Another stupid rat's nest removal question
 

I've read the procedure and searched and read posts from people who have done it, and am not sure if I should or not.

I have a completely stock '83 Limited Edition which runs fairly well. There are no emissions checks as part of state inspection where I live, but we're supposed to have original emissions equipment on the car.

It seem that some people's cars run better with out it and some run better with it. I definately don't want to create more problems for myself, but would like to simplify my 7 if I can.

Should I remove the rat's nest or not?

Thanks for your advice!

- David

The LE is one of the few models that may have colleting value down the road, may not. Unless you want to get rid of the cats, install headers and have more performance, you could leave it stock. There is the old adage, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Thanks for the input Trochoid.

The interior of my car isn't in very good condition, and anything I do to improve it will probably make it different enough to not be desirable as a collector. Anyway, I'll probably keep the car for awhile and want it to run and be as trouble-free as I can get it without spending a ton on it, so the real question is will removing the rat's nest improve the way it runs or hurt it?

Thanks! - David

Performance/hp wise, no it won't improve it. It will eliminate potential troublesome parts that can fail, make troubleshooting and repairs easier. There are various 'levels' of rats nest removal, depending on how much one wishes to remove from the carb itself.

In your case, I would go ahead and do the basic removal simply to clean up the engine bay and make working on the engine easier. As far as removing the air pump, cats, etc, that's up to you and your emission regulations. Removing the air pump, cats and installing headers is the 1st/easiest/best hp/performance mod to do. That mod you will be pleased with, providing you install an exhaust system that will quiet it down enough with the headers.

Thanks, Trochoid! You're the greatest!

All that 23-year-old stuff on the carb wories me. I'm in no big rush, but will add basic rat's nest removal to my "to-do" list.

- David

I can dance like a butterfly and sting like a bee, lol. You're most welcome sir.