Does removing the AC have any performance gains
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: York PA
Does removing the AC have any performance gains
Hello,
I have an '87. The AC is pretty much worthless in the car at this point and I really don't see a need to replace it, since I never really used it. If I removed the AC from the engine, would I see a performance gain? I'm thinking no, because when the AC isn't on, it doesn't bog down the engine anyway, right? But, I'm also thinking that the more drag on the engine, even from a disengaged AC unit, could still cost power.
Thanks for any help or suggestions anyone may have!
Mike
I have an '87. The AC is pretty much worthless in the car at this point and I really don't see a need to replace it, since I never really used it. If I removed the AC from the engine, would I see a performance gain? I'm thinking no, because when the AC isn't on, it doesn't bog down the engine anyway, right? But, I'm also thinking that the more drag on the engine, even from a disengaged AC unit, could still cost power.
Thanks for any help or suggestions anyone may have!
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Weight reduction , cleans up engine bay.
Can even remove bracket completely
See
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2018171
Can even remove bracket completely
See
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2018171
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Nothing you would really notice but rodj lists two reasons that if youre Ok with that then go for it.
As a youngster I chucked my AC, got rid of the power steering and the only difference I notced was the car was hot and harder to turn.
As a youngster I chucked my AC, got rid of the power steering and the only difference I notced was the car was hot and harder to turn.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
It's obvious you don't live in AZ.
If you go to sell the car, it would make it harder to sell. If you take it off, remember it's an integrated system. heat and A/C.
you might run into hedaches trying to get one to work without the other, and then there's the capped lines look you have to like.
Then there's the female thing.
tell a woman there's no A/C means that's the last time she will go anywhere with you in that car.
Last edited by coupeguy2001; Jul 19, 2008 at 10:34 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If you have a compressor issue, the 87 compressor can be pricey to repair. But if the pulley spins freely, there should be no real drag on the engine. The thing to watch out for is if you have a leak at the seal in the compressor. It could get to a point where the compressor can lock up. If the system is just out of refrigerant, it should be OK to leave the compressor in there.
Of course there is a weight savings, but you will need a delete pulley to use the same serp belt. Otherwise you can also remove the AIR pump and do a custom belt setup as in the link that rodj provided.
If the motor is stock, you may free up a few HP, but it will probably not be real SOTP noticable.
One thing that the A/C does is to help to remove interior humidity. When you turn the HVAC controls to "Defrost", the A/C unit runs to remove humidity. Without that, you can expect to see more frequent fogging of the windows in the winter time.
Of course there is a weight savings, but you will need a delete pulley to use the same serp belt. Otherwise you can also remove the AIR pump and do a custom belt setup as in the link that rodj provided.
If the motor is stock, you may free up a few HP, but it will probably not be real SOTP noticable.
One thing that the A/C does is to help to remove interior humidity. When you turn the HVAC controls to "Defrost", the A/C unit runs to remove humidity. Without that, you can expect to see more frequent fogging of the windows in the winter time.
Last edited by c4cruiser; Jul 19, 2008 at 11:15 AM.
Friend Request Magnet
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 50,242
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From: ♫ ♪ ♫♫ ♪ ♫ ♪♪ ♫
There is the issue of the defroster using the compressor to apply dry air to the windshield in the winter or rainy days....if thats not a concern, then got for it.
Your 87 has bearings in the clutch to free-wheel even if the clutch isnt engaged...that being said; if its the stock compressor, it has bearings that are 20+ y/o.
Ever notice people stating a much smoother running engine with an idler pulley change?....same as new alternator?
Reason why is there are new bearings in those components which directly rob power from the engine...compressor clutchs will rob some power from the engine even if new and not engaged....more if older.
How much power?...cant tell you.
It all depends on how much you need the compressor to make your decision.
Good luck,
Jim
Your 87 has bearings in the clutch to free-wheel even if the clutch isnt engaged...that being said; if its the stock compressor, it has bearings that are 20+ y/o.
Ever notice people stating a much smoother running engine with an idler pulley change?....same as new alternator?
Reason why is there are new bearings in those components which directly rob power from the engine...compressor clutchs will rob some power from the engine even if new and not engaged....more if older.
How much power?...cant tell you.
It all depends on how much you need the compressor to make your decision.
Good luck,
Jim
