Old 79 turbo project

[Utah Blaine]

Does anyone know about this early model turbo? I had to take the air pump off the engine to do some work around the distributor. The pump blocks up that whole area of the engine. Is there any good reason I need to put that pump back on? It seems like all it does is pump air into the left head manifold to put air in the exhaust. Plug that hole and forget about it or is it essential to the turbo somehow?

 

[WarWagon]

It's only necessary for emissions. Otherwise not helping anything turbo wise, so if emissions are not a problem take it off.

 

[b4black]

Yep, it helps the catalytic converter oxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. If the converter is gone, it's doing nothing but taking up space.

 

[Utah Blaine]

Thanks to all. I thought as much but it never hurts to ask. The converter will disappear soon! The pump is gone.