Thread: 350 Small Block, A.I.R System

Tweet

Hey guys new to this. Just bought my first project truck. I have a 79 Chevy C10 with a 350 small block. I just took the stock headers off and replaced them with long tubes. However, the stock headers had an A.I.R system that ran to them and the long tubes obviously don't.

Just wondering about the next course of action. Do I remove the Air Pump completely, get an Idler Pulley? Just plug the hoses? What do you all think would be best?

I am not worried about it being illegal or anything like that. This truck doesn't get smogged, it is registered in a different state than CA, and on top of that it only gets driven once or twice a week.

Thanks guys.

This is just my opinion, but the stock should be cast iron manifolds, if it had headers they where put on later, as for the smog pump and other emission equipment I would get rid of it, In true hot rod fashion, if it was meant to be on there permanent they would not have used bolts that come out.......(of coarse I am just kidding) but I would yank it, the late 70's & early 80's had a pile of that, you might have to go with more aftermarket equipment however, such as a new carb etc

First of all, you should know that there are some pretty stiff Federal penalties for defeating any factory-installed emissions device. You should also know that it is entirely possible to drill the header tubes and weld in small tubes to carry air from the pump into the exhaust system if you wanted to keep the system operable.

Now, with the legal out of the way, I think I might press the pump into service in another way. How about using the suck side of the pump to pull a vacuum in the crankcase? You could install a spigot valve to introduce free air into the suck line to modulate the strength of the suck.

.

Thank you for your reply, I am going to be updating the Carb and Intake Manifold and Air Cleaner here shortly, along with new hoses and pulleys etc...and yes they were stock cast iron manifolds. Thanks again.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

I think I might press the pump into service in another way.

Or, replace it with a bigger pump, like a Paxton..

Originally Posted by techinspector1

First of all, you should know that there are some pretty stiff Federal penalties for defeating any factory-installed emissions device.
.

Tech, You are correct on this one I keep forgetting CA's restrictions but here in the MO, not an issue unless within St.Louis city limits, heck if its older than 25 years you can license it as historic and never need a inspection again, Now back to the use of that smog pump, had a guy that said they make great aerators for fish tanks!

Weld blind tubes onto the headders, plumb it in, and gut the pump.

Just kidding of course, no one would be that low...
Right?

After I remove the smog pump and everything what do I replace it with? I do not have a serpentine belt system it's still the stock belt drive system with two belts. I have a new intake manifold and carb to put on. Still wondering about this though, thanks!

Or can it just be removed and a shorter belt bought?

Originally Posted by chris.hellerich

Or can it just be removed and a shorter belt bought?

Now you're using that noggin' for somethin' other than holdin' yer hat!


OH, welcome aboard, its great to see you here as well!!

Originally Posted by chris.hellerich

After I remove the smog pump and everything what do I replace it with? I do not have a serpentine belt system it's still the stock belt drive system with two belts. I have a new intake manifold and carb to put on. Still wondering about this though, thanks!

I might snoop around a mower shop and find an idler pulley arrangement that I could adapt.

.

Check the OEM forums where the kids hang out, or You-Tube. For Fox Body Mustangs and F150 sites there are step by step instructions with part numbers for the shorter belt and new routing for the air pump delete option.

Thanks guys

Chris--------first you do live in Ca and you should be running your vehicles according to Ca laws


Headers were avail;able with the smog tubes in them


IF you REMOVE the system---------chev belts were adjusted for tension with the alternator-If you are going to do new pulleys, look at the March system or something similar




and whatever you do don't go the underdrive route----------