smog pump froze up

[longbedrick]

finally got the new HEI distributor in today. fired up the old '73 for the first time since the title has been in my name (finally!). while it was running, there was an awful smell and a little bit of smoke coming from the belt. turns out the smog pump running on the same belt as the alternator froze up and wouldnt budge and was burning the belt.

will it hurt anything removing the smog pump altogether? i'd like to get rid of it anyhow and make some room in the engine compartment. seems like I may need a shorter belt. any input is greatly appreciated.