kingpin -
The polution control regs might be tougher in CO but my guess is you'd be safe yanking the smog pump. Starting in about 65 or so, the Detroit boys started flirting with the polution control add-ons & the engineering wasn't very good yet.
On the question of will it run better without it - absolutely! You'll probably add another few HP or so just by dumping the booger.
Good luck deciding. Remember, it's always better to ask forgiveness than it is permission!
