So I just installed a downpipe and presilencer from RB (Racing Beat) mated with an Apexi N1 Dual exhaust. I was just wondering because of RB instructions and from my car being an S4 it said that I needed to remove the air pump. But does removing the air-pump do anything like HP gains or etc.? Because I’ve been driving it with the air-pump still on the car and it seems to drive fine but was just wondering if it’s necessary to remove the air-pump? Plus correct me if I’m wrong but the air-pump controls the 6-port actuators right, I’m still trying to get my head to understand how the actuators work besides providing torque at low rpms and more air flow at higher rpms.

 

Its not necessary to remove the air pump, however the air pump and air control valve really do nothing at this point as their piping running to the exhaust is removed when installing a Racing Beat header or downpipe and pre-silencer. It will not hurt anything to leave them in place.

On an S4 non turbo, the air pump had nothing to do with the operation of the 5th and 6th port actuators. On an S5 NA, that's a different story.

 

What actuates the 5&6 ports? The air pump on my s5 was cracked so I removed it; I also have the racing beat header and pre silencer.

 

They are activated by the air pump pressure. Here is the theory of operation in the factory service manual page F1-42.

"DESCRIPTION The auxiliary port valve is installed at the secondary-auxiliary port, and is connected to the actuator whitch activated by the air pump pressure."

https://www.foxed.ca/rx7manual/manuals/parts_manuals/84-85/High%20Resolution/Engine-Chassis%201000A-4600A.pdf

 

Note - this is for S5's



OP, since you have an S4, the header you got from RB should have a nipple that you run vacuum line to that comes from your lower intake manifold (theres a weird curvy hardline that runes underneath the intake manifold). S4 actuators are operated off of pressure coming from the exhaust.

 

I should have noted I was replying to Josiah's post.

"What actuates the 5&6 ports? The air pump on my s5 was cracked so I removed it; I also have the racing beat header and pre silencer."