How to: Remove your L98 smog equipment: PICS inside

CentralCoaster · 09-25-2003, 03:10 AM

I removed all this crap from my Corvette today:

The air tube going across the front of the engine was a PITA to remove. But I was persistent. I had to remove the fan, the fuel lines, pull the A/C forward, and remove the water pump pulley to get to it (in addition to all the other crap on top of that.)

The smog pump had 6 teflon pieces inside the walls of the rotor (not pictured), that the fins slide against when turning. If you break the fins out, but don't remove these pieces, they can potentially come out, or jam, or rattle and make more noise than it did to begin with. And they're a pain to remove. Save the hassle and buy a smog pump eliminator pulley kit.

Here's the engine afterwards:

You can see here that I used 1/2" stainless steel caps to plug the air injection lines on the ported headers. (Those are FACTORY headers by the way!) I didn't bother blocking off the smog pump outlet, since it no longer pumps air with the fins removed. I also pulled the AIR line to the cat. I plugged the hole with a fine thread bolt of the correct size, and some Copper RTV.

I plan on replacing the catalytic converter with a test pipe, or just getting whole new exhaust, (when I land a job.) I haven't pulled anything off that I can't put back on. When I have to smog it next year, I'll try a pretest with the smog stuff off to see if I pass. I might even sneak past the visual if the tech isn't up to snuff. Worst case scenario, I have to spend a few hours bolting that box of crap back onto it! :auto:

Steel Blue 91 · 09-25-2003, 06:00 AM

Nice work Kevin. Sure does clean up the engine compartment. I was thinking of doing the same thing, but I need to pass the smog every year.

AGENT 86 · 09-25-2003, 10:10 AM

:cool:
Your so far ahead on your list that i'll never catch up :smash:
:cheers:

oldace84 · 09-25-2003, 12:49 PM

Kevin,

Great job.
But how are you going to get by the Smog Nazi's?
I think your in CA.
If theres a secret let me know.
thanks
tony
:flag

Unriced · 09-25-2003, 12:57 PM

How do you deal with the check engine light from removing the air control valve and burn off mod?

Vettski · 09-25-2003, 02:30 PM

Nice job :cool: Is there any HP increase with all that junk off?

J Z06 · 09-25-2003, 03:36 PM

It really neatens the passenger side.

I especially like the look of the smog pump elim. :cheers:

CentralCoaster · 09-25-2003, 03:43 PM

Quote:

I especially like the look of the smog pump elim. :cheers:

:confused: I just gutted it. But yeah, an elim would be nice on there. In fact, before I did that, I'd just fab up my own bracket for the alternator and move it... or something to that effect.

UnRiced: Removing the AIR diverter solenoids does not throw a code. (Which shows you how much GM cares about California asinine smog laws. :rolleyes: ) Just make sure you plug the vacuum line going to them, or remove it completely and hook the fuel pressure reg directly to the forward vacuum port on the side of the plenum.

CentralCoaster · 09-25-2003, 03:46 PM

BTW, the smog pump has a pretty hefty rotor in it. I'm guessing the rotating mass take almost as much energy to overcome as it pushing air with the fins.

It's basically equivalent to a 'frisbee' as far as the belt system is concerned, but not as easily circumvented.

RedBowTies88 · 05-09-2011, 12:38 PM

Holy old thread batman!

if the OP is still around any chance you could re add the pics if you have them?

cuisinartvette · 05-09-2011, 12:48 PM

hes on c4guru. com no longer here.

RedBowTies88 · 05-09-2011, 12:52 PM

10-4, thanks