Air pump with headers?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
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Air pump with headers?
My vette has tpis headers with the AIR tubes welded on. The air pump system seems to be hooked up and intact. I am not running cats. Do I need to run the air pump. Can I just block off those emmision tubes? Also my car is getting exhaust in the cabin. I cant find a leak anywhere. Is it possible the leak is coming from the AIR system? This is my suspician. Thank in advance for any help guys.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
The AIR system consists of nothing more than an electric blower which resides under your left headlight, and upon startup, pumps some fresh air into the exhaust stream for a minute or so after a cold start to help the cats light off quicker.
There is no harm in removing it, and blocking off the header ports, but you will get the check engine light unless you have those AIR-related codes turned off (tuning software req'd).
When you do remove the AIR tubing and check valves around the engine, you'll likely find you'll have to remove the intake manifold to get to to the bolt at the rear of the right head securing the right side AIR tube.
And it's doubtful exhaust fumes in the cabin is a result of the AIR system...but perhaps if one of the AIR tubes got disconnected before it's check valve...but you'd certainly hear a leak like that in the engine bay.
There is no harm in removing it, and blocking off the header ports, but you will get the check engine light unless you have those AIR-related codes turned off (tuning software req'd).
When you do remove the AIR tubing and check valves around the engine, you'll likely find you'll have to remove the intake manifold to get to to the bolt at the rear of the right head securing the right side AIR tube.
And it's doubtful exhaust fumes in the cabin is a result of the AIR system...but perhaps if one of the AIR tubes got disconnected before it's check valve...but you'd certainly hear a leak like that in the engine bay.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,284
Likes: 3
From: NW Chicago, IL/Clearwater Beach, FL
My vette has tpis headers with the AIR tubes welded on. The air pump system seems to be hooked up and intact. I am not running cats. Do I need to run the air pump. Can I just block off those emmision tubes? Also my car is getting exhaust in the cabin. I cant find a leak anywhere. Is it possible the leak is coming from the AIR system? This is my suspician. Thank in advance for any help guys.
I was thinking about removing my AIR system also, when I install my new heads, and headers....
Y2Kvert4me, so ur saying it wont effect annything? will the car run the same or get better gas milage?
thanks
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
I just looked at my tune file, and (at east for a 2001), the AIR pump will run at startup for 240 seconds (4 minutes), unless the engine goes above 2825 rpm for longer than 5 continuous seconds.
After the pump shuts off, either because it timed out, or because the RPM was up....the whole system becomes dead weight and does nothing until the next start.
If you have the infamous exhaust popping on decel...you might find that goes away.
And, if you haven't already got the headers....get them made w/o the AIR flanges...ir really cleans up the engine bay.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Yeah, block-off plates are available. I know Thunder Racing sells them, that's where I got mine.
(my new headers pictured above are not on yet, but my AIR system has been gone for over a year).
(my new headers pictured above are not on yet, but my AIR system has been gone for over a year).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,284
Likes: 3
From: NW Chicago, IL/Clearwater Beach, FL
thanks for the advice...
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