[Remnex]

About

One of the biggest complaints from 06+ WRX and 07 STI owners is the horrible air pump that takes up a lot of space in the engine bay. Fortunately, this part can be removed with no ill effects. Alright, lets get started.

Please note that this thread will be image heavy in order to establish a standard of over explaination.

Enjoy.


Tools Needed

- Ramps / Lift
- Shop light or a good flash light
- Wrench or cordless impact
- Standard size Ratchet
- 10mm & 12mm deep sockets
- 8mm, 10mm & 12mm standard sized sockets
- 10mm click wrench
- Wobble
- One 6-8" extension
- Pliers
- Two zipties

Time Needed

Provided you have the right tools, this entire job can be accomplished in 45 minutes to one hour. This, however, does not include flashing the computer to remove CELs.

Parts Needed

In order to do this mod you will need to purchase the air pump block off delete from KS Tech; thanks KS Tech. Make sure you get the 07 STI package and the extra gasket. KS Tech quickly shipped this product and provided wonderful customer service. These guys are a smaller company and I always support the smaller folks.

Step One - The Setup

Prepare your tools.



Identify The Target




Step Two - Remove The Intercooler









At this point you should remove the intercooler but pulling up and out. Make sure you don't misplace the hoses. Set the intercooler to the side.

Remove the intercooler support.



Your engine bay should now look like this:




Step Three - Removing The Air Pump

Loosen the need bolts and make sure the pump can move freely.





Remove the battery.




Back to the air pump. Let's free it for removal.






Note: You may need to loosen the fuse box in order to remove the pump.

Step Four - Removing Pieces






Note: Remove the plastic shield will give you remove to move things around for the next part.

Step Five - Blocking Off Head

Follow the pictures in order to get the block off plate on. Observe the gasket when bolting it back to the head. Tighten as needed.














Note: MAKE SURE YOU CONNECT THIS!

Reverse the order to put the car back together.



No abnormal idle issues. This was done on a completely cold motor where when started the pump would engage.

All done!

[sujak]

I think its a conversation starter. Tell them your car is twin turbo!

[WESTI]

thats interesting. why would subaru put it there and waste money making so many of those if it didnt matter?

[Remnex]

Originally Posted by WESTI

thats interesting. why would subaru put it there and waste money making so many of those if it didnt matter?

It is merely an emission piece. Removing it will not only free up the engine bay, but allows you to use the space for other things. Also, certain FMIC install benefit from having the piece removed. Whether or not revisions have been made to combat that, I don't know, but that is not the point. I hated the thing and wanted to remove it.

[bzbuzz]

No CEL for this?

[chaos311clarity]

ive actually heard of an 07 owner having an issue with this when he removed it.

[knucklesplitter]

Nice write-up, Jake. '06 WRX (and '07 WRX too I think) actually has 2 valves, 2 injection points, and needs 2 block-off plates:



And thanks for the plug for KS Tech (aka KnuckleSplitter Technologies).

Originally Posted by bzbuzz

No CEL for this?

Lots of CELs to turn off.

[morecowbell]

So, to be clear about this, the benefit of removing the pump is solely to free up space and remove weight. Am I correct?

[knucklesplitter]

Originally Posted by morecowbell

So, to be clear about this, the benefit of removing the pump is solely to free up space and remove weight. Am I correct?

Yes, and it makes working on the car easier. The air pump is electric and runs infrequently, so there is no power gain.

[slvrsti]

are these not on 04's?

[Remnex]

Originally Posted by slvrsti

are these not on 04's?

Nope. Just the 07 model year.

[cpunlamd]

Remnex: Can't we remove that whole unit instead of plugging that piece back in? Its practically the center of the air pump assembly and isn't really functioning anyway. Its just hanging there. Nothing feeding it and nothing going out.


Note: MAKE SURE YOU CONNECT THIS!

[Remnex]

Originally Posted by cpunlamd

Remnex: Can't we remove that whole unit instead of plugging that piece back in? Its practically the center of the air pump assembly and isn't really functioning anyway. Its just hanging there. Nothing feeding it and nothing going out.


Note: MAKE SURE YOU CONNECT THIS!

Sadly no. This unit contains the sensor for the atmospheric pressure. The readings will be all kinds of weird.