I recently did the LT1 Swap on my 91 Camaro RS. I decided to remove the AC to avoid notching the frame, and to avoid power loss. Now after an abnormally warm summer I am regretting the fact I removed it. I am looking to add AC back to the car, but the thought of power loss, and notching the frame to make it fit has me thinking its more work than its worth. so here comes the question...

hybrid cars like the prius turn the engine off when the car is stopped. thus meaning they must have an electric ac compressor. Could that compressor be then wired into my Camaro, giving me AC without having to notch the frame, with now power loss, etc? or would this be more work than its worth?

 

You would still lose the power, only through the alternator instead of a compressor.

I think a better ide would be to take one of those vacuum operted torque converter lockup switches from an early 80's truck and wire it in wil the compressor clutch so that when you floor is the compressor disengages.

 

You actually don't have to notch the frame to get the a/c compressor to fit. You can take a 3 lb hammer and just make an indention in the k-member for it to clear, you also will have to modify the passenger side motor mount clamshell as well to clear the back of the compressor. I just found a hoseblock to use that I am going to try on mine to see if I can get the hoses made up to get the a/c going on mine within the next two weeks.