removing aircon

[random hero]

The car im buying has aircon fitted but as its going to be a track car im keen to loose as much weight as possible ,the car that is not me !!! ,how involved is it to do and will there be much weight loss ??

 

[Mark_Bennett]

If you are thinking of tracking a lot, and you can't spend as much time in the gym as a F1 driver, then I would keep the air-con - you'll run more efficiently for longer...

 

[Fen]

It's easy to get it out if you don't want to be able to reuse it, but getting the pipes out in one piece with the engine in-situ would be pretty tricky I imagine. Aside the pipes there is a condenser in front of the radiator which is easy enough to get out, a drier on the inner wing behind the offside headlight (as I recall), the compressor which needs a different alternator bracket and drive belt to allow it to be removed and finally the evaporator which is in the cold air intake for the ventilation and needs the dash out to remove, so I haven't taken mine out yet. I also haven't removed the button that used to turn it on yet, but that just needs a non air-con control set plugged in I believe.

While you're in there you can also lose the electric windows, central locking, power mirrors, rear wiper, headlight adjusters, headlight washers and if you're a real man the power steering [8D]. I still have to get rid of the electrics for the sunroof to complete the strip-out. I have also ripped out most of the wiring associated with the removed parts as well as the parts themselves.

 

[zcacogp]

ORIGINAL: FenWhile you're in there you can also lose the electric windows, central locking, power mirrors, rear wiper, headlight adjusters, headlight washers and if you're a real man the power steering [8D]. I still have to get rid of the electrics for the sunroof to complete the strip-out. I have also ripped out most of the wiring associated with the removed parts as well as the parts themselves.

Out of interest, how much weight did that save Fen?

Oli.

 

[Fen]

To be honest I didn't weigh it all. At a guess 25kg maybe - not a huge amount, though I could have been a little more I guess.

 

[TTM]

ORIGINAL: Fen
It's easy to get it out if you don't want to be able to reuse it

I assume you did it while you took your engine apart, but how "easy" do you think it would be to unbolt the alternator bracket with the turbocharger still on the car ?
I haven't noticed much space between the rear upper bolt and the turbo compressor ; I wonder how long it would take. Also will the head of the bolt touch the turbo compressor before being totally out of the hole ?

 

[Fen]

Good questions that others are better equipped than I to answer. Jon can probably tell you and I know Ed had air con refitted to his car, because much of it came off mine.

 

[Andy Duncan]

25Kgs or so is worth losing if you want performance on the track. What is just as useful also is where the weight is coming from, the 944 is heavier at the front, so front to rear balance will be improved/centre of gravity enhanced. With the A/C removed the alternator which is heavier is lowered in position.

If you need any input on removing A/C, give me a call.

andy duncan

PS. Fen is correct ref the evaporator, not much weight in it, definately not worth removing and difficult without breaking the heater matrix.

 

[TTM]

ORIGINAL: racerhead
With the A/C removed the alternator which is heavier is lowered in position.

And taken away from the heat of the turbo, certainly increasing its life expectancy.

Can you answer my question about the bracket ?

 

[sawood12]

With all this electrical equipment being removed is there any scope for fitting a smaller and lighter alternator and battery given the lower demands on the electrical system?

 

[edh]

my alternator/ac compressor bracket was fitted without removing the turbo, but I didn't do it myself

- i would have thought the garage would have either moaned like mad if it was that awkward, or charged me extra for removing the turbo []

 

[Fen]

I think with the a/c removed the savings must be in excess of 50kg; the compressor is pretty heavy and the condenser has a weight also. The 25kg I meant just for the electrical bits.

 

[Hilux]

The car im buying has aircon fitted but as its going to be a track car im keen to loose as much weight as possible

I reckon that all out incl spare wheel and fitting lighter seats you will save 50kg??

This will equate to about 10-15 bhp gain. Is it worth it? I`m not entirely sure when you can chip the car easily.

I speak from experience having been a Westfield and Ginetta owner where you cannot believe the money Caterfield and kit car owners spent to lose grams. Unsprung weight is most favourable ie lighter wheels and alloy calipers etc as this definitely makea big difference as does ride height and COG.

I cannot recommend too highly that you will gain the equivalent of 50 bhp (ie quicker lap times) by having track driving instruction. Then you will realise the full potential of your car with what it weighs now.

Me? I`m busy with work and a house extension at the mo but will focus on bigger/better brakes for my 951, better suspension and ARB`s cos compared to a Westy or V8 Ginetta set up for track or road its a positively baggy old thing [&:]

 

[TTM]

ORIGINAL: edh
my alternator/ac compressor bracket was fitted without removing the turbo, but I didn't do it myself

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Andy Duncan]

The S2 is much easier to work on than the turbo.

The upper bolt on the turbo can be removed without the turbo coming off first. Of course it is a bit of awkward to get at but perseverence and determination is definitely required.

andy