I've seen pics of cars that have the air pump removed. What purpose does it serve. I still have emissions, if that helps. What would have to be blocked off if you take it out?

Thanks

 

It flows fresh air into you cat. Removing it will require you to purchase a couple blockoff plates to cover your "Air COntrol and Check Valve" assembly, and your "Split Air Pipe ".

Here is alink at mazdatrix
http://mazdatrix.com/e7.htm

Racing beats website has the plates under "Intake Components".

If you go with headers and a presilencer, removing these is a must, and well worth it.

 

the air pump feeds the acv, which feeds the catalytic converter. For details on removal and what to block, go to the FAQ section and lookup the emissions removal tutorial.

 

If you need to pass emissions you can't remove it. If inspection is not an issue ditch it.