Is it safe to remove the air pump? I've got an '87 TII with streetporting, and a full exhaust. I had the belt of and drove it around, It ran fine and I could notice a power difference. Is it ok to run it like this?

 

Sure, as long as the smell doesn't bother you and you don't have to meet emission requirements. I haven't had it happen to me but I've been told it'll seize eventually.

 

The only real downside I have ever read about is in the Racing Beat and Mazdatrix catalogs. They say that without that belt on there might be an issue with the water pump turning efficiently. They make some sort of double pulley for the water pump and altenator. I have run with and without the air pump and do not have problems, but then again I am not a real racer. Also I have never noticed a power increase without it. It draws down little power. I'm just not sensitve I guess. Only puts out 4-5 psi.

 

If you have a FULL RB exaust there is no need for the air pump because with the exaust you have to delete the split air pipe.. Sure it is safe to remove the AIRPUMP since all it does is inject fresher air to the cats..

 

FCTURBOII........In my case there is a very good reason to leave the acv and air pump on. Ist of all that car is a 87n/a. The sixports need actuation and although the RB which comes with a pipe to actuate them ( comes directly out of the front rotors exaust pipe)it does not actuate them until 5000 rpm. I'm using a tee to the air pump hose which goes to a spare solenoid valve, which is in turn actuated by the signal from the relief solenoid which open at around 3500 rpm. The other reason is I do have smog inspection each year and I do not have to put the acv back on or the pump. All removing them ever did was clean up the engine bay. The air pump pulley and belt keep the water pump belt from slipping. I've run the car without both and there is no advantage for me. No h/p gain that is noticable. I am NOT a serious racer, but at the same time I'll let you know this little car will pull 7500 in forth gear going UP a 15 degree grade on Interstate 20.No wind. Still pulling. EarlY in the morn. Deserted road. Illegal. I do not like my car cutting off at 7800 in forth by some rev limiter. Enough.