Tech Talk: PAIR Valve Systems Explained

Tech Talk: PAIR Valve Systems Explained - Brock talks PAIR valve systems. What is it? What does it do and what does it mean to you and your motorcycle? We are addressing it with our 2017 GSX-R1000 project, so Brock decided to stop and allow you to explore this sometimes ‘mysterious’ system with him as he works his way from ‘Stock to Brock’!
Introduction - What is a PAIR valve? How does it work? Let’s find out!
1:00 PAIR (Pulsed Secondary AiR Injection System… I didn’t make this up)
2:30 Vacuum test using a simple piece of paper
3:10 Where did my vacuum go?!
4:04 Demonstration of PAIR openings in exhaust port using Busa cylinder head
4:50 “If I block my PAIR, will I pick up MORE POWER?!” (Uhhh… no, sorry)
5:50 Why would I want to block my PAIR?
6:23 Brock’s PAIR valve cap. The KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) at its finest!
7:00 POW! CRACK! BAM! KA-BOOM! Maybe I DON’T want to block my PAIR
8:30 The difference between a BLOCKED and DISABLED PAIR in ECU flash technology.
9:15 What happens if I tune my bike without the PAIR valve blocked?
Conclusion
2017 GSX-R 1000 Information Page: www.brocksperformance.com/bro...
Visit www.BrocksPerformance.com for additional information, installation instructions, information forums, and FAQ sections.
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Please watch: "2017 GSX-R1K S2B: Episode 4 - Exhaust Installation and Theory (Part 3): Full Exhaust Systems"
• 2017 GSX-R1000 S2B: Ep...
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[@steven-vn9ui]

So refreshing to see a guy that really knows his profession. Thanks Brock

[@rocknraptor3195]

YES & likes to share it!!👍👍

[@MoswenMedia]

Very rare someone gives me the feeling they've forgotten more than I'll ever know, but man you can tell this fella has spent years and years on, under, inside, and next to bikes.

[@BrockDavidson]

Thanks!

[@bicycless211]

Do you think I would have to worry about any buildup at the cat on 23 ZX6r if I do the pair valve block off and have factory headers and cat with an m4 slip on

[@MoswenMedia]

@@bicycless211 No, you'll be fine

[@bicycless211]

@@MoswenMedia will the slip-on make it run slightly leaner if no tune or flash is done?

[@MoswenMedia]

@bicycless211 Unless you get a full catless system, you won't run lean enough to necessitate an ECU flash

[@michaelovitch]

Don't be afraid to be "technical" it's interesting,not boring at all. This is why i watch your channel,you explain pretty well. There is a similar system on cars,it's just an air injection pump ,pumping air to the exhaust manifold to reduce emission during the closed loop period.

[@BrockDavidson]

michaelovitch those pumps are mechanically driven, help seal rings and prevent pumping losses. They also run for seconds at a time. Ever try one on a street bike? The oil pressure light glows in seconds?! Is it starvation, our just tricking the switch?...how many engines are YOU willing to kill to find out?

[@BrockDavidson]

michaelovitch ill get technical in my replies ;)

[@michaelovitch]

I don't understand what the oil pressure light have to do. I miss something ? I just said there is a similar system on cars,except it's an air pump,mostly electric,it's not a venturi system like here.

[@topprotips5250]

Brock Davidson hey Brock love your videos man . So I have a 2014 gsxr750 and I’m blocking off my pair valve , there are 3 hoses I’m blocking . 2 of them come from the valve itself and the other hose is connected into the pair valve solenoid . My question is do I block the hoses themselves or the ports coming from the valves and the other one going into the solenoid

[@Al-df7np]

Mate that's awesome, very informative. I've read a lot of BS on forums about the PAIR valve and what it does etc but you cleared up any blurry bits and un-truths. Thank you.

[@bhishamchandiramani2230]

Thanks for your prompt response Brock, I like your videos, they are so easy to understand and very informative too.

[@EnhancedChimp]

You have a new subsciber all the way from Canada! Love the videos I've learned more in 10 minutes then I ever did in school lol.

[@tandpnetwork7102]

Best explanation yet of a pair valve. I'm leaving mine because it sounds awesome

[@justinbouillon4204]

Thanks Brock . I've never learnt about these or seen one until I got my latest bike a few years ago . Thanks for explaining it so well . I will definitely stay tuned to your page

[@chrisblock9993]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video Brock. It makes total sense now about what the PAIR valve does and how it affects the motorcycle. Great comment at the end about how the valve will give a false 02 reading.

