headers without a.i.r.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: New Jersey
Car: 86 Corvette, 89 IROC, 1999 TA
Engine: 350, 350, LS1
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.07, 373, 4.10
headers without a.i.r.
I'm on a very low budget and came across a set of non-air headers for my 89 iroc, what all needs to be done to get rid of the a.i.r. system?
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Just remove it
Have you budgeted in for an exhaust shop to connect the headers to the rear exhaust?
Good gaskets?
Good bolts?
Starter shield?
Things that can go wrong? Broke dipstick, sheared manifold bolts, bad cat, broke knock sensor, etc
Have you budgeted in for an exhaust shop to connect the headers to the rear exhaust?
Good gaskets?
Good bolts?
Starter shield?
Things that can go wrong? Broke dipstick, sheared manifold bolts, bad cat, broke knock sensor, etc
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Orange, SoCal
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Did you read the sticky post at the top about removing the AIR system?
Are you aware that removing the AIR system on a street vehicle in the United States is a violation of federal emissions laws, even if your area doesnt do emissions tests? I know some parts of New Jersey have strict emissions tests like California, so be careful.
Are you aware that removing the AIR system on a street vehicle in the United States is a violation of federal emissions laws, even if your area doesnt do emissions tests? I know some parts of New Jersey have strict emissions tests like California, so be careful.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: New Jersey
Car: 86 Corvette, 89 IROC, 1999 TA
Engine: 350, 350, LS1
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.07, 373, 4.10
Re: headers without a.i.r.
missed the sticky.. oops.. I know, I've never had em open the hood at the inpsection station though.. just needs to be able to pass the sniffer and saftey..
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From: Prince George, BC, Canada
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7L Supercharged
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" 3.70
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Did you read the sticky post at the top about removing the AIR system?
Are you aware that removing the AIR system on a street vehicle in the United States is a violation of federal emissions laws, even if your area doesnt do emissions tests? I know some parts of New Jersey have strict emissions tests like California, so be careful.
Are you aware that removing the AIR system on a street vehicle in the United States is a violation of federal emissions laws, even if your area doesnt do emissions tests? I know some parts of New Jersey have strict emissions tests like California, so be careful.
I'am pretty sure people know what there doing and the risks they take when removing emissions equipment on their vehicle and there probably more worried about getting a speeding ticket then any fine for not having a AIR system on the car.
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Northern California
Car: 1985 California Iroc
Engine: HSR ZZ4 0411 swapped
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Seriously Kevin do you have to jump in every thread that has to do with emissions and remind everyone that's it's "violation of federal emissions laws", your like the smog police of the boards
I'am pretty sure people know what there doing and the risks they take when removing emissions equipment on their vehicle and there probably more worried about getting a speeding ticket then any fine for not having a AIR system on the car.
I'am pretty sure people know what there doing and the risks they take when removing emissions equipment on their vehicle and there probably more worried about getting a speeding ticket then any fine for not having a AIR system on the car.
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Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,552
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From: New Jersey
Car: 86 Corvette, 89 IROC, 1999 TA
Engine: 350, 350, LS1
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.07, 373, 4.10
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Although I'm sure it happens, I've never heard of or known anyone who has received a fine for removing their emissions equipment, I've heard of shops being fined, but never an individual. Around here if you have an inspection sticker you're good. Cops don't pull you over and check your car over for compliance. Most of them wouldn't know it ever had an A.I.R. system to begin with. Aside from a cat. conv. most people at the inspection station around here wouldn't have a clue if there were missing emissions components.
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,552
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From: New Jersey
Car: 86 Corvette, 89 IROC, 1999 TA
Engine: 350, 350, LS1
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.07, 373, 4.10
Re: headers without a.i.r.
What I really need to know is this: Can I reroute the belt and keep my A/C without a delete pulley or switch to a shorter belt or something or is a delete pulley absoluetely nessicary with a serp setup and a/c?
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From: Rowlett, TX
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt, 3.45
Re: headers without a.i.r.
You can get a shorter belt and reroute, if you don't want the smog delete pulley. That's the way mine is setup, although I'm not sure what length belt you will need - the previous owner did it. Here's how mine is routed:
Last edited by Ward; Jun 8, 2008 at 11:05 PM.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 640
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From: Northern California
Car: 1985 California Iroc
Engine: HSR ZZ4 0411 swapped
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Although I'm sure it happens, I've never heard of or known anyone who has received a fine for removing their emissions equipment, I've heard of shops being fined, but never an individual. Around here if you have an inspection sticker you're good. Cops don't pull you over and check your car over for compliance. Most of them wouldn't know it ever had an A.I.R. system to begin with. Aside from a cat. conv. most people at the inspection station around here wouldn't have a clue if there were missing emissions components.
