Hey all, I'm running a 2003 MINI Cooper and lately have been running with the A/C on. I've noticed though that whenever the A/C I'd running it feels like the cars more sluggish. Is this common with the car? Or is there something else going on? Thoughts anyone?

 

Yup, that's common. It takes energy from the motor to create cold air.

 

With a 400+ horsepower V8, you might not notice this depletion, but on a 1.6 liter four-banger, it's hardly a subtle power drain...

 

Not only do I lose a wee bit of power, but it howls like a wolf.

 

I turn the A/C off as the light turns green or if I am preparing to pass. Pop it back on once I'm at speed. Huge difference in acceleration.

 

I usually leave the windows down in the summer anyway... might run the AC a bit if it's really friggin' hot in my car... reluctantly have to when it pours though.

 

Anyone know of any engine mods that're great for just the regular Cooper? Cold air intake and such? I'm looking to gain a few horses.

 

It's pretty normal, it can take 20hp to turn the compressor.
If you have just a cooper the Cold air intake would be the best bang for your buck.

 

Lets see do I sweat or turn on the A/C and lose the 20 HP.
A/C Wins every time. LOL I have even Autocrossed with it on. Plus I like the extra Wine. Best to turn it on when on the highway, cause around town the car really feels like a dog, as some one else stated here, with a 400 HP V 8 you dont feel it, My hemi Charger you could not tell the difference.

 

anything else other than a cold air intake i could use to gain some more hp?

 

I dont think R53s have one, but in my R56 i push the sport button w ac on to make up the throttle response

 

Experienced this real bad tonight about 3 hours into a long drive home, made me a little nervous at first since the car is new to me but turned it off, opened the windows and I was back in action

 

Yup, car runs hotter and wastes more gas too

 

AC drag is a B*&^$ in these cars. I just jumped onto the cooper wagon a litle bit ago and was reminded how much AC drag affects small displacement engines. My previous car was a highly modified 01 Mustang GT where AC being on/off was almost unnoticeable. This car not so much ;-(

If anyone wants or knows anyone that wants Mustang perf. parts lemme know

 

However the second gen cars (at least the S) do not suffer from this, you can barely tell whether the A/C is on or off in my '09 Clubman S. Same size motor, but they must have done something to make the A/C less of a drag, more efficient compressor or something - it also doesn't seem to affect the milage much either, unlike in my '03 JCW.

The point it, it's not just the engine size, it's also the efficiency of the entire installation.

 

The A/C in my JCW does make a small difference, although not a big one. It has made a difference in every car I've ever owned. It feels to me like the difference may be more noticeable if you have a manual transmission. I've found that in auto cars (in general, not just MINIs) the A/C doesn't feel like it is dragging down the motor as much. It must drag it down just the same, obviously (since it is the same unit!) but I think the MT makes it feel worse than the Auto.

Anyone else think the same thing/opposite? I'm curious to see.

 

Is this howling a problem or just part of the AC system? Any idea what it's caused by?

 

Mine does that swirrling / howling sound between 3000 - 3500rpm when it gets pretty hot outside, many will debate it's a problem while others drove with that sound for thousands of miles and nothing happened. I put it in the "It's a normal mini sound"

 

Many newer cars with smaller 4 cyl engines have an AC compressor cutout circuit which automatically cuts the compressor out at hard acceleration. I just assumed the MINI would have that as well but never tried it. Maybe it only works at WOT? Used to be able to buy an add on compressor cutout switch for older cars.

 

I experience the same power loss in my 03 MCS....with a CAI. Doesnt bother me much...if i need the extra power...quick press of a button..otherwise...I just have to run the RPM's up a little higher at take off.

 

I notice a change in the exhust tone when my A/C is on..throughout the rpm range.(aftermarket Invidia)

If I sit at idle and turn the a/c on the exhaust seems louder and a little different tone as well. (and its just not the subtle change in rpms).

Really can tell when back seats are down.

 

No offense, but I never understood the purpose of that sport button....its like an amp that goes to 11. Why not just have it built to work that way all the time? But this is coming from an R53 owner anyway.

 

It's normal, since you lose some HP your exhaust should sound a little lower (Louder and deeper) mine does that as well.

 

I believe the MINI does what you describe. It also cuts out the alternator at WOT.

You can definitely feel the engine hiccup a bit at intermediate throttle when you engage A/C. Mine is a 2008 R55 justacooper.

 

fuel economy... that's pretty much it.