[@alexsharkey6562]

Absolutely. Could be why some people don’t get the performance out of their aftermarket exhaust too. If they don’t take into account the false o2 reading with out the block off.

[@Da-wooley18]

Awesome video I feel like I'm watching drag bike tuner school love the videos as always great job to Brock and the brocks team

[@matthysharmse4200]

Found a marble as mentioned on my K5 gixxer 1000. Removed it and heard that pop, didnt like it. Blocked with marble again. Now i understand the workings and why. Thanks for your awesome videos.. Keep them coming.

[@SIRSCHMACKSALOT]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make these. Keep them coming Brock!

[@lastgunstar]

Thanks for a really great, informative series of videos. I don't own a 2017 but tons of useful info.

[@PAYDAYSWAGGER]

Thanks for posting, this is something I've looked through forums "researching" and I learned a lot. I like how simple your cap is, but I think I would love the pop too 😅

[@BrockDavidson]

Some guys love the pop and just don't block it.

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe9644]

Excellent explanation Brock even for a old timer who's been riding and racing since the 70's. Yes I still miss playing with carbs on bikes. Thanks

[@deecaliboy]

just wanted to say that this was very helpful and informative. Thank you

[@charredskeleton]

Thanks for taking the time to explain what the system is and how it works.

[@BrockDavidson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikehunt3987]

An oldie but goodie. Cant believe this video is 5 years old! Working on my SV650, this video was super interesting. Thanks!

[@BrockDavidson]

Glad you liked it!

[@R1deFast]

Thank you, Last year i bought a 21 R1 and ive been planning on getting it flashed and tuned. I bought some block off plates and soon to be sprint filter, I did not have any idea what the block off plates do and was debating on even putting them on. Thank you for taking your time and explaining this

[@DirtyTaxman]

Amazing content, thank you for explaining !

[@twowheelvideos]

Great explanation! I consider my self proper schooled (as far as knowing what this is about, and what the ups and downs are). Thank you for smacking some knowledge on the community :-)

[@jryer1]

Thanks Brock, amazing how easy it is to overlook the seemingly small things :-)

[@ealvarez9541]

Thanks Brock! I almost sold my bike that I bought with an auto tuner already installed bc it did not have the pair valve blocked off and was running poorly. This video really helped. You are the man!

[@BrockDavidson]

Glad to help. Lol, keep accepting the recommended map changes and watch your bike drink fuel and run worse and worse after every change ;)

[@SinAnios]

Great content. Appreciate your effort. Thank you.

[@Xsheaffer]

Great info. Thanks for putting the video together.

[@Young937phoenix]

Thanks for the video. I just bought a 05 gsxr 600 and I had to go through all the wiring because they had it all messed up from adding led lights through the years so I cut it all out and had to properly fix all the connections right and make it look OEM and put new spark plugs air filter and oil change, radiator flush just normal stuff you would do when buying a bike that was ran hard it's whole life. Man does it run good. I also ordered brand new fairings but they won't be here untill end of summer so imma have to run older ones that don't look to good untill they come..

[@elgar6743]

I did enjoy the video and I did learn something...thanks Brock!

[@wickedwickedbar5930]

This is a real knowledge.thank you

[@jtegland]

Thanks again for doing these Brock.

[@denisrailey777]

Great vid about pair valves. 4 into 1 exhaust & popping off throttle. I blanked off valve cover for easier removal as well. Disconnected wiring.

[@LookAtMeLuis]

Great video. Very informative. Keep up the great work

[@krishchandran6819]

Brock u need a lab coat with ur logo on it!!! Luv theese vids

[@marcpotvin1650]

Awesome explanation clarified all my questions

[@faridyassin2116]

One of the great video, thank you sir.

[@aymenskandrani6708]

Best PAIR valve explaination online

[@donjuan1933]

Good stuff B, keep em coming.

[@jeramelbarcelo1075]

Thank you Brock, I learned a lot from your videos.

[@BrockDavidson]

Glad you like!

[@Omar411269]

Learned me something good today. Thank you!

[@Eire93]

Very good content . Thanks 👍

[@pascaljeanl]

Thanks for the video because I got auto tune but I didn’t know that I needed to remove the pair valve. Now I know why my bike is running a lil rich. You learn something new everyday. Am waiting for my block off plates to come from you guys it’s in mail. I can’t wait to put it in and take my bike out for a ride. I also got the termination plug in the mail so I don’t get a code.

[@BrockDavidson]

@Pascal - glad to help!

[@pascaljeanl]

Brock Davidson thanks keep the video coming.

[@moudzy1446]

awesome video. Thanks Brock!

[@michaelwelch70]

Very good video. Informative. Thanks.