.dam imports ruien it for everyone
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From: Rowlett, TX
Car: 1988 GTA
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt, 3.45
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Still, if you get non-air headers, and do a clean job (no obvious unplugged wires/hoses hanging all over the place), I bet most wouldn't even notice. I doubt every inspector is gonna know every car that came with air injection, but he will definitely spot disconnected stuff.
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From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: '91 Camaro Z28, '85 Camaro Z28
Engine: LB9, LB9
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Axle/Gears: Eaton 3.73 Posi, 3.23 Posi
Re: headers without a.i.r.
You know you have the right to say no right? police are not allowed to search your vehicle without a warrant or suspicion beyond reasonable doubt. It's your 4th amendment.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 640
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From: Northern California
Car: 1985 California Iroc
Engine: HSR ZZ4 0411 swapped
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: headers without a.i.r.
absolutly not, wel you do but probable cause here is them suspecting you were "racing". if you hassle them too much, they will impound your car. do you watch the news? they CRUSH cars here for racing
.i like oregon, i graduated from NEWPORT HIGH.
.i like oregon, i graduated from NEWPORT HIGH. 
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From: NYTHIRDGEN
Car: 1989 T/A
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Re: headers without a.i.r.
wow, another reason, besides all the tree hugging liberals, not to live in ca.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 640
Likes: 3
From: Northern California
Car: 1985 California Iroc
Engine: HSR ZZ4 0411 swapped
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: headers without a.i.r.
yah, you could see everything you could think of in CA. good and bad. its kinda like a little slice of heaven
and hell
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From: Prince George, BC, Canada
Car: 89 GTA
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From: www.nythirdgen.com
Car: 1987 IROC-Z
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From: Battle Ground, WA
Car: 1986 Chevy Silverado
Engine: 350 Crate
Transmission: Turbo 400 w/ shift kit
Axle/Gears: dana60/corp14 4.10 gears
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Our cars with or without cats are going to hurt the air. So if your concern is for the environment so much why drive a hot rod?? Not trying to start a fight but I just don't get it.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 10,950
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From: Orange, SoCal
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Seriously Kevin do you have to jump in every thread that has to do with emissions and remind everyone that's it's "violation of federal emissions laws", your like the smog police of the boards
I'am pretty sure people know what there doing and the risks they take when removing emissions equipment on their vehicle and there probably more worried about getting a speeding ticket then any fine for not having a AIR system on the car.
I'am pretty sure people know what there doing and the risks they take when removing emissions equipment on their vehicle and there probably more worried about getting a speeding ticket then any fine for not having a AIR system on the car.
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From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: headers without a.i.r.
With the 08 ZO6 putting 500 hp out CLEAN, we have no excuse for our 250-400 hp cars, not having the required equipment.
When I bought my 87 GTA, at 160,000 miles, the smog pump pulley was gone. The pump itselfwas still there, the AIR tubes still on, so everything LOOKED good. But it had a brand new cat on but doesn't even have the AIR tube connection.
Thanks to the new cat (Magnaflow), my emissions tests were virtually zero....
Some WERE zero!High Speed-2692rpm
HC 220-standard 4-my reading
CO% 1.20-standard 0-my reading
Idle
HC 220-standard 16-my reading
CO% 1.20-standard 0.01-my reading
So, despite my car not being visually "legal", my good cat takes care of everything.
Last edited by Stephen; Jun 13, 2008 at 11:34 PM.
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Car: '91 RS
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Re: headers without a.i.r.
Don't get me started on Commiefornia. (Born and raised there, then got the heck out--just call me a naturalized Texan. Excuse me while I go clean my AR15s and M16.)
Kevin91Z,
Fess up, if the pollution police out there didn't require you to have all that crap, would it be on your car?
(Born and raised there, then got the heck out--just call me a naturalized Texan. Excuse me while I go clean my AR15s and M16.)Kevin91Z,
Fess up, if the pollution police out there didn't require you to have all that crap, would it be on your car?
