Can I remove the AIR pump
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,022
Likes: 37
From: SW Fla
Can I remove the AIR pump
I recently installed headers on the GS. I want to remove the AIR pump and all the pipes that connect to the headers and the back of the intake. I basically want to take it all out. Can this be done without any ill effects (throwing codes) or will I need to wait until I have the ECM reprogrammed? I assume the car will still run properly? I know I will have to get the block off plates for the back of the intake, but beyond that, what is all involved?
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Cooper city Fl
I removed the air pump system from my L98 1986 without any problems. Not sure about your 96. My car runs fine. No codes. One word of advise. On my car I used breathless performance air pump by-pass pulley and had to shorten my serpentine belt by 1 inch. So if you change it, look at the tensioner pulley to be sure it doesn't become to loose. Cleans up the engine compartment nicely also. 
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,043
Likes: 3
From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
The air pump replacement pulley kit that Mid America sells (p/n: 607-137) says it's for 85-91 only. I imagine it *could* be done on a 92-96, but I just don't know what'd be involved beyond the actual pump delete & belt replacement (i.e., the ECM issues you brought up, throwing codes, etc.)... Best of luck, though, and keep us posted on what you find out - I'm sure you're not the only one out there who's thought of doing this!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,167
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From: What did the 5 fingers say to the face? SLAP!!
Why do you want to eliminate the a.i.r.? For looks? Since yours is electric, it causes no parasitic loss. If you delete it to clean up your engine compartment, it shouldn't throw any codes.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
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From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by GS 163
I primarily want to delete it to clean up the engine compartment.
Take it out, it throws no codes.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Soddy Daisy TN
Hey ddonzella,
Do you have any pictures of the Breathless pully kit on your car? I would sure like to see one installed before I purchase one. Thanks, Troy
Do you have any pictures of the Breathless pully kit on your car? I would sure like to see one installed before I purchase one. Thanks, Troy
Last edited by drumboytroy; Aug 1, 2004 at 08:43 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,140
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Disconect the AIR pump and you get code 26 (I think) its a quad driver code...or somthing like that. My AIR pump went bad last summmer. I know it threw a code when I took it out. Sorry I dont have my service manual with me I could confirm that 26....Im pretty sure that was it though 
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 0
From: CALGARY ab
Originally Posted by drumboytroy
Hey ddonzella,
Do you have any pictures of the Breathless pully kit on your car? I would sure like to see one installed before I purchase one. Thanks, Troy
Do you have any pictures of the Breathless pully kit on your car? I would sure like to see one installed before I purchase one. Thanks, Troy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 0
From: walled lake MI
Originally Posted by Powerdrive
Disconect the AIR pump and you get code 26 (I think) its a quad driver code...or somthing like that. My AIR pump went bad last summmer. I know it threw a code when I took it out. Sorry I dont have my service manual with me I could confirm that 26....Im pretty sure that was it though
to prevent throwing a code you can ask someone like ski_dwn_it to burn you a chip with this diagnostic disabled.
there is a huge difference in the AIR system between the L98's and the LT1's. the L98's pump is mechanical and the LT1's are electric and monitored by the ECM.
i'd say yank the connector and see what happens. you can always clear the codes later.
Last edited by tempest; Aug 1, 2004 at 01:04 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
If you remove the lines but leave the pump connected, no codes should set. The pump will still run at startup, but since the air from the pump is about the same temp as the outside air, there won't be a worry about toasting anything.
If you disconnect the pump electrically, you'll likely see code P0412 which is "Seconday AIR Injection Relay Control Circuit". This can be programmed out.
You cannot have a "chip" burned for your '96 to eliminate the code. '94 & later use flash memory so you physically send someone your PCM and they reflash it. Another alternative is to do it yourself using LT1 Edit for OBD II. A bit pricey at $550 (laptop sold separately
) but it pays for itself if you plan on future mods.
If you disconnect the pump electrically, you'll likely see code P0412 which is "Seconday AIR Injection Relay Control Circuit". This can be programmed out.
You cannot have a "chip" burned for your '96 to eliminate the code. '94 & later use flash memory so you physically send someone your PCM and they reflash it. Another alternative is to do it yourself using LT1 Edit for OBD II. A bit pricey at $550 (laptop sold separately
) but it pays for itself if you plan on future mods.
