cap. I rebuilt the E4ME carburetor and have been able to get everything else working correctly, engine wise. I have an extra '81 carb and it seems fully functional but I would refresh it before I put it a car. If interested you can have it for $135, shipped via UPS and it contains the two electrical connections.

I almost pulled the carb and computer but I am very glad I did not. I have learned a lot about this car by fixing it correctly.

Good luck.
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Old Mar 3, 2016 | 09:35 PM
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My 75 was easier car sat 19 years, when I got it running air pump locked up heat riser flapping loudly, non of this made sense to me an old hot rodder, I removed all of it plugged all lines, recurved the distributor, tuned it, rebuilt carb, removed original cat & replaced exhaust 21/2" low restriction mufflers. It runs like a 327 300 hp old style vette.
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Old Mar 4, 2016 | 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 64roadster
I removed the AIR pump from my '81 and plugged the manifolds with a pipe cap. I rebuilt the E4ME carburetor and have been able to get everything else working correctly, engine wise. I have an extra '81 carb and it seems fully functional but I would refresh it before I put it a car. If interested you can have it for $135, shipped via UPS and it contains the two electrical connections.

I almost pulled the carb and computer but I am very glad I did not. I have learned a lot about this car by fixing it correctly.

Good luck.
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