98 Blackwing Question
That is a feed hose for the AIR pump, which comes on at cold engine starts. DO NOT PLUG THE HOSE.
You could, I suppose, let the AIR pump just pull in unfiltered air, as it only runs for a few minutes (at most) on a cold start. Otherwise you should figure out a way for the hose to fit so it can pull filtered air for the pump.
There are ways to make the hose fit better...
Cut the hose back until the angle going into the flat grommet allows for better seating. The tension of the curved molded hose is what causes the poor fit into the flat grommet.
Or, find the 180 degree barbed connector in the length of hose, disconnect it and effectively shorten the hose, eliminating the curved portion.
Or, change the 90 degree barbed elbow at the grommet to a 180 degree barbed elbow. You can find them at any hardware store in the plumbing department. They come in white plastic. You might also find a 180 degree barbed connector in black plastic at some automotive supply vendors. They're used to repair heater hoses.
Or, go to your favorite automotive supply vendor and buy an angled valve cover grommet from an LT1/LT4 sbc. The slight angle will allow for better seating. This was how I did it when I initially installed a "Blackwing".
Or, buy an import valve cover breather (in colored media) in the import "performance parts" section of AUTO ZONE, CHECKER AUTO, etc. Insert the breather into the end of the hose and secure it out of the way.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Apr 21, 2008 at 02:02 PM.






