I am trying to put together an A.I.R. set-up for my '69 and be as correct as possible. The correct part numbered and dated pump and other parts are priced on the moon, as you would guess. I first wondered how different later Corvette(70-72) pumps and diverters would fit. I am now also looking at other cars' parts like the pumps and diverters that are supposedly for Camaros, Malibus, whatever... do these fit also? Are they obviously different? I know the fan color is different on a Corvette. Could you literally use a Camaro pump with a Malibu diverter valve and have it fit or look right other than numbers?
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Re: Confused about A.I.R. parts (C3)
Steve-----
Basically, the pumps are pretty much common for any given model year. In fact, they are not only common among Chevrolets, they are common among many GM model cars and trucks. As far as pumps used in PRODUCTION, most 69-75 use the same configuration pump. Obviously, "dates" and "stamped numbers" may vary a little but, configuration-wise, most 69-75 PRODUCTION pumps are the same.
The white "fans" (actually, centrifugal filters) were absolutely not unique to Corvettes. They are a period-of-manufacture sort of thing and most, if not all, 1969 pumps used the "white" centrifugal filter. These were also used much after 1969, but I don't know exactly when the black variety was phased in.
While the pumps are very standard and not really all that difficult to obtain, other parts are not so standard. They are very application specific. The Corvette diverter valves were mostly unique to Corvette applications. Other valves were similar, but they were not the same. In some cases, there are only minor differences in configuration; in other cases, there are large differences. As far as internal differences (e.g calibration), who knows?
The manifold pipe assemblies are pretty much Corvette-specific, but, in some cases, they were also used for other Chevrolet applications. Mainly, this included small block applications also using the ram's horn exhaust manifolds (most other Chevrolet cars of the 66+ period, including Camaro, did NOT use the ram's horn design).
The pump brackets and braces are pretty much unique-to-Corvette pieces, too.
For the most part, though, a Corvette system can be assembled from rather easily available rebuilt parts (pump), used parts and reproduction parts. The "stickler" is the diverter valve. That's the hard part. The 69-71 Corvette small block diverter valves were the same. However, only LT-1 used them for 70-71.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Confused about A.I.R. parts (C3)
Super helpful answer, Joe. Thanks, as always.Comment
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Re: Confused about A.I.R. parts (C3)
I am certain that if you contact Bill Hodel or other A.I.R. gurus that they will help you with information and numbers. Bill advertises in The Driveline and was a very valuable asset to me when I was putting together a proper setup. Yep, cheap is not a word you hear in the A.I.R. world.
GaryComment
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Re: Confused about A.I.R. parts (C3)
I would also recommend Bill, excellent service and communication!
greetings,
Rob.Rob.
NCRS Dutch Chapter Founder & Board Member
NCRS Software Developer
C1, C2 and C3 Registry DeveloperComment
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Re: Confused about A.I.R. parts (C3)
Steve you may find the pump for your 69 at Auto Zone. I bought a rebuilt pump for my original owner 68 about 4 years ago from Auto Zone. The rebuilt pump is a Cardone Whitaker part and the cost was reasonable. It is an exact/correct replacement for my 68's original pump except the air filter on the front is black. There are no casting numbers on the aluminum portion of the pump, however there is a casting number on the cast iron end piece which matched my 68's original pump.Comment
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Re: Confused about A.I.R. parts (C3)
Hmmmmm... interesting suggestion, Jim. I just won an ebay auction of 3 pumps today, one of which I think is right. However, I have an Auto Zone right next door to my office so there is no reason not to go in and check it out!
As was stated earlier I've verified that the diverter valve appears to be the most Corvette specific part to rustle up, along with the brackets. I found correct-numbered check valves and side tubes on ebay already.Comment
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Re: Confused about A.I.R. parts (C3)
Steve,
I had a full 1969 smog system sitting in a box in one of my "corvette" closets for many hears. I tried to install it about 3 months ago and I found some problems. The diverter valve didn't work, was frozen and did't hold vacuum. The pulley that mounts to the smog pump was bent and wobbled about 1/2 in. when rotated. And the water pump pulley that was supposed to be correct wasn't, the holes didn't even line up. So be careful with what you get.
Joe L. will know the part numbers you will need for the pulley(s), and don't forget the pump to pulley spacer if you have a small block.
gene#21147Comment
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