i have a 1985 firebird with a 305 V8 4bbrl 5-speed and i want to remove my a/c mainly to free up space in my engine compartment. i'm wondering what all do i need to remove also if doing this could possibly mess up any of my engine components. also do i need to plug anything up to keep any kind of vaccums secured, and other than a full exhaust what all can i do to improve the proformance in my car; other than the exhaust it's mainly stock. thanks, alex.

 

Removing the A/C won't hurt a thing. Just take off the compressor and reroute your belt and your done. To free up more room you can also remove your condensor, dryer, and hoses. Performance wise there's tons. Start with the exhaust...headers, 3 in pipe, and a flowmaster or edelbrock muffler. Your motor being carbed you can put any size cam you like (depends on what you looking for out of the car). Intake, heads, and carb are also other good additions.

 

Take it to a licensed Freon recovery station, its illegal to release that stuff into the atmosphere.

 

The freon police have spoken Sorry couldn't resist, Larry.

 

Federally, it's only illegal for a shop to release it into the atmosphere. An individual can do it without getting into trouble.

But still take it some where to have it done. It's not good for your finger nails nor your lungs if you get a little too close.

 

Don't just dump it when you hack up and degrade your car, if there's any in there. That's about like turning your wallet upside-down over a bonfire. People will pay good money for that stuff.... there's about $100 worth in a fully functional A/C system.