Removal of Air-Con

[GTT 280]

I was wondering if it would be worth removing the air conditioning unit in my vehicle.
I never use it, and it could be blocking vital cool air flow to my radiator.

How much does it weigh, could it be installed in someones MINI that does not have air-con?

Could the switches used to control the aircon be used for other purposes, like water jets on the radiator etc.

I'm considering getting a few water jets applied to the intercooler and radiator anyway...

Could the air con be used to cool the intercooler/radiator, instead of water jets?

Hmmm, interesting.

Cheers,
K.

[roland2003]

.. +turbo
Air con removal, improves fuel consumpsion , less weight, better rad cooling, less to go wrong, longer belt life (in theory) ..and you can always open the window...

[GTT 280]

...sold.

For my information... can you itemise and cost up a turbo mod for my car please. Email when you next have time on your hands.

However, i really like my 270bhp supercharger car (its awesome), so i need convincing. I'd like a trip in the GTT300T first ;-)

Cheers,
K.

[alski]

why not direct cooling to air box, rather than cabin? ten degrees less must be worth a few hp?

[roland2003]

hi Karl, come to the Castle Combe trackday end of Sept....i'll take you round.
We can take all the aircon off at the same time as the turbo conversion no problem.
best Regards Roland GTT
Final GTT300T testing will be during August. Exact spec & pricing will then follow.....

[GTT 280]

Quote: Originally Posted by roland2003 (original)

hi Karl, come to the Castle Combe trackday end of Sept....i'll take you round.
We can take all the aircon off at the same time as the turbo conversion no problem.
best Regards Roland GTT

Many thanks for the offer but i am in Malaysia again during Sept/Oct :-(

We'll have to organise something though.

Cheers,
K.

[robbo mcs]

Hi,

I have removed the airconditioning from my car. It weighs around 5kg in total. Some people run a dummy AC idler wheel. I don't, which means the belt length changes slightly.

The only problem I have had is sometimes in rallies when it is very wet you can get problems with the car fogging up. The AC is very useful in these conditions, as running the demister on warm, with the AC on is the best and quickest way to clear the windows (as the AC dehumidifies as well as cools).

Also, the first event I did after removing it, it was 42C, and sitting in a triple layer racesuit, with nomex underwear etc was a little toasty, and I wished I had it for laison stages

As for the suggestions of feeding the cold air into the airbox or radiator etc. This is really "parasitic", ie you use power from the engine to drive the AC, and you would get less power back.

BTW, the porsche turbo does use a similar principle, using the AC to cool the fuel rails to increase the density of the fuel. For this reason people who race and rally turbos never remove the AC.

Cheers

Robbo

[GTT 280]

...nice info, thanks.

Yes, agree that using the AC to cool anything in the engine would be more parasitic than productive.

5kg - not that heavy then

Cheers,
K.

[Paul@1320]

For the weight loss I wouldn't bother either, also IF you ever sell the car having aircon will defintley be an advantage.

[GTT 280]

Quote: Originally Posted by 1320autos (original)

For the weight loss I wouldn't bother either, also IF you ever sell the car having aircon will defintley be an advantage.

Ah... but the aircon will be going, it is making way for the 350bhp turbo mods next year.

I don't think i will ever sell this car - it's just too trick now.

Cheers,
K.

[Paul@1320]

I thought that might be your reply

[roland2003]

Hi, running witout aircon and NOT fitting the 'aircon delete pulley assembly' loses about 30% of 'wrap' around the SC pulley and also similar on the alternator pulley. We had one in last week with this mod...weve now fitted 'aircon delete pulley'.....IMHO much better as less risk of belt slip.
Best Regards Roland GTT

[GTT 280]

i take it that the air con pulley is constantly being driven, and therefore utalising some power all of the time. What drag is does it impose?

Assume the delete aircon pulley is a good part similar to the twin bearing idler pulley?

Cheers,
K.