What exactly does the A.I.R. pump do?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 10
From: Montrose Colorado
Re: What exactly does the A.I.R. pump do? (Stevmill)
Your right it does have to do with emissions. Do you need it, probably in California. What does it do, basically it pumps fresh air into the exhaust system. Will the car run ok without it, no problemo. Good luck 84 CF 91 ZR-1 #2039
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: What exactly does the A.I.R. pump do? (Stevmill)
The AIR pump through the diverter valve provides air into the exhast manifold during warmup to reduce emissions and quickly heat the O2 sensor so the ECM can enter closed loop mode. After warmup the diverter switches air flow into the cat, under some conditions; otherwise it is dumpped to the atmosphere.
Technically you could replace the O2 sensor with a heated unit and replace the stock cat with a more efficient new one and eliminate the AIR apparatus with cleaner emissions.
However, as you live in beautiful CA, the smog police will likely nail you on the visual test.
Technically you could replace the O2 sensor with a heated unit and replace the stock cat with a more efficient new one and eliminate the AIR apparatus with cleaner emissions.
However, as you live in beautiful CA, the smog police will likely nail you on the visual test.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
From: NYC NY
Re: What exactly does the A.I.R. pump do? (Stevmill)
It pumps air into the exhaust lines in front of the pre-cats and the main cat. This helps heat up the cats and thus helps burn off excess fuel and other things escaping into the atmosphere. As far as I know Cali. is pretty strict in most places as far as altering your emissions equiptment. I don't think it would be a great idea to get rid of it as you probably won't pass a visual inspection.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 81
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From: San Jose CA
Re: What exactly does the A.I.R. pump do? (65Z01)
So, it sounds like if removed, the emission levels should be OK, right?
As for the visual test, how many other cars have these? I haven't seen one before or after the Vette. Do they have some sort of guide telling them what to look for? :confused:
As for the visual test, how many other cars have these? I haven't seen one before or after the Vette. Do they have some sort of guide telling them what to look for? :confused:
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,148
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: What exactly does the A.I.R. pump do? (Stevmill)
So, it sounds like if removed, the emission levels should be OK, right?
As for the visual test, how many other cars have these? I haven't seen one before or after the Vette. Do they have some sort of guide telling them what to look for? :confused:
As for the visual test, how many other cars have these? I haven't seen one before or after the Vette. Do they have some sort of guide telling them what to look for? :confused:
Your emission label on the car states what is to be on the car. If it is missing they have reference books.
You can buy eliminator kits from most Vette vendors such as Ecklers or Mid-America. Here is the one from ZIP, $159:
tom...
[Modified by Tom73, 12:54 PM 8/21/2002]
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 81
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From: San Jose CA
Re: What exactly does the A.I.R. pump do? (Tom73)
Yeah, I saw the kit, that was what got me to thinking about removing it. I wanted to clean up the engine area, plus get a few HP back. If removed will it add a lot to the emissions? I guess I am asking if I find a "friendly":rolleyes: shop to do the test (at least on the visual part, do you still think it will pass the actual emissions test? I was thinking of doing this after I get a ZZ4 short block in.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,148
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: What exactly does the A.I.R. pump do? (Stevmill)
Removing it will give you more HP and it will add to the emissions. Would depend upon finding a testing station that would pass it with the pump gone. Gain in HP? Does not take much to turn that pump. Maybe gain 3 hp, not enough to feel. So is the hp gain worth the emission testing hassle?
tom...
tom...
