Headlights? - An Other Stuff that's [not] Headlights

firstride93lx said:

Also, had a quick question about removing the smog pump (still on my car) I am guessing it is a pretty common thing to remove. Is there a particular kit or a specific plug you guys use to cap everything off? ie...on the heads? Thanks! (first rodeo on a ford product).

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Do you still have the cats? If so, leave the smog pump right where it is.

Otherwise, you could pickup a good set of high flow 3-way cats and then ditch the smog pump.

Going catless is always an option but those cars tend to stink and stink up the garage along with them.

firstride93lx said:

Also, had a quick question about removing the smog pump (still on my car) I am guessing it is a pretty common thing to remove. Is there a particular kit or a specific plug you guys use to cap everything off? ie...on the heads? Thanks! (first rodeo on a ford product).

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It's pretty easy to do. If you have cats though, you really shouldn't ditch the pump.

But if your cars are gone (or you are running modern cats) you can just yank the pump and all associated plumbing. Your belt will get rerouted like the blue diagram (ignore the belt length, you should measure on your own). In fact, do this first, then delete the pump once you have your accessory belt sorted



One air tube from the pump goes down to the h-pipe. Come off about 4-6" from the pipe and cut it clean with a hacksaw. Use a piece of heater hose, two hose clamps, and something big enough to plug the other end and just cap that all off. You can also crimp the pipe over and weld it shut if you have the means.

for the pipe running to the heads, you can either cap it at the check valve on the pass side, or remove the pipe off the heads and cap using this block off kit

Thw two vac lines from the TAD and TAB solenoid can be trimmed and blocked off. Or if you are feeling brave you can remove the solinoids completely, and use resistors to avoid any codes for them.

firstride93lx said:

Are most people running a exhaust system with cats and x/h pipes and maintaining the pump? Just curious. Thanks!

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Stock cats? Yes. The older cat systems weren't very efficient and need the O2 supplied by the pump to function. Without it, they will gum up and clog over time.

Modern cats are better and can eliminate the pump. I'm running a Bassani catted X-pipe and deleted the pump with that setup.

If there is any chance your state/county etc plan on doing tail-pipe emmissions testing, or a visual inspection, you'll want to keep all the smog stuff intact.

Also, anything you remove save, or toss on ebay. Nothing from these cars is really a throw-away part these days. People are restoring them to stock, so all components have value.

firstride93lx said:

Would the flowmaster direct replacement cat system be considered high-flow 3 way? Or should I look for something that specifically states "high flow 3 way"? Thanks!

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All the new cat systems should be the newer 3-way variety. You may want to send an email to their tech support specifically asking if they require the use of the air pump system

firstride93lx said:

Would the flowmaster direct replacement cat system be considered high-flow 3 way? Or should I look for something that specifically states "high flow 3 way"? Thanks!

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I would. If you plan to buy a new set, you will only want to purchase them once.

Heed the advice above about checking to see what is legal in your area. You don't want to spend money to have some lane referee tell you, "It's all gotta come out".

firstride93lx said:

Anyone used the magnaflow universal cats?

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Hey... I know the dude that owns that site.


I don't even remember what mine are (been a long time). They are similar to these:


3" Universal 3-way: https://www.partshopper.com/item/magnaflow-54309-challenger/

Here's the 2.5" version: https://www.partshopper.com/item/magnaflow-94606-standard-grade-direct-fit-catalytic-converter/

Drop me a PM if you decide to order. I'll slip you a coupon code.