Hi everybody, I'm new to the forums and have been trying to get a question answered about exhaust installation on my '82.  I just purchased a new stock-style system from Corvette Central.  Their (Magnaflow) catalytic converter has a provision for the AIR tubing (the line bolted to the outside of the front Y-pipe) but it's blocked off and it won't mate up with the exisiting tubing without "modification". Now, the original AIR system is all still there and I really don't savor the idea of hacking it to pieces.  Can I simply disconnect it without any ill effects?  I was considering just removing the entire length of tubing, taking the hose off the pump and capping it... will it matter at all?  The alternative would be to keep the AIR tubing, open the cat, and run some rubber hose bewteen the two... looking for others' experience here, TIA

You say the new convertor has the provision for the tube, but it's blocked off? Does it just have a short section of tube coming out of the conv. with a "cap" welded onto it? If so, this can be removed, and your original tube from the pump either welded, or swedged to fit over the conv. tube, and then clamped, as I assume your original one is.
Can you post a pic of the new convertor? Or maybe a link to the manufacterer's site, with a part #, so we can see what it has on it?


Is it THIS ONE?, or one that looks like this? If so, the tube can be "uncapped", and your original tube attatched.

also, there is this note..."Part # 323763 air tube kit is also required with this for 1982 cars"Adams' Apple2006-10-18 20:05:35

Post a pic if you can so all the doctors in the house can determine a course of action for you.

Adams' Apple, that's it exactly! Except my coverter tube actually points back in toward the converter, must've just gotten bent along the way (nothing a torch and some pliers won't fix)   Nobody at Corvette Central told me about that '82 AIR kit when I placed my order however... oh well, I'll be on back the phone in the morning. That should solve that problem. Thanks a lot for the help! 

We LOVE pics here!!!! Jest make sure they ain't too big!!

Glad we could help! Now...stay away from them other forums...y'hear?!

LOL Will do... this is the first step in a "resto-modification" of this car, so I'll probably be looking for a lot more help, and eventually be able to answer some questions too 

Just wanted to F/U on this post!  Installed the exhaust last evening with the help of some friends and a lift!  With the exception of the catalytic converter problems the Corvette Central system was very nice, everything was included (except one conveter gasket?), it fit like stock and it looks great.  Somebody needs to look at parts specific to the '82 though. Firstly, that kit I bought for the converter was a big waste!  I paid $25 for a "universal kit" with a couple hose clamps, a piece of rubber tubing and about 12" of copper pipe.  When everything got bolted together, there was maybe about 3" of space between the converter tube and the AIR pipe, not enough room to put any copper line in there.  When installed "properly", the converter is oriented so that the AIR tube butts right up against the heat shielding.  I picked up a length of 1/2" rubber hose from Advance Auto Parts today that I am going to attempt to rig up tomorrow, and put that "kit" away in a box somewhere!  Good news is there doesn't appear to be any leaks (other than the open pipes) and the problems didn't cause any SES lights or anything.

Be carefull when using "rubber" hose on a cat. conv!! Those convertors can get extremely hot!!! Don't want a fire under thar!! Make sure the hose is made specifically for exhaust use.

If nothing else I'll just cap the converter tube and leave the AIR tube open; it won't be getting exhaust gas but at least it'll be getting air 

Well I ended up just recapping the converter.  1/2" hose fit nicely over both fittings but they are just so close together that the hose was crimped off at both ends anyway.  No check engine lights and no difference in drivability with the AIR tube wide open.