A/C removal and Performance Gains

[Mish]

After reading a bunch of posts I came up with what i think of as a good idea, then again I'm still a newbie. I only use the A/C for like 4 months out of the year. If one were to remove the belt running the compressor what kind of performance gains would be seen? Does this shorten the life of any of the A/C parts, or is this just a stupid idea in general? Just thought i'd throw it out and see what the wiser folks have to say.

Mish

 

[TUNGSTENGREYWIDOW]

Not much but you can feel it a little bit. I have done this to my car I have seen better gas milage. I feel it snatching alittle more. If you decide to do it let me know. I think the belt size is 410 not 100% sure I can find out in the morning.

 

[KYREDP5]

It could possibly ruin your compressor. To maintain lubrication you are supposed to run the compressor 10 minutes every month. If you take the drive belt off it will not get any lubrication at all. If you were competly removing the A/C I'd say go for it. But if you'll be using it four months out of the year, I'd say it's a waste of time.

 

[DooMer_MP3]

It doesn't really matter. The Protege (and most modern cars) are equipped with a "clutch" that disengages from the AC motor under WOT, effectively disabling the AC during hard driving. So if you want to race somebody and forget the AC is on, it won't really matter.

Chris

 

[Traveler]

The A/C is set up to cycle on and off occasionally. Otherwise the compressor doesn't get lubed. Also, the power drain from running the belt and the pulley is very small when the A/C isn't on. Along the lines of .3-.4 HP. Not worth the effort. It's not like in the late 60's and early 70's cars where the compressor and plumbing weighed 80 lbs either. You just don't stand to gain anything that you'll notice.

 

[Mish]

Thanks All

Thanks for the info, I think the belt will be staying on! I appreciate the explanations though.

Mish