LUVTruck.com

recently bought a 1980 luv 4x4. runs great but waqs only getting up to about 50mph. changed plugs and gained another 8 mph. will soon change plug wires and run some sea foam or some other comprable engine cleaner thought it. i'm asssuming i'll gain more horse power and in turn a faster speed. what i was wondering is if anyone has unhooked the smog pump and if so was there any power gain. im not trying to go a 100mph buti would like to be able to cruise to work at about 65mph. only getting about 60mph now.
thanks
josh

I disconnected my smog pump and noticed no change whatsoever. The smog parts are a system designed to work together. Sometimes simply disconnecting one part or a couple only throws things out of balance.

You might notice a more dramatic change by making sure fuel filter and lines allow good flow and rebuild the carb, super cleaning all passages and orifices. Make sure choke isn't sticking closed.

Also setting the timing correctly can make a huge difference. On an old engine I find that a vacuum gauge works best for timing adjustment as it ignores wear in shafts, gears etc. Attach a vacuum gauge and adjust timing to highest vacuum reading which may cause some pinking, then retard timing just enough to get rid of pinking.

Also if engine starts almost instantly it indicates timing is close, if it labors and almost kicks back it's too far advanced. If it cranks and cranks before starting that may indicate it's retarded. Peak power comes at maximum advance without pinking.

I'm sure you've checked that the air filter is clean and not restricting flow and that you have good exhaust flow, not a clogged up catalytic converter. If you're going to disable something smog, losing the cat is ALWAYS an improvement in power and mileage.

Lastly, may sound stupid but check to be sure you don't have a brake dragging? I've found that several times on various vehicles.