A.I.R pump
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Yerington NV
A.I.R pump
Since I do not need to smog my 80 anymore in Georgia, I was told by a buddy of mine (also a vette owner in AZ), that some people just cut the belt that goes to the pump and leave it all in place without a belt.
My question is, how much does that improve performance and is it worth even thinking about doing? Are there other things that should also be removed/modified to increase performance when doing it?
My question is, how much does that improve performance and is it worth even thinking about doing? Are there other things that should also be removed/modified to increase performance when doing it?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I don't think it is a simple as cutting the belt. You really should disconnect/remove all the plumbing that goes with it and plug all the fittings if your emissions system isn't working. Anything connected to the crankshaft pulley is going to suck power, but I don't know how much.
I don't have any emissions equipment on my GM 350 HO, but it has Vortec heads, and they burn pretty clean.
I don't have any emissions equipment on my GM 350 HO, but it has Vortec heads, and they burn pretty clean.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
You can in fact delete the AIR pump and yes cutting the belt would effectively do that, but that is a very bubba way to do things.
A better way: Remove the entire pump, its hoses, diverter valve and control lines and brackets. This will require a new shorter bolt in the waterpump. You will be chocked at how much it clears up the engine bay. Either cap the air injection tube holes in the manifolds or replace them with headers.
Performance improvement? A little, it will not shave 4 secs off your ET.
The pump uses about 5 to 7 hp at cruise IIRC.
A better way: Remove the entire pump, its hoses, diverter valve and control lines and brackets. This will require a new shorter bolt in the waterpump. You will be chocked at how much it clears up the engine bay. Either cap the air injection tube holes in the manifolds or replace them with headers.
Performance improvement? A little, it will not shave 4 secs off your ET.
The pump uses about 5 to 7 hp at cruise IIRC.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,502
From: Little Rock AR
Not worth the hassle IMHO to mess with the AIR pump unless you get afterfiring when you back off the gas. That is one issue you can experience especialy if the diverter valve is shot.
Pulling the cat off IS worth the trouble.
-Mark.
Pulling the cat off IS worth the trouble.
-Mark.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 2
From: San diego ca
I would be really surprised if the AIR pump took as much as 5 hp to turn, in any case the effect on performance is going to be negligable. The engine bay will certainly look less cluttered but thats about the limit of benefits you will detect removing the AIR system.
If you are still using the factory Catalytic convertor then there is a fair amount of benefit to be had removing that. if you have a high flow convertor then the benefit is reduced.
If you are still using the factory Catalytic convertor then there is a fair amount of benefit to be had removing that. if you have a high flow convertor then the benefit is reduced.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
I would be really surprised if the AIR pump took as much as 5 hp to turn, in any case the effect on performance is going to be negligable. The engine bay will certainly look less cluttered but thats about the limit of benefits you will detect removing the AIR system.
If you are still using the factory Catalytic convertor then there is a fair amount of benefit to be had removing that. if you have a high flow convertor then the benefit is reduced.
If you are still using the factory Catalytic convertor then there is a fair amount of benefit to be had removing that. if you have a high flow convertor then the benefit is reduced.
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Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Cecil County Maryland
What is the issue? Will it effect the performance of the vehicle with stock carb, intake etc. just curious. Or are you saying to remove the whole component instead of part and will that effect the the performance? If you take out the cat should you just take out the AIR? Just curious.