Hey there you guys, I have a 1990 camaro iroc z with the 5.0 tpi. I bought headers off summit racing. I noticed on the stock headers there’s extra lines that go into the smog pump. So my questions are, if I remove those lines and delete the smog pump. Would I have to mess with the egr valve? I know they sell kits online with a plate to block it off. I seen a video of a guy on YouTube that does it but burns the chips. Can I remove the smog system without having to touch the egr valve? And having to tune the ecm? Nobody around where I live has a tune to burn chips anymore. Can you guys point me in the right direction? Thank you in advance.

 

The Air Injection-Reaction (AIR) system is different from the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. The AIR system is really only active during cold starts and a WOT to dilute the exhaust with extra air. It really doesn't reduce power at all, but does clutter up the engine bay if not designed/installed properly. The AIR can be removed, but if you are subject to a vehicle emission inspection, it will probably fail. Removal may also require reprogramming on later vehicles, but not ThirdGen F-Bodies as far as I know.

The EGR is only active when at part-throttle cruise, and also does not reduce power at all. However, it does lower combustion chamber temperatures and allows for greater timing advance at part-throttle cruise operation (most of your highway driving). Removal of the EGR will certainly require reprogramming.

 

If you install headers, can you just block off the lines coming off the exhaust manifolds? Or will this create other problems?