Air Pump Delete
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Troy Illinois
Air Pump Delete
I am going to remove the air pump and all related tubing and control units on my 1985 Corvette. If I have read past posts this should not cause a check engine light, is this correct? Also when I cut the tubes going to the exhause manifold I plan on pluging those holes with sheet metal screws, will this work? Is there a better way to plug these holes? I am installing an Edelbrock maniflod and runners and I though this would clean up the engine compartment and I don't need to pass emissions in my area. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Meridian Mississippi
I wouldnt put screws in the exhaust. I removed mine and bought a delete kit from TPIS. then I cut the rubber piece where the airpump tube connects to the exhaust manifold and put a 3/8 plug in the remaining rubber to block the hole. I didnt get a service engine soon light. it looks all nice and neat too!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 13
From: USA
Its been a while, but I did the same thing to my '85. I put brass pipe caps on the metal fittings at each manifold and removed the vanes inside the pump. I pulled out a bunch of stuff that year, but don't remember the details. I do have a box of parts from the project collecting dust in my garage. I remember a couple of relays under the front of the throttle body that I left hooked up and wire-tied them out of the way.
Never threw a code.
As I type this, I remember what led to the project. The previous owner installed dual exhaust leaving a steel line dangling under the passenger side rear of the engine compartment that used to be connected to the original exhaust. It would rattle from time to time. It was part of this system (EGR?). I began removing it and got a little carried away.
Never threw a code.
As I type this, I remember what led to the project. The previous owner installed dual exhaust leaving a steel line dangling under the passenger side rear of the engine compartment that used to be connected to the original exhaust. It would rattle from time to time. It was part of this system (EGR?). I began removing it and got a little carried away.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Troy Illinois
Yes welding is the way to go. I guess there never is an easy way. Welding will take just a few minutes but I am sure it will be a pain to take them off, been on the car for ulmost 25 years! I hate to try to weld them closed while on the car, might burn the whole thing up (along with myself and the house).
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Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 4
From: Made In America
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
I went to Napa and bought a clay that hardens when rolled and applied. It is as hard as stell. I cut off the air tubes on the manifold with a dremel, covered the holes with the putty and have no issues whatsoever. The manifolds did not come off either.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 4
From: Made In America
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
You know everything. If you know as much about driving, your the next Dale E. Just in case, I am going to be your manager. I will take my 5% cut of all winnings.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Hey Dan, How are ya? 
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Halifax Nova Scotia
When I cut my tubes off i left a tiny bit of tube to pinch together, then applied some permatex exhaust system repair stuff. Comes in a tube as water based ceramic and hardens like a rock.
I did this as a temporary fix knowing id be purchasing long tubes in the near future. (which came in last week!!)
If I was going to find a permanent fix, I would have had them welded.
I did this as a temporary fix knowing id be purchasing long tubes in the near future. (which came in last week!!)
If I was going to find a permanent fix, I would have had them welded.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I removed everything related to the smog pump from my '85. All the vacuum tubes and wiring crap. I took the AIR pump off, opened it and knocked out the fins inside to keep it quiet and left it on the car. I dont see the point in spending $150 on a bracket with a pulley on it. As far as the exhaust manifolds go I just left mine uncapped. There is a valve in there that will keep exhaust from escaping but it will make a fluttering sound when you drive which is very annoying so I would just go ahead and cap them anyway... or get long tube headers without the pipes 