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From: Prince George, BC, Canada
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7L Supercharged
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" 3.70
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Yes, I have to. I am trying to educate people that you dont have to hack up your car and remove everything to make it perform. In fact, 95% of the people who post questions asking about removing stuff have slower cars than I do. And I pass CA's tough emissions test as clean as stock, get 25 miles per gallon, and drive my car every day. Until someone can post up their car with similar mods running faster and getting better MPG than we are in SoCal, without their emissions devices, I'll keep posting trying to educate people. There are lawmakers out there trying to keep us from modifying our cars AT ALL. And the more people out there running illegally, it gives them more ammunition to write tougher laws restricting what we can and cant do with our vehicles. I dont want that any more than you do. It IS possible to have a clean-running car and still make 400+ horsepower.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 10,950
Likes: 26
From: Orange, SoCal
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Re: headers without a.i.r.
If I didnt have to smog anymore, I'd be on the phone with Holley ordering a StealthRam, which removes only the EGR. Then I'd dyno test it to see if its better than my siamesed runners I have now, and keep whichever is better. I'd still keep the cats and the air pump, because they're not in my way and they do help.
Most of the posts I see about people asking about cat removal are doing it because their neighbor Billy-Bob told them they'd gain 100 horsepower if they did. Its true that the cats from the 70's and 80's are horrible and do rob you of 10 horsepower or more. However, today's aftermarket "high-flow" cats are tons better and you might lose 1 or 2 horsepower. You can make that up by removing the crap in your back seat and/or your trunk and saving weight. As far as the AIR pump, I see people posting about removing that because they're cheaping out with headers that dont have the AIR tubes, and they want easier access to the spark plugs. That's not a performance gain, that's just laziness and cheapness, in my opinion. (putting on flame suit)
Most of the posts I see about people asking about cat removal are doing it because their neighbor Billy-Bob told them they'd gain 100 horsepower if they did. Its true that the cats from the 70's and 80's are horrible and do rob you of 10 horsepower or more. However, today's aftermarket "high-flow" cats are tons better and you might lose 1 or 2 horsepower. You can make that up by removing the crap in your back seat and/or your trunk and saving weight. As far as the AIR pump, I see people posting about removing that because they're cheaping out with headers that dont have the AIR tubes, and they want easier access to the spark plugs. That's not a performance gain, that's just laziness and cheapness, in my opinion. (putting on flame suit)
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,552
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
Car: 86 Corvette, 89 IROC, 1999 TA
Engine: 350, 350, LS1
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.07, 373, 4.10
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Wow didn't mean to start all this, just wanted to know how to reroute the belt without the pump, I didn't look to hard at that but would that also require a standard rotation pump? If so that would be perfect because I already have one laying around and I'm broke and I really need to finish this swap. As far as the headers go I'd never buy headers with a.i.r. tubes or for free if I could get non air headers. They look like crap, get in the way, and only function while the car is cold and make no difference on a warmed up car.
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From: 4-22 / 7-25
Car: '91 Z28 L98 G92
Engine: Modded L98
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Re: headers without a.i.r.
If I didnt have to smog anymore, I'd be on the phone with Holley ordering a StealthRam, which removes only the EGR. Then I'd dyno test it to see if its better than my siamesed runners I have now, and keep whichever is better. I'd still keep the cats and the air pump, because they're not in my way and they do help.
Most of the posts I see about people asking about cat removal are doing it because their neighbor Billy-Bob told them they'd gain 100 horsepower if they did. Its true that the cats from the 70's and 80's are horrible and do rob you of 10 horsepower or more. However, today's aftermarket "high-flow" cats are tons better and you might lose 1 or 2 horsepower. You can make that up by removing the crap in your back seat and/or your trunk and saving weight. As far as the AIR pump, I see people posting about removing that because they're cheaping out with headers that dont have the AIR tubes, and they want easier access to the spark plugs. That's not a performance gain, that's just laziness and cheapness, in my opinion. (putting on flame suit)
Most of the posts I see about people asking about cat removal are doing it because their neighbor Billy-Bob told them they'd gain 100 horsepower if they did. Its true that the cats from the 70's and 80's are horrible and do rob you of 10 horsepower or more. However, today's aftermarket "high-flow" cats are tons better and you might lose 1 or 2 horsepower. You can make that up by removing the crap in your back seat and/or your trunk and saving weight. As far as the AIR pump, I see people posting about removing that because they're cheaping out with headers that dont have the AIR tubes, and they want easier access to the spark plugs. That's not a performance gain, that's just laziness and cheapness, in my opinion. (putting on flame suit)
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From: Prince George, BC, Canada
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7L Supercharged
Transmission: T-56
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Re: headers without a.i.r.
