I read the article on bypassing the air pump for a TPI engine. I was thinking of doing the same thing because the smog equipment gets in my way everytime I work on the passenger side. Last time I was changing the passenger side header gasket (yuck!) I noticed 2 wires going to a black box above the passenger side valve cover. Hoses from the air pump go to it. My question is : If I remove the air pump, will it affect the computer at all? I could leave that box attached so the wires would stay plugged in, or will this not help?

Thanks,

Barry Izold
89 T/A, GTA
Modded 350/T-5

 

the air pump isn't part of or controled by the ecm, if that's what you're asking. on the other hand removing it could potentialy cause you problems, not very likely, but it could. everyone that does it never seem to come back here asking how to fix a problem removing it caused, other than belt routing.

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ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd

 

just finished doing this today and----

no codes and the passenger side valve cover is actually 100% visible.
if you dont have to worry about emmisions I highly recomend doing the complete removal.

 

Thanks guys, I'm going to the local parts store to get a new belt. I do have e-check, but I only have to go once every 2 years. (that keeps the cats on!) I'll just put it all back on before I go. It will be nice to have better access to the passenger side header and plugs. On another note, will my cats be damaged without the extra air supply? There is no tubes connected to them, just the manifold air. I guess I don't care, I plan to replace the cats with high-flow ones by next e-check anyways. If they are ruined by this, I'll just leave the smog crap on next time!

Thanks,

Barry Izold
89 T/A, GTA
Modded 350/T-5

 

And if you haven't remove those annoying air tubes I highly recommend that also. I can easliy can the plugs now and it looks alot better. I did remove all of my smog junk under the hood and those wires I left unhooked and it did effect anything.

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'87 Trans Am
305 TPI:
160 Degree Theremostat
Accel 300+ 8.8 Racing Wires
Accel Super Coil
Bosch Spark Plugs
Custom Ram Air with K&N

 

Jo,

Good to know it worked out for you. I'm leaving for the parts store in a bit for the longer belt. I would remove the air tubes, but they are welded in place on the headers. I have to reconnect all the air pump stuff occasionally for e-check. E-check sucks! I can live with the tubes for now, they don't get in the way too much. I'll rip off all the hoses, that box with the wires going to it, and the air pump for now. That should keep me happy!

Thanks,

Barry Izold
89 T/A, GTA
Modded 350/T-5

[This message has been edited by GTAMAN63 (edited March 10, 2001).]