68 L68 AIR install

[Pete G.]

Am rebuilding my L68 (has C60 (A/C) option), when I purchased the coupe in '05 it was sans the smog pump. I'm seriously considering installing a working AIR setup (can get complete system from Bill Hodel) and am wondering what a working AIR system will do to the overall performance of the 400hp? I know the smog pump robs HP, but how much? How much draw on HP w/ A/C and smog pump working?

Also have heard that some install the smog pump but in the "off" position, does it matter for NCRS judging if the pump is functioning or not? If not in "on" setting, is there much of a draw on HP with just the pulley operating?

Thanks!

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 L68 AIR install

Am rebuilding my L68 (has C60 (A/C) option), when I purchased the coupe in '05 it was sans the smog pump. I'm seriously considering installing a working AIR setup (can get complete system from Bill Hodel) and am wondering what a working AIR system will do to the overall performance of the 400hp? I know the smog pump robs HP, but how much? How much draw on HP w/ A/C and smog pump working?

Also have heard that some install the smog pump but in the "off" position, does it matter for NCRS judging if the pump is functioning or not? If not in "on" setting, is there much of a draw on HP with just the pulley operating?

Thanks!

Pete------


I doubt that you'll notice any difference in engine power level with the AIR pump installed. If you were talking about racing this car, having the AIR pump removed might gain you a 1/2 car length in the quarter mile. For the street, you'll never notice anything.

There is no way to install the pump in an "off position". If the belt is on the pump, the pump is operating. You can gut the pump in which case the pump will generate minimal horsepower draw even with the belt connected. I don't recommend gutting the pump, though.

My advice to you is to install the AIR system in 100% operable condition, just as it was originally. I have found that with the AIR system operating versus it not operating there is much less of an "exhaust odor" in the vicinity of the car. I noticed a huge difference in the case of my 1969 convertible and found it much more pleasurable to drive with the AIR operating than with it not operating.

[Pete G.]

Re: 68 L68 AIR install

Thanks Joe, I appreciate the advice!

[John H.]

Re: 68 L68 AIR install

Pete -

The A.I.R. pump absorbs less than one horsepower at 3000 rpm; the minor performance difference when they were new (which was more related to driveability than performance) was a result of lean carburetor calibration, "ported" spark, and lazy centrifugal advance curves.