Smog pump, or not to pump?

[BoringBen]

I live in an area/state where I don't have to worry about emissions testing (they only test 1994 and newer vehicals). I'm having doubts about A) the capability of my system, and B) the necessity of it for normal driving.

It's an 89 GW, basically going to be a road warrior. Maybe someday some trails, but not overly confident in the sensitive areas to test it (I know, booooo). I've heard some people say pulling it and the AIR system have improved how well the engine runs, but I also have a 73 Eldorado with the 500 CI engine, and with that much volume in the chambers to keep breathing it made a difference to keep it going.

So my question is, should I keep the system and replace stuff as needed? Or is it an added drain on our engine brought to us by our fine, good intentioned, tree hugging friends?

[Tigger4X]

If you are going to pull the AIR system and plug the tubes makes ure you pull the cats. Without the pump shoving the air through the cats they are gonna get plugged up. Essentially if you pull one you need to pull it all, or its a matter of when not if your engine will suffer down the line.

[24tesla]

I pulled mine, Got to get the cat gone in the next few weeks, Make sure to plug all unwanted vac lines. To plug the holes in the manifolds, us 9/16" - 18 thread bolts. I used a nut to thread on, and cut the bolts flush with the nut, then took the nut off, and secured the bolts in with copper washers, and antis-seize, worked like a champ.

[tgreese]

The AIR pump's parasitic load on the engine is miniscule, and it does not otherwise affect performance. It's a good system, unless it causes maintenance trouble. I'd leave it alone till it breaks.