[@BrockDavidson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mcgman8058]

Great explanation.

[@a9503128]

awesome, thanks for sharing the info, together we're all a little bit smarter

[@avalon1734]

Thanks Brock. I used a bolt to block my PAIR before sending my Gixxer to the tuner.

[@nwbklr]

Why?

[@ssshawn0007]

You have to love and trust this dude.

[@blainehouser4354]

Great info ! Thanks!

[@mrvwbug4423]

I happen to like the decel popping, you sometimes even get a little bit of flame, especially on certain bikes like the FZ-09.

[@rolltide145]

Cashing in my GME and AMC!! I'm sold to these vids!!!

[@hunterp5252]

Lol dumb

[@alexsharkey6562]

Very informative thank you.

[@myboy051]

I can't wait to see the bike fully tuned.

[@DonPedro6901]

Everytime I'm learning something new :-)

[@steveguest8028]

Great explanation

[@sledsik2391]

Good info, thank you

[@michaelslack5269]

Thank you for that nugget of information. I've recently acquired a 1999 Suzuki VZ800 Marauder that has Cobra exhaust...if I get the dreaded excessive and annoying pops I now know what to do. Again thank you, and wonderful video sir.

[@davidevelyn530]

Thanks for the tutorial. Your name is part of my Z900RS now (block off plates) Ha!

[@kornboy22]

I have done this mod to my bikes before getting dyno tuned so to get correct AFR. Saves a little weight too. Use a jumper mod plug to stop fault or disable fault code with flashtune/woolich racing. Great videos BTW.

[@jeovanijackson]

kornboy22 could you explain the jump mod?

[@kornboy22]

I bought this one on ebay "PAIR Valve Eliminator with SMOG block off plates Kawasaki ZX10R 2004-2010" search that on ebay. costs a little bit more but comes with the the plug that stops the error code. i am not advertising for them its what I bought for myself and it works.

[@LightningMAS]

great video explaining sir

[@motosako7366]

GREAT VIDEO. I've seen lots of vidoes, but only you were able to give a clear description what a PAIR Valve is and how it works. Thanks

[@BrockDavidson]

Glad it helped

[@jerrys.schoenauer1302]

Great video!

[@lordgibbness]

Great video sir

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Great explanation of what to do with PAIRS. My old SV1000s pops like hell but I kind of like it.

[@devonsinanan7580]

So leaving the pair valve connected will make the bike pop or blocking it?

[@BrockDavidson]

Functioning = pop

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@BrockDavidson I have since removed mine. No popping whatsoever.

[@BrianEvansracer]

Appreciate these...

[@jaquan874]

I had my tuner turn off PAIR VALVE. I came back next day to turn it back on!!!!!!! FLAMES, POPS, BANGS and exhaust note is so much better

[@jockvanniekerk8074]

Brock videos are great but to far in between we need more please. And what you said at the end about you need to block the pair valve when you tune the bike can you show us exactly what you mean when you get to the part where you are going to fit the power commander Thanks

[@Lovenpain]

Dude thank you for making this subject understandable!! Freaking great video! Wish you were local cause I would most definitely have you guys tune my bike for me! ;) You have a new subscriber here!

[@BrockDavidson]

That's the beauty of our combinations. It doesn't matter where you live - we do the work here and send the components to you, pre-mapped and ready to install.

[@15LoydsCustom]

Wow thanks for this bro well explain

[@jfro5867]

Very interesting. 👍

[@ryanhack5]

Great video! Wish you were in my state. I'd have you tune all my motorcycles

[@BrockDavidson]

blog.brocksperformance.com/ufaqs/do-i-need-to-physically-bring-my-bike-to-brocks-performance-in-ohio-for-a-performance-tune/

[@prostreetgsxr]

On all 3 of my Busa’s we unhooked the pair valve from the air box and hooked it up to the crankcase. Free vacuum pump=free hp

[@BrockDavidson]

We proved, undeniably, the gen 1 Busa pair valve mod slowed the bike down.

[@davejordan6636]

Thank you!

[@tsugha]

Brocks can we say, blocking pair port will prevent vacuum on port so inlet air pressure on airbox will be higher, which is a good thing if you want to get hp by tuning.

