Removing A/C

[88GT 5pt0]

Can I jus take it off and put a shorter belt on? How much HP will this free up? Is it worth it?

[Dark_5.0]

It will free up "0" HP. Unless you race with the a/c on.

No you cant just run a shorter belt.

You either have to buy the a/c eliminator bracket or bypass both the a/c and power steering.

[crazypete]

I agree that the actual _hp_ gain is zero but trashing the compressor, that huge bracket, all the tubes, condenser and all that junk is easily about 100 lbs. You will feel the difference if you remove the setup altogether. Car will actually feel a bit lighter. They make an A/C delete kit that moves the PS pump down to where the A/c compressor is and makes a small brace between the PS and the waterpump. Dont get one of those stupid replacement idlers. If you're gonna remove something remove it.

[Mopar1]

The bracket is not that expensive. Here's some pics for you

[Mopar1]

Crap

[Mopar1]

again

[Ackbar00]

I belive it is $45 from Jegs

[ExtremeJDK]

I removed the AC mostly just becasue it was annoying and in the way. ANyhow.. if it's hot.. I take the T-top off or drive my Neon. I didn't use a delete kit and made a nice clean removal. Ripped all the plumbing, pump and stuff out for weight reduction, and I found directions on how to reverse the tension pulley bracket to reverse tension. I will post the link to these directions when I get home from work. Also, I just dremmeled away at unneccesary extension on the old bracket and grinded it smooth and it looks nice. I just like how it opens so much space under the hood for tinkering and looks.

[ExtremeJDK]

Ok, I'm home now! I translate German communications at my work, and since they are 8 hours ahead of me here, I work 11pm to 7am. ANyhow ... here are the links for the AC removal w/o kit.

**This is the belt pattern and photos**
http://www.geocities.com/motorcitymustang/a-c_delete.html

**This is how to reverse your belt tensioner yourself**
http://www.angelfire.com/ns/PurgingPony/Belttensioner.html

.. AND PLEASE... cut that nasty bracket off that he just painted on the site!!

[RoadWarrior]

Contrary to what some people said i doubt you will notice any difference. Its about 70lbs off the front which will help but its not gonna "make the car feel lighter". As far as the bracket, go to the local pick a part and find a car without ac and there you go. Alot cheaper than paying 50 for the exact same thing from ford or jegs. As was said you wont notice any hp gain since it only drags while its on and some cars even disengage the clutch when your at WOT so that you do still have that extra few ponies to pass. But its definately something to do and it will probably give you around a 10th in the 1/4.

[Ieatcamaros]

I could care less about ac. I took mine off just to get that ugly *** thing out of the way. I am sure you all agree that the engine compartment looks a lot cleaner without the ac. And a whole lot cleaner with only a alternator and water pump bolted to the front.

I did the belt tensioner reversal thing. Works great!!! Just use your stock belt, route it like you want it, and mark it where the two ends would be. Measure between the marks you made, and go to the auto parts and tell them you want a XX" belt 6 rib. My brother's 302 uses a 55" belt I think. My 351 uses a 73.5" with ps. If you want some pics, I could post them.