question
 

Is removing the smog pump or what ever its called a good idea? Will it improve performance and make the car louder?

All the smog pump does is pump air into your exhaust to help the car pass smog inspections. Removing the pump will not make the exhaust louder, but you will trim a little weight (not much) and there will be less drag on your belt that might free up a little hp but nothing noticable. It also helps to unclutter the engine compartment a little:D . you will need a new belt. If your car has a/c you can get the belt for no a/c and it should fit.

Air pump
 

The air pump takes almost no HP and the weight saving is nothing. Hardly worth removing.

If it works O.K. I would leave it alone, if it fails, remove it.