[@alex-thangnguyen2746]

Hey Brock, I really enjoy your videos and how you take the scary out of all the new high tech wizardry in engines now. Can I pick your mind regarding the PAIR system. In the old days, you could put your hand over the exhaust and determine if your bike is running lean or rich. I kept testing my bike's carburetor and assumed it was running decent; however, my mileage dropped and I noticed this. My fuel range was so off, I could not figure out why I did not diagnose or notice a rich powerband. My question to you is, do you know of any other method other than a diagnostic tool that can quickly and accurately tell a tuner if the carburetors are set in the sweet spot through the powerband? I did notice extra heat through the pipes. Another source of this heat is the headers; such as rust or what happened to me, the previous owner did not bother to use any header cones, thus, producing a leak and a drop in engine performance overall. The natural thing when you have this power drop is to turn up your fuel-air mix exacerbating the situation even more. So my question is, do you know of any method when you put something over the exhaust and do a sniff test for running rich? The scope of your knowledge and the process you use to simplify the understanding of the topic speak beyond the science of it.

[@khamisi__6378]

thank you

[@Gokartsandstuff82]

Thank you help me out a lot. I’m trying to figure out the wiring for my CBR 250r on a project. I’m putting the motor in a go kart. Could definitely use more help. Trying to find out what I need for the motor to run and run correctly.

[@mantasjaskevicius1385]

Thanks

[@tatuksa]

still waiting for other episode. it looks like im watching game of thrones in a different way

[@christopherfassett9973]

I had an old '95 vn750 that popped like crazy. I just marbled the reed valves. No more popping. I'd fun to see a more thorough explanation though.

[@cosmicsurfer5911]

awesome

[@jockvanniekerk8074]

Brock where are you we need to see what you got up to waking up every morning hopeing for a notification for a new video.

[@LightningMAS]

Any updates yet??? im excited, just ordered a sprint filter from ya for my bike.

[@jasonpowell4847]

On tuning with a catalytic do most tuner tune leaner or richer. If possible would it be better to have a standalone wide band o2 before the cat.

[@kurtisprodrive9277]

If you wanted the bangs and pops but not as much could you use blank plug but drill tiny hole in so still draws some air in would that work thank you

[@irshadparak3285]

Hi Brock, I love the vid. I have a 2005 Gsxr 1000 with a bmc filter and a yoshi slip on. My bike is going in for an ecu flash and dyno tune in Jan. I love popping sound on decel but obviously I'd choose performance over it lol. Should I order block off plates and install them before doing the flash and tune ?

[@BrockDavidson]

@Irsha -There is no need to for you to disconnect the PAIR if you like the popping sound. Your dyno operator will have the ability to temporarily block the PAIR for tuning (plastic cap, hemostats or even a simple piece of tape) and then remove the temporary block after the tune.

[@irshadparak3285]

Brock Davidson thanks Brock, really appreciate it

[@fattymcgee123]

yo... can you guys make some parts for the b1250? have most of my parts from Dale Walker, but stuff like wheels or master cylinders are hard to find.

[@st3rg]

did i get it right measuring exhaust gas emission on a stock bike will result ok but on a bike with blocked pair with stock parts measurement will show rich mixture ? if thats the case what will the result be on a blocked pair valve with an aftermarket air filter and exhaust ?

[@moreclips805]

Hey Brock, Thanks for putting this together. Very informative. I bought a bike that has a full exhaust, however the pair value (electrical wire) was simply unplugged. No cap on the vacuum line itself. Bikes developed a surging issue, changed rectifier ignition coils and spark plugs. Do you think the pair valve can be causing a surging issue at idle? When I drained the oil I smelt fuel. Maybe not enough air to combust the fuel causing it to leak down into my crankcase?

[@BrockDavidson]

No. The pair valve has zero to do with how the bike runs. It simply injects air into the exhaust pipe, after the combustion process, to help the cat work correctly. The chances of bad OEM components causing the problem are near zero. Sounds like you need a proper flash and tune. Get with Chris Moore at mooremafia.

[@moreclips805]

@Brock Davidson thanks for the quick response Brock. Appreciate the help!

[@terrancesampson6800]

thanks

[@jscottc6675]

When is the pair valve commanded closed by the ecu? 2016 zx14r here. Keen air still unblocked. The '16's O2 sensor is installed in an aftermarket pipe. Ecu re flashed and dyno tuned. Only slight pop, just on decell. Bike responds well . Fuel consumption remains or is better than stock exhaust during light throttle cruising. J

[@fidelcatsro6948]

i read somewhere when you block PAIR from the intake box, its frees up more air pressure in the airbox for the engine to use...perhaps only during the low and mid range because as you showed it doesnt do anything in high rpm..

[@BrockDavidson]

Don't believe everything you read on the Internet ;)

[@xzistpo]

Thanks for this! Can you tell me if the pair valves are the same as the SAS or secondary air system ?

[@BrockDavidson]

Yes. SAS was the term coined in 1966. Additional have been added since, but the basic principle is the same and in some cases - identical.

