Flightoficarus

I've been curious about this. My '91 bird has A/C, but it needs to be recharged, so it's not really seeing any use anyway.

I've noticed some people just do away w/the A/C system entirely when modding their cars for more HP. Which makes me curious, how much power does it really suck away from the wheels? And couldn't you just turn it off if you don't want that to happen? It's already a pretty plain jane car, w/no power windows or door locks, but I figure A/C can be nice to have just in case (Hey, even up here in the PNW, you never know! )

I'm not planning to build this thing into a pure-bred race machine anyway, but I'm just curious to learn things. All input appreciated!

Reid Fleming

iTrader: (2)

I doubt anybody has ever dynoed their car with and without A/C. If you're low on charge, the power loss will be more than if the system is correctly charged. (The low charge will make a constant cycling occur and/or you'd notice the car seemingly stumble from the consistent power spikes when the compressor turns on).

Now with the system running right, there still will be a difference depending on weather. Running in Phoenix when it's 115° will draw more amps from the A/C than when it's say 85°.

Getting rid of the A/C saves something like 40 lbs (guessing) and makes working on the passenger side easier to do.