I just wanted to ask for some input on this topic. I'm looking at doing a 383ci engine swap into my '88 IROC/T5. Right now i have the 1 5/8 headers with AIR in there now. My thought is the 1 5/8 headers are too small for the 383ci, so I was thinking of moving up to 1 3/4. However, I can't find any with AIR. So my question is what's involved with removing AIR? I'm assuming you can disabled the AIR function in the ECM but what about everything else. For example, is there a smog delete pulley? Can you just just remove it and get a short belt? If there's anybody who's done this please chime in! Thanks guys!

 

Ask dyno don about header options.
there are 2 different styles gm 10186167 with a large 6 grove pulley or gm 10129569

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ADO-10186167
You can have the air pump function programmed out of the ecm but I’d doesn’t seem to make much difference performance wise. You might as well have it taken out since your going with a 383. Looking into higher flow runners or first setup.

 

Yes, that's what i'm looking at doing. I'd like to do a 383 crate engine, then i'll add the FIRST intake setup. I want it to look somewhat stock. I've found 1 3/4 headers but not with AIR. So if I use that size headers I have to get rid of the AIR system all together. So it looks like you can do a delete pulley, then i imagine you could just cap off the AIR tube on the cat? Any opinions or thoughts on this would be appreciated.

 

I'm looking at the First Intake setup.

 

Can standard style headers bolt onto the Vortec heads? Looking at other options, possibly a different crate motor with the iron vortec heads. I'd like to reuse my 1 5/8 heads on that motor but not sure about the headers bolting to the vortec heads. I currently have the Hooker 2055HKR's right now. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Yup... they are the same as any other stock SBC heads on the exh side. "Vortec" only involves the intake ports.

 

vortecs do not have the rear most exhaust bolt used by thirdgen exhaust manifolds on the right side.

not a requirement if headers are used and i've installed the stock manifolds on vortecs without using this rear bolt with no issues for several tens of thousands of miles.

 

Thank you guys for the responses!

 

I tried using thirdgen manifolds on Vortec heads on my last Trans Am and had nothing but problems. Headers fixed the problem and also shaved over a half second off my quarter mile timeslip.