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Ok, I know of few of you have done this, and at least one of you are in the midst of doing so. I hope for this thread to serve as a reference point for us and others...
I realize that a detailed How-To is a stretch, but a basic run-down of the steps, tools/provisions, and approximate time needed would be nice to know. I would venture to guess that the very first thing needed is a stop at a local shop to have the system drained, or de-charged of freon...
And, with the A/C removed, so is it's pulley. The popular approach seems to be getting something like this:
MINI also sells such a contraption, but might be hard to locate... but then, maybe not...
Of note, one of our members here has forgone a need for this, and simply found the correct length belt to make this work! However, there has been some expressed concern (via personal emails & PMs) that there really is not sufficient belt-wrap for the SC pulley if this idler pulley is not utilzed. Belt slippage, heat generation, and premature belt failure being possible outcomes... I'm currently under the belief that an idler pulley is prudent, but a discussion might be worthwhile...
Per a GRM article some time ago, the complete removal of the A/C system will net a 23 lb delta. I believe that I have this link on my home computer, but if any of you guys have it, please do share...
I'm guessing/hoping that this surgery will still leave one with a fan/blower for fresh air and heat (including defroster) into the cabin. Clarification would be great!
Well, brain-dump time guys. Thanks much!
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Weight ('03 IB MCS): 2,424 lbs (corner-balanced, 1/4 tank gas)
Tony, one thing that will happen without the AC installed is that your windows will most likely start to fog up on rainy days as it's always running to keep the air dry. At least this is my understanding.
I'm one that feels that bypassing the idler pulley will cause IC pulley slip at higher RPMs. No facts, just theory at this time. I will be installing the item you posted above myself.
Have been wondering the same thing about draining the system. Is this new stuff still bad for the environment? That may be the only reason for having the coolant removed professionally.
I'm hopping for a 2000lb Mini this spring ... We will see.
i also have thought about taking the A/C out. it would free up the belt some and take off weight. i normally am not an air kind of guy, but here in MI it get humid in late summer. so bad it feels like a second shower. that is when i use it. so untill it becomes a track only car, or i move, i'll keep it for now. but if you do decide to remove it, you do need to have the system drained to be nice to the OZone.
i also saw the GR Magazine artical when they removed there A/C. the end outcome i am not sure of.
Yah, I've heard that releasing this stuff into the envirnonment is indeed a bad thing, so we should spend a few bucks to have this done right. At least that's how I feel...
I'll try to learn more about the potential for fogging of the windows without the A/C. I think this might be so if we enter our cars already wet, but I'm not sure...
2,000 lbs would be sweet! CF for your sunroof, and lexan in place of the perimeter glass should help much toward that goal....
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Weight ('03 IB MCS): 2,424 lbs (corner-balanced, 1/4 tank gas)
Yah, I've heard that releasing this stuff into the envirnonment is indeed a bad thing, so we should spend a few bucks to have this done right. At least that's how I feel...
Quote:
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2,000 lbs would be sweet! CF for your sunroof, and lexan in place of the perimeter glass should help much toward that goal....
Polycarbinate windows are on there way. Also depending on time I may make my own CF, kevlar, or glas doors and roof. ...
My goal is to get my MCS down to 2,400 lbs, with a 1/4 tank of fuel. A corner-balance earlier today revealed that I have 61 more pounds to go. Seems like a lot, but I figure that I can lose about 30 pounds with improved front seats, 23 with the A/C removal, and about 12 more with a lightened flywheel. That would get me to right around 2,396 pounds .
I could nickel & dime a little more with things like the H-Sport front sway bar (and I will), but that's it for the big chunks, at least for me...
Greg, 2,000 lbs will be tough, I think. As a reference point, I think Nuzzo's cars are at 2,200 lbs. Not that I asked him, but I think I saw that figure in the GrandAm rules as a minimum. And they are gutted quite well:
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