My headers came today. I was just looking over the stock manifolds and the emissions tubes. The ones from the drivers side run behind the engine to the pass. and then connect up to (sorry) the hoses and the black box thingy. Well, what are all those hoses above the valve cover? Do I just plug the hole where the air tubes connect to it?
Thanks for any info you can give me. I'm currently searching the boards, but thought I should ask now incase I don't find much.

 

Ok, I found some more stuff. The air tubes going into the manifolds are connected by a tube behind the engine, that goes to the (plastic diverter box) ? This also runs to the Cat and smog pump.
If I remove the tubes that go to the manifolds and behind the engine, will the cat still work? I need to keep the cat, but remove the tubes so I can add my headers.

 

That's you're entire AIR system you just described. I removed mine on Tuesday .

Did your headers come with or without the air fittings? If they didn't, I (or 'we') can tell you how to remove the entire system if you're interested. If that's what you meant, I wouldn't mind listing the pros and cons for you since I had to dig through the archives a bit to get a good overall opinion.

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Do you need the smog stuff at all? If not the I would suggest getting rid of all of the smog stuff. You can disconnect the black box and pull it out along with the hoses attached to it. The pipe that leads down to the cat can be plugged with a 1/2 pipe cap and yes the cat will still work.

By removing the tubes it will make it a little easier to get the exhaust manifolds out of there but if you do not plan on putting the headers in right after you pull the tubes off you will need 1/4" npt to plug the holes in the manifolds. With all of that other stuff out of the way just pull the smog pump off and reroute the belt (follow the tech article on the main page). Hope this helps you out a little.

 

Ok, well, I am planning on doing the whole thing at one time. Remove the AIR system and install headers. So, how does the CAT still work if the hose going to it is disconnected? Well, even if I do remove all that stuff, the smog pump will have to wait to be taken out. I only have a 1-2 day period of time to do this in. I know I could be caught with some problems, but this cannot be as tough as changing a flywheel. (Dropping trany) Anyway, if you could give me the pros and cons to this it would be great. I still need some decent gaskets and stuff, so I have a few days to prepare. Thanks for the info.

Oh, by the way, will it be ok if I remove everything and leve the smog pump there by itself with no plugs or anything?

 

The cat will still work, just not as good without the fresh air. If you have a v-belt system, just remove the belt and get rid of the pump. If you have a serpentine belt system I know there is a way you can route the belt without the pump, you may need a shorter belt though.

BIG PRO! Get rid of all the clutter in your engine bay! I hate that emissions crap!

CON: Is it legal in Nebraska? Your cat won't work as well, could get clogged easier. There isn't a hose going to the cat, its a steel line, you gotta cut it off and plug it.