I run a 83 camaro 305 in the UK.If its not raining its cold at best out of the year we might have a few weeks when air con would be nice. It has lost its charge now & I thought of riping it off does anybody know if this is just straight forward or can it be deep crap!

 

Ian,

Removing the system would require removal of the compressor, compressor mounting brackeets and braces, condenser (ahead of the radiator), evaporator housing, accumulator (large aluminum cylinder on the right of the engine - possibly left side on a right-hand drive model), a different belt drive for the steering pump, removal of the evaporator, pressure limit switches, removal of the evaporator housing, all plumbing, installation of a non-AC fan cover, and a change to a non-AC faceplate and controls in the passenger compartment.

I suppose you could just remove the belt and compressor, but the extra weight and space taken by the unnecessary components would be somewhat of a waste.

It might be easier just to find and repair the leak, and evacuate and refill the system.

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Later,
Vader
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"I'm'a do Things My Way - It's My way or the Highway."
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

I heard that the compressor wastes so much hp that you can feel a difference if you remove it. Is this correct? How much hp is wasted?

Fixing the air con in the UK would be expensive. The right hand drives were only sold in Australia as far as I know as GM wasn't officially selling cars in the UK under anything more that Vauxhall badges which suck.

Where abouts in the UK are you?

Rob

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1987 IROC-Z Auto (LB9)
Black/grey interior with the stance of a streetfighter

Mods
Custom exhaust. 4 Inch pipe from the headders all the way back to a single muffler at the rear. No Cat.

Future mods due in March:
K&Ns
RAM Air
Air foil
AFPR

Hoping to get a couple of tenths with that lot

 

Yep, removing the compressor gives noticable gains in acceleration. My compressor went out so I just pulled the AC belt off. For some reason, guys are always talkin about having to get a new belt size, but my AC has its own belt line on the crank pully... I have yet to remove all the extra stuff thats part of the AC system, but as fas as i know, as long as the system isnt charged with refrigerant, its as easy as rippin it all out. good luck!

 

Hello Ian, Me and you Share a Name

Anyhow, I took my AC out when it developed a leak and stopped workin, It is a small notice in SOTP, but the most gratifying reward is the ability to see your engine.


It took me about 10 minutes to remove the comressor ad lines, getting the rest out is more involved.




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60 Ranchero - Project ( Money Hole )
85 Sport Coupe LG4 - Daily Driver

Just another Hot Rod kid, or thats what they all tell me.
Livin' the Stereotype

 

I'll let you know about the feel of power as soon as I get the belt back on mine. It flew off a month ago or so, and I haven't need it yet (it was like 10* here this morning!) so I will let you know. I really haven't noticed any difference, though without it. The amount of power required to spin the pulley is minimal, unless you have the A/C clutch engaged.

I bet that car is fun to drive on those tiny european roads!

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Working on:
'84 Z28 LG4 305 with 200,000 original miles!
Added dual elec fans.
145 MPH IROC Speedo
Building 430 HP 350 (ZZ430)
using primarily GMPP parts.
Short block sitting on a stand. (Man, those Fast-Burn heads sitting on it look good!)

Starting to look like the Kicker poster child!

ASE Certified Master Tech

 

I think I will just rip out what hits you in the face. yes every thing is expensiv in the UK that makes it even better toget ridof no maintianance. the car is a left hand drive part of the fun over here. and to answer the narrow roads you guys don't know the half of it when I hit the lanes if you don't have the sound of grass on the N/S you can clip your O/S door mirror with the oncoming traffic



[This message has been edited by ian (edited March 27, 2001).]

 

Rip out the condenser & lines & anything else your capable of its easy. Also on my Trans Am it had a seperate radiator in front of the engine radiator which was easy to remove by unbolting both (no need to remove coolant from engine radiator). Everything weighed a ton & I like the lack of clutter not to mention the added h/p freed up & the added engine cooling by exposing the radiator more. You will have to screw/silastic a couple of plates over the gap in the black plastic box passenger side so your blower still works properly. Its all very easy & I just have the windows down & vents open on hot days.

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84 Trans Am HO L69 WS6
5 Speed manual
Vortech Cherrybomb no cat
Removed A/C A.I.R. Hdflap
H/made cld air induction
K&N
Otherwise STD