frankdtank00 wrote:firegremlin wrote:Is that a power steering pump and other random unnecessary crappolah on that motor?....
So power steering no, but idle air control and O2 sensors yes....
Oh, hell yeah. I have plenty of muscle to turn tough steering wheels (I daily-drive an LT1 Roadmaster with an unboosted 2.5 ratio Impala SS steering box), but I can't telepathically convince the computer to adjust fuel mixture on the highway. Nor can I convince it to adjust idle according to outside air temperature, elevation, and engine temperature, all of which will vary a LOT during my drive over the Rockies, for example.
Besides, contrary to popular belief, driveability aids like o2 sensors and IAC help A LOT on the track. I'm never ripping mine out ever again. You spend a lot of time idling or cruising along, surprisingly (like, braking, yellows, sitting in a cloud of dust after a spinout, etc).
A working 02 sensor will keep the ECU from running pig-rich. This saves you some gas, but more importantly it'll keep said gas out of your oil. Gas in oil = higher chance of engine block becoming a cupholder.
Finally, a non-working IAC coupled with a loose battery clamp or any other problem that'd prevent you from restarting after a stall can mean a difference between driving in for a black flag after a crash/spinout, and getting towed in.
I know everyone likes the simplicity and the appeal of rough-running "race motor" that has nothing but bare essentials, but you're not really gaining any significant advantages in terms of clutter control, and the disadvantages are plenty.
Damn, I sound like my mother.
K Car Stalker