Tetowle,

I’ve got a British Coach Works with a mid 1980’s Chevette Engine and all the associated emissions items (presumably still functioning).  I’ve left it all alone but have seen others remove the air pump and piping, there is also a valve that is either heat or pressure controlled on the neck of the air cleaner cover which I think is probably useless and at least one hose directly off the main portion of the air cleaner cover.  My air cleaner neck also has a long tube which snakes to the front of the engine and provides the air pickup.  Sometimes mine sputters before turning off, so I run Super Unleaded in the car which seems to take care of the issue but I think in general it runs rich.  Once it warms up the Carb idiot light comes on but it’s probably associated with the old emissions items.  Mine also tends to not want to kick down until it’s gone a few miles.

One guy on this site felt his engine was being starved for air, so he drilled alot of holes in the air cleaner cover and felt that made a difference.  I simply flipped the air cleaner top upside down to see if I noticed any additional “pep” and can’t say I have.  My TD also doesn’t seem to have a muffler – the cat seems to be doing double duty.  Eventually I’ll remove that and put in a proper muffler and at that same time remove the air pump and lines.  I think that will make a difference.

Thought it might help if I shared my own issues.  Hoping someone with better mechanical skills can chime in.

Tom