10 replies to this topic

[Yuz]

Hi,

 

I've had my Outback for a while now and haven't used the air con as such (and it needs re-filling / maintenance which can be big $$)

 

I'm looking to remove the entire A/C system to reduce the weight and lessen the crank load. I've done this on the BMW M20 engine before and I could actually feel the difference.

 

However, specific to the EJ251, are there any issues with:

 

1) Removing the compressor, bracket & belt? I'll leave the A/C crankshaft pulley in place.

2) Plumbing & A/C relay removal

3) Anything else to consider?

 

What are your thoughts?

 

TIA

[Barbbachello]

Youre fine to remove all the AC stuff. However to get the stuff inside the car means pulling the dash and probably the heater core. Not a small job. For the sake for a few KG youd be better to just remove the belt. That will free up whatever power its taking without a shite load of extra effort and its easily reversible. If you do take it all out make sure its empty of all the gas. Otherwise youll be in trouble as its very toxic. 

Also keep in mind AC is used to demist the windshield in winter. If you press that demist button youre using the AC

[Jimbo]

What Nickolarse said.

Would you really go to all that much effort to liberate a marginal increase in performance, especially on an NA? Seems excessive to me. You could probably achieve more performance by tossing your spare tyre out.

You would have more gains doing a big service on the motor and giving it a shot of upper engine cleaner.

The next summer will drop in and you'll be kicking yourself for ripping it out.

[duncanm]

It doesn't cost much to refill and get tested.. why not fix it?

[surge]

When the AC is off, the clutch wouldn't be engaged and so you're not really putting any extra load on the engine other than spinning the pulley.

 

I'd say it's not worth the effort.

[Matt]

All the ac gear...including every single wire, relay and plug from the loom while it was out,(except the ac switch now just turns on the extra fan for when sitting in staging) the core, brackets,bolts and pipework etc added up to a touch over 11kg on my rs liberty...and i even installed an alloy alternator/air con mount from a gd and trimmed as much off that as i could that was used to hold the ac compressor

But....and its a big BUT

My car is 99.9% a hillclimb car/toy that goes on the road for a cruise once in a blue moon...so it was justifiable for me and what i wanted out of the car

Also at the same time i removed all deadening, brackets and even the carpet underlay, put lightweight rear seats in..and put a 1kg lithium battery in to lower as much weight as i could off the car..but in particular the front end to counteract the push through understeer our cars love

Honestly the biggest and best thing it did....was clean up the bay and give me a nice spot to put a catch can lol

If it wasnt the toy car i specifically built it for i would have kept it but intsalled a GD setup instead, so youve gotta ask yourself what you really want from the car as its not a performance car by any means?

Though....

If you really wanna remove it...then go ahead as its your car after all...but dont expect big gains

Do that along with alloy control arms, lightweight battery, and move the washer bottle to the back and youll notice it feels better to turn and lighter in the front

20 to 30kg off the front end will make a world of difference to the front end feel!

[NQRSoobee]

Will you ever sell the car?  Plenty of potential buyers will turn their noses up at a car without A/c so you'll restrict to whom you can sell the car to; which will make selling it that bit harder.

 

The program "Fifth Gear" did a test on a performance version Golf both before and after a regular service (Eg. Before was with engine oil etc that was due for the change).  The test showed noticeable performance gains just from doing proper servicing of the car (Eg. oil, filter, etc).

 

The next summer that it hits 45 C in Melbourne again you'll totally regret removing the A/c.  I'm just old enough to remember when cars didn't have A/c as standard so when my first car, very unusually, came with A/c everyone thought it was marvellous.

 

Totally agree with Jimbo's thoughts that removing weight will give you a better gain.  Removing the spare isn't something I'd contempt as fate will have it you'll have a flat.  Check what you're carrying, if you've got bits & bobs in the car that are just there then have a big think why they need to be in the car.

[Jimbo]

Will you ever sell the car?  Plenty of potential buyers will turn their noses up at a car without A/c so you'll restrict to whom you can sell the car to; which will make selling it that bit harder.

 

The program "Fifth Gear" did a test on a performance version Golf both before and after a regular service (Eg. Before was with engine oil etc that was due for the change).  The test showed noticeable performance gains just from doing proper servicing of the car (Eg. oil, filter, etc).

 

The next summer that it hits 45 C in Melbourne again you'll totally regret removing the A/c.  I'm just old enough to remember when cars didn't have A/c as standard so when my first car, very unusually, came with A/c everyone thought it was marvellous.

 

Totally agree with Jimbo's thoughts that removing weight will give you a better gain.  Removing the spare isn't something I'd contempt as fate will have it you'll have a flat.  Check what you're carrying, if you've got bits & bobs in the car that are just there then have a big think why they need to be in the car.

Hehe not literally remove the spare but just an exaggerated comparison!

If my wife removed the half empty water bottles out of her car, she'd gain tonnes of power!

[Niko]

People also neglect dust. Over 5kg of dust can accumulate in a vehicle over 1 yr. A thorough vacuum can net up to 5kW gains.

[El_Freddo]

People also neglect dust. Over 5kg of dust can accumulate in a vehicle over 1 yr. A thorough vacuum can net up to 5kW gains.

 

Don't forget to add a Hyclone in there too.  That should up power about 30%*

 

Cheers

Bennie

 

* results may vary depending on the application

[Yuz]

ok.. the AC is staying in for now

I like my old girl as is and my previous (very expensive) exercises with the E30 should be of discouragement.. sort of