AIR pump/emissions?

[kustomss]

Can anybody explain exactly what the AIR pump and emissions stuff does? And is it really neccessary? I'm swapping a '93 caprice 5.7l and it has the AIR system but I want to run headers if I can.

 

[DRIVEN]

All the A.I.R. pump does is get the exhaust hotter so that the catalytic converter burns more efficiently. No cat -- no need for an A.I.R. pump. The EGR can either stay or go. You wont notice any performance gain without it. Emissions will be cleaner (lower NOx) if you leave it.

 

[MR442]

Depends on state to . Its a fine with out if caught . Plus no inspection . ways around it but getting worse the smog areas r getting bigger here in PA

 

[kustomss]

I'm in NY so emissions isn't required after 25 years. Thanks for the info!