Has anyone ever tried adapting a set of the A.I.R. tubes from the somg pump to a set of headers??? I want headers and dual exhausts; but also do not want to disturb the legal emissinos system in case my section of Virginia wants to start clean air inspections.
My idea ( if it will fit ?) is to drill holes in the header pipes just shy of where they come off the head, install bungs like for the O2 sensor and install the A.I.R. tubes. This is much like the Edelbrock tubular exhaust, but if it works, ....much cheaper.
Has anyone ever tried this ? If so let me know your experience?
Don. :)

You can buy the headers with the smog pipes already installed but there alot more money.

In order for the AIR pump to function you need to install air as near to the exhaust header flange as possible. You're idea will work.

My El Camino was registered and inspected in its current form in VA twice (Richmond area, my dad lives there, he and I built it together)

My car is completely sans AIR system. I used a set of manifolds from an older vehicle.

My advice is to fix it old-school and play dumb; "I swear, it was like that when I bought it..."

Completely remove the thing; its purpose is to employ the "dilution solution" to emissions, which doesn't actually reduce the amount of pollutants; it simply mixes in more clean air to make the smog sniffer read a more acceptable number. In fact, removing it will most likely free up horsepower because it will reduce parasitic losses on your engine and allow the engine to expel gases with less effort, and flow = power.

Also consider switching to a real carb as opposed to the computer-controlled one and a vacuum-advance HEI distributor. This renders the computer completely helpless to hold your engine back from its potential.

BTW I have a '93 Chevy pickup which does NOT have an AIR system and it is completely stock.


In fact, my Elco passed the state inspection with no computer control, no AIR system, and a hollow converter...twice.

The purpose of the AIR pump was not to dilute the exhaust. If you know anything about testing the EPA collects all of the exhaust in a compliance test session and actually measures the weight of each pollutant so "diluting" the exhaust will get the manufacturer nowhere since the total pollutant weight will be the same. The AIR pump introduced air into the exhaust system to provide the oxygen necessary to help burn off the unburned hydrocarbons (gasoline particles) and reduce hydrocarbon emission. Removing the AIR pump will definitely help performance since the power to drive that pump is eliminated and the engine will run cooler furthur helping power gains. In vehicles with a catalytic converter the pump can be eliminated with no problem. In some vehicles with converters the amount of unburned hydrocarbons and lack of heat may cause a problem with premature failure of the cat converter. I think the more we know about EPA testing and emission controls the easier it is for us performance enthusiasts to modify our cars and still be in compliance.

Thanks for the responses gentlemen! Lots of useful opinions!
From what I gather, the consensus is to un-hook and eliminate the A.I.R. system altogether?
If I was to go this way and just hook up headers without the tubes,and do away with the air pump, what else would have to be un-hooked? I need full details, and what adjustments would have to be made to the engine to insure proper operation?
Thanks, Don.

The AIR pump pumps to the convertor most of the time to help oxidize unburnt HC. During open loop, it pumps to the manifolds to create heat to help light off the converter.


I bought a modern, more efficient converter without an AIR tube. It also doesn't need the AIR pump to light it off. The AIR becomes un-necessary with a newer converter. (Yes, I passed this way) Older converters will need air to work properly.


The parasitic drag of a smog pump is tiny. Any gains will be un-noticeable.

Generally speaking just remove the pump, brackets, tubes and hoses. If you leave the converter on you will probably have to replace it. I don't agree with b4black; the horsepower required to drive the pump is small but not insignificant. I had a Chevy truck with two AIR pumps and I could definitely document an increase in power after removing them and this was a very heavy truck.

When I unhooked mine, I saw no gain in ET or MPH. The thing is so easy to spin by hand, unlike a water pump, alternator or power steering pump.

How did you document the increase, if I may ask. Seat of the pants improvements don't count.

It was a work truck and everyday I traveled the same route. There was one long steep hill that I took on high gear at WOT, after I removed the two AIR pumps my speed on that hill at WOT went from 53mph to 55mph.

Well, this makes the mud a little clearer! Because the discussion here is about removing the system and any horsepower gains. But, not only am I going to remove it, but replace the manifolds with headers and add a true dual exhaust system.
Thanks, Don

From what I gather, the consensus is to un-hook and eliminate the A.I.R. system altogether?

I don't read that as being the consesus. Let's start with a basic premise, it is against the law to disconnect or disable emission components.

My thoughts are if you don't have emission testing yet, just wait you will soon enough. You risk the potential for major fines if your disconnecting emissions equipment is discovered. If discovered and you avoid the fines, you would still be required to hook everything back up. Resalabilty if lessened by having a vehicle that does not have it's emission equipment intact and in working order. Any gain in horseposer is minimal (2 - 3 extra hp gained from reading elsewhere).

Not worth it in my book, too much downside and very little upside. When I replaced my engine a year ago, I went to great pains to ensure that all required emission equipment was present and functional.

Have you considered Edelbrock Tubular Exhaust System? I understand it has the required plumbing.

Airborne is right. Emissions testing is coming to mine and your area sooner or later. It is much easier to keep it legal than to retrofit later.