fiero 88 gt... im not totally sure on this but the canister next to the air filter, the fuel canister evaporator? what is it and what does it do.... keeps moisture out of the fuel? does it work like a fuel filter? i have never touched it and apparently have never cleaned it in anyway if i am even able to? if it was clogged or bad what negative effects does it have on the engine?

The canister contains carbon granules that absorb/store fuel vapors from the gas tank. A third tube from the gas tank routes vapors to the canister, which is then ported/sucked back into the intake by an electrical air valve connected to a vacuum source on the plenum - to be burned. Part of the emission controls. They can be damaged if raw fuel is sucked into the canister. There is a filter at the bottom that you can clean out or replace. Usually fairly reliable things.

what if i were to delete it or is that even possible? would that be better or worse for the engine if deleted?

Vapor canisters, to the best of my knowledge, have no affects on performance and only add a pound or so. They add come clutter to the engine bay, but I wouldn't take one off w/o a good reason 'cause they're not a problem. Notice, that they are a possible location for a vacuum leak, as vacuum tubes from the canister to the TB so that any fuel vapors are burnt (a good thing). As long as your vacuum tubes are good and installed-- no issue here.

Merry Christmas,
Michael

alright cool thanks merry christmas to you too..

Good time for this info to come out. While in the process of cleanin and repainting my engine bay, I noticed my canister has a crack on the top. Im sure thats a nice vacuum leak. I saw that autozone has replacements for around 40 bucks. Anyone know of any other places to find them?

------------------
Adam

Most any junk yard car.

The canister isn't under full vacuum. A line draws a small amount of air from the canister when the engine is running to clear the casister of it's stored fumes.

Overall removing the cansiter doesn't help performance or affect engine operation to hardly any degree. It does however eliminate some of the emission controls. You also have to then come up with a way to properly vent the gas tank.

I just don't see a good reason to take it off. And for the little bit of a PIA it would be to take it off, you might as well leave it on.

ANAM427 -
You could use a lot of things to just seal the crack. Like RTV sealant.

JB weld would do a good sealing job, too.

-Michael

I junked my canister and capped the line coming from the fuel tank during my 3800sc install. Is this a big deal?

You do NOT want to cap the tank vapor line - this could allow fuel vapor pressure in the fuel tank which, on a very hot day, could be a really bad idea.
Make sure there is no vacuum leaks from the contol lines and leave the system in place.