[@bchant19]

so for tuning purposes, you need to block the pair valve so you don't make the bike run too rich but when the tune is done you can unblock the pair valve again to get the sweet decell pops and not lose any power?

[@dariodipaola8445]

Yes. But, if you want to run an auto-tune or something like that, you will want to use block-off plates. Your autotune sensor will identify false A/F ratios if your AIS has a part in the output data. You want to eliminate that noise from reaching the sensor so when you open up your auto-tune tables and apply adjustments, they will be true values. If your auto-tune is reading data off the AIS system, your adjustments values will be fake & likely reduce power for fuel economy... who needs that! xD

[@onlyoneromeo]

Can you please do a video on oxygen sensors and whether you need them or not when you go from an OEM system to an aftermarket full system with a power commander ? Thanx.

[@BrockDavidson]

ROMEO Please use the long description in the stock to Brock series to find a complete explanation of your question.

[@Foozefighter]

on my carbed SV i disabled the PAIR system by plugging it, because test showed 2 heads one with disabled and one with enabled PAIR, enabled PAIR was burning the valves and valve seats away earlier than disabled one

[@ivanjonathanyoutube]

Great one! Just wondering, does pair valve mod & flapper mod work on the bike with the stock exhaust? Or only for with aftermarket exhaust? Please let me know. Thank you.

[@BrockDavidson]

The cat in the stock exhaust can get clogged if the pair is blocked. flapper mod does not care what exhaust is on the bike. That said, if your exhaust can't flow enough - defeating the mod will not gain any additional power.

[@ivanjonathanyoutube]

Thanks for replying me. My honda stock exhaust has no cat. Will pair valve mod do any other harm?

[@jerryx2000]

Hi Brock does the HTEV eliminator cause power loss? Honda CBR 900RR

[@BrockDavidson]

We have never measured any loss of power by removing them.

[@dw0095]

I'm having idle surging at warm idle on my 2013 gsxr750, full exhaust system with flashed ecu. Going to unblock my pair hose to see if that smoothes things out. Thanks!

[@BrockDavidson]

Idle surge is typically caused / corrected by the flash. Also check throttle body sync.

[@dw0095]

@@BrockDavidson Hey Brock thanks for the reply. My tuner from out in Washington area told me that idle surge is normal on gsxrs because of the lack of back pressure. Did not offer any other solutions. When you did that paper suction test, the increased rpm seems like it could help my situation. Will be giving it a go this evening after work. Figure trying the least expensive fixes first 👍🏼

[@N269]

Good explanation - succinct. Question: when disconnecting the PAIR solenoid control connector is it safe to NOT terminate with a dummy load? Can it be an open circuit and the ECU won't mind or should it have a load as it would if connected?? Best

[@BrockDavidson]

Some bikes will allow it, some won't. Even a flash just turns out the nuisance light in most cased.

[@N269]

@@BrockDavidson Thanks for your reply! Okay. Reason I ask, I did this on CB900F-5 (Honda 919) and they sent a 10k resistor in the HM090 blanking plug for the harness. (Can't flash a Honda ECU (well not that I'm aware of in UK)) HOWEVER, I hated the muffled sound, so I just put the PAIR back. (I use Akrapovičs with the baffle removed and they sound great) One more question related - if one likes the snap-crackle-pop of the roll-off when PAIR installed, why not just remove the control solenoid (heaviest bit) and leave the hoses connected, via a "Y" (or a "T"), back to the airbox and just let the reed valves control the flow of air? (I think they are 14mm hoses on the CB900F). Thanks for your reply!

[@BrockDavidson]

@H Some older style bike work fine with a dummy resistor. You can remove the solenoid, but would have to confirm the external plumbing is configured so that the reeds continue to draw air from the airbox - if you want the pop.

[@AFR383]

on a bike with ram air it seems like some of the ram effect would be lost by air bleeding out through this port. Is that true or maybe not significant enough of an amount of pressure lost?

[@BrockDavidson]

If it does, we don't have the ability to measure it.

[@ME-hr8dl]

Great channel Sir. Changed the plugs on my old GSXR1000 k1 the other day and found the pipe from the airbag to pair valve was disconnected. The bike has a slip on can and no CAT (obviously) would this have affected how the bike runs - positively or negatively? (haven't ridden it yet due to weather) Cheers

[@BrockDavidson]

I assume you mean the hose from the air box to the pair? No - the pair does not affect power output. It was simply drawing air from ambient around the engine vs. from the air box.

[@ME-hr8dl]

Thanks for the reply - now ridden bike and it feels as good as usual. Cheers