I just bought a set of flow tech non-emision headers from summit. i didn't think there was to much involved. i popped off the stock manifolds and took out my air pump and a few hoses that went along with it. now the new headers have a bung for the o2 sensor but its like a dummy hole cause its blocked off. this is a tpi car near stock do i need a o2 sensor i thought that was a MUST on my car what do i need to do. another thing i noticed was that now that i dont have the oxygen being pumped into the mainfolds, will it effect my o2 readings meaning i need to have the computer repromed (is that the right term)??

Thanks for the help

 

The AIR pump is only on when the vehicle is in open loop mode, or until the car has been on for two minutes I believe. Basically, the AIR pump and its whole assembly is really unnessecary. Since the air is only pumped in when the O2 sensor is not being used (open loop mode), it should be fine. You definatly need the O2 sensor though for your car to run correctly. It is the most accurate of all the sensors in determining precise air/fuel metering.

 

and just get the hole drilled out for the O2, they send them that way in case you don't run an o2(carb, open loop tune, ect.)

 

sounds good guys... now do i have a chance in hell at passing my emissions test with out that pump (northern IL)??

 

You will only fail if they do a visual inspection

 

Year model, auto/manual, carb/tbi/tpi, 305/350?
stock, list modifications, as some will require reprogramming.
Are you using EGR?
A.I.R. also injects air in closed loop not just open loop, the A.I.R. pump inject air into the catalytic converter as well as the exhaust ports.

 

Are you sure about this? I read that the AIR pump is only on basically during your car's warmup and I have varified this by removing a tube and feeling for air, and there was none.

 

He is correct. The air pump injects air into the exhaust manifolds during open loop. During closed loop, it injects air into the catalytic.

I have read on several occassions that if you remove the air pump and you are running a catalytic, it will end up clogging over time. Not sure if thats true or not though.

 

its an 88 bird 305 tpi w/ 700r4 on a 150wet, afpr, shorty headers, and hopes and dreams. So if my cat clogs... then what, i just need a new one or what???

 

I'll have to retest for myself then.

 

Upon further review, I have found that you guys are correct that the AIR system pumps in air to the manifolds in open loop and to the catalytic converter in closed loop. As for the original question though, removing the AIR pump will not effect the O2 sensor and you will not need to retune.