True for most people taking off the cat is probably not going to do much but man the AIR pump and having AIR tubes on the headers is the gayest thing going lol. Anyways kevin just busting your ***** 
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Re: headers without a.i.r.
So if you **** off a cop they just call in a transportation cop
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Re: headers without a.i.r.
If you refuse, guess what you instill in the cop? If you said "suspicion" ding ding ding! You're right.
If you're a law abiding citizen, you have nothing to be afraid of, so you let the cop look. When you refuse, it makes him think you're hiding something from him. Then he can arrest you and search your car to his hearts content. Better hope the previous owner didn't drop a doobie in the center console, because if he did, YOU'RE GOING TO JAIL!
People believe everything they read on the internet from anybody. Ask a cop what he is and isn't allowed to do next time you get pulled over. They're allowed to do quite a lot.
Edit: Also, I just passed emissions with my factory-stock car. With 137k. Factory cat, air pump, egr, vapor canister. Everything except the O2 sensor was the same piece the car came with. Granted, I squeaked by (145/220 HC Load, 1.19/1.20 CO Load / 207/220 HC Idle, .69/1.20 CO Idle) but it was with factory everything. And bad valve guide seals.
If you're a law abiding citizen, you have nothing to be afraid of, so you let the cop look. When you refuse, it makes him think you're hiding something from him. Then he can arrest you and search your car to his hearts content. Better hope the previous owner didn't drop a doobie in the center console, because if he did, YOU'RE GOING TO JAIL!
People believe everything they read on the internet from anybody. Ask a cop what he is and isn't allowed to do next time you get pulled over. They're allowed to do quite a lot.
Edit: Also, I just passed emissions with my factory-stock car. With 137k. Factory cat, air pump, egr, vapor canister. Everything except the O2 sensor was the same piece the car came with. Granted, I squeaked by (145/220 HC Load, 1.19/1.20 CO Load / 207/220 HC Idle, .69/1.20 CO Idle) but it was with factory everything. And bad valve guide seals.
Last edited by TheScaryOne; Jun 15, 2008 at 05:03 PM.
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From: Prince George, BC, Canada
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7L Supercharged
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" 3.70
Re: headers without a.i.r.
If you refuse, guess what you instill in the cop? If you said "suspicion" ding ding ding! You're right.
If you're a law abiding citizen, you have nothing to be afraid of, so you let the cop look. When you refuse, it makes him think you're hiding something from him. Then he can arrest you and search your car to his hearts content. Better hope the previous owner didn't drop a doobie in the center console, because if he did, YOU'RE GOING TO JAIL!
People believe everything they read on the internet from anybody. Ask a cop what he is and isn't allowed to do next time you get pulled over. They're allowed to do quite a lot.
Edit: Also, I just passed emissions with my factory-stock car. With 137k. Factory cat, air pump, egr, vapor canister. Everything except the O2 sensor was the same piece the car came with. Granted, I squeaked by (145/220 HC Load, 1.19/1.20 CO Load / 207/220 HC Idle, .69/1.20 CO Idle) but it was with factory everything. And bad valve guide seals.
If you're a law abiding citizen, you have nothing to be afraid of, so you let the cop look. When you refuse, it makes him think you're hiding something from him. Then he can arrest you and search your car to his hearts content. Better hope the previous owner didn't drop a doobie in the center console, because if he did, YOU'RE GOING TO JAIL!
People believe everything they read on the internet from anybody. Ask a cop what he is and isn't allowed to do next time you get pulled over. They're allowed to do quite a lot.
Edit: Also, I just passed emissions with my factory-stock car. With 137k. Factory cat, air pump, egr, vapor canister. Everything except the O2 sensor was the same piece the car came with. Granted, I squeaked by (145/220 HC Load, 1.19/1.20 CO Load / 207/220 HC Idle, .69/1.20 CO Idle) but it was with factory everything. And bad valve guide seals.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 10,950
Likes: 26
From: Orange, SoCal
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
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From: Battle Ground, WA
Car: 1986 Chevy Silverado
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Re: headers without a.i.r.
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From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
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From: Lowell, MA
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Re: headers without a.i.r.
The "other AIR tube" is actually for EGR. I think it's the corvette style external EGR for heads that don't have the internal passages.
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 10,950
Likes: 26
From: Orange, SoCal
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Re: headers without a.i.r.
Yes, that is my previous engine from 2002, and those are Dyno Don's original headers we modified to work with my L98 Corvette heads, to provide the EGR function like the Corvettes do. I couldnt find any pics of my current setup.
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