I was think of A way to gain Hp for free. Has anyone Removed the AC from thier r53? If so would there be any gain? Also How much weight would that save?
Thanks, Dan

 

It could be huge. Especially if you had no AC in a sweltering climate. 'Cuz you'd sweat off a ton...

 

hurnguys,

Have you heard of anyone doing this (street car)

 

many have done it. I think GTT in England sells a pully idler replacement to replace the AC. you save 26lbs off the front if I remember right. It's easy to do as well, just having to put the front end in service mode. Since you'll be taking the condensor off (the A/C radiator), you can remove the whole radiator support shroud and reall have at the front of the engine! Taking the in-cabin parts out may be harder, and I haven't heard of anyone doing this.

Matt

 

Edited - double post

 

No, but where we live isn't called "Hotlanta" for nothing.

In northen climes, I'd consider it.

But probably not for just faster response for street use only..

 

I did some work when I had to drain the A/C system and never charged it back up. The only problem I have is that my daughter hates to drive with the windows down!

Tony is concerned with condensation on the windshield without being able to run the A/C when defrosting. IT's a concern, but only really when the car is cold. When it's hot the warm air does a great job of evaporating the condensation.

Matt

 

If you got ride of the ac you would still have heat correct?

 

Still haven't done it for that reason (condensation). I have not used my A/C in a very long time, so for me, it's dead weight, and according to GRM - 23 lbs. Plus, once I get a RWD convertible, my MINI will never be motored between June and Oct... I still don't really have a good answer on the condensation matter though...

For those who really want to do an FMIC, such surgery would make this project so much easier. I know I might use a small portion of this void for an improved oil cooler heat exchanger...

Matt, if you ever want to have an A/C removal party, let me know!

Edit/Add: As I recall, an idler pulley would be needed...

 

It's about 25 pounds of weight savings, as Matt said. It worked out reasonably well for my '04 single-turbo MCS, as I used a front mount intercooler and the condensor had to leave to make room. The major downside was windshield condensation at night here in Michigan; I could live without the cooling part as it doesn't get that hot that often here.

As for serpentine setup, I used the MINI One setup, which is the One/Cooper water pump, alternator, and belt tensioner. It worked perfect with a 35.5" belt, but the setup would definitely need to be different for the stock blower'd folk.

 

Glad to hear that the figure is a couple pounds more than what GRM had indicated. This is what I was contemplating, but probably not from Mania:

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NM.../InvDetail.cfm

 

Don't quote me on the weight; that was just my "ok, it feels like this much" weight. I was too busy doing fabrication to bother weighing the random parts I was putting off to the side, LOL!

Honestly I'm not sure why you need that idler; just use a shorter belt!

Here's a pic of my old serpentine setup:


The A/C unit would be below the Cooper water pump. As you can see, getting rid of the compressor leaves a straight shot to the water pump. In an M45'd MCS, the alternator is where the water pump is in my pic.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

Ryan, I was informed by a couple, I believe in the racing forum, that w/o an idler pulley, there would be insufficient belt wrap, and with that slippage. However, in your photo, the belt contact looks pretty good! Thanks for sharing.

 

But Ryan has no SC. A belt setup like Ryan's would slip on the SC. Use that idler from Mania. Very light and easy install.

 

I would love for a standalone turbo option, but it would never be CARB certified, so we are left California dreamin'... The idler pulley it is. Thanks for the confirmation Greg.

 

and condensation just isn't an issue for me. Those that live in the very, very humid areas might have different experience, but luckily, CA doesn't have that nasty wet air like the northeast and the south!

Matt