martinhickey

iTrader: (3)

I'm considering removing all A/C parts on my '84 gsl se for a few reasons. 1) I live in Oregon where I almost have never used the ac in my other cars because I love the heat and LIVE for summer. 2) It's got a sunroof! 3) I'd like things simple and I'd like to have a little more room under the hood and 4) Someone once told me that "extras" like power steering and a/c draw on the power and efficiency of the engine and anything I can do to increase those two things sounds good to me.

So, would this be a dumb thing to do? Is it difficult for a rx7 rookie with medium level mechanic's skills? (though my bowstaff skills are excellent." Would it leave too many holes to plug under the hood? (a/c lines, belt pulley, wiring, etc.) This is merely a weekend road driven car. Not much, if any, track time.

Thanks for any input and recommendations. Anyone else done this for the same or different reasons?

-Marty

Kerebrus

iTrader: (30)

I've owned 2 FB's over the past 5 years. Both had AC delete. Don't need it!

Rx Seven

iTrader: (12)

If you don't plan on using it then go right ahead. Make sure you don't breath in the gas when you let the air out of the system. You don't need a service manual necessarily to do the job but it wouldn't hurt to read it first before you remove it.

lx_machado

iTrader: (13)

Don't need it

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

Remove

Rotarx7

iTrader: (3)

i agree with everyone above me. get rid of it!! come on, youre in OREGON

BlackWorksInc

I live in the Bay Area, CA right now...

I will tell you right now that when my Rx7 was drivable and I went through the trouble of recharging the system, I rarely used it...

They're such small cars, windows down, radio cranked, and on the freeway, that's all the AC you need.

Rotary13B1

iTrader: (8)

If it works, then I wouldn't remove it. Only tear it out if it doesn't work...

Keeble

iTrader: (3)

i live in el paso, TX. 115 degree summers, and i cant stand a/c.

its a personal preference really

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Yeah open that engine bay up, maybe put the alternator over there as well.

80's old school

iTrader: (7)

I like the look of the relocated alternator. How did you do that??

Sgt Fox

iTrader: (3)

Agreed. I too would like AC... Why not just remove the belt to save on power loss?

cmanns

isnt the power loss marginal with ac? In my fc wot with and without ac feels the same cept below like 2k rpm you notice a diff.

Jeezus

iTrader: (4)

I felt uber drag when I had mine turned on. I since took it off. Removed the condensor, the lines going to the firewall, the canister near the radiator, and the condensor as well. Didn't mess with anything else, and still have heat for the winter.

Bowstaff or bo-staff?

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

80s old school: That alternator relocation bracket used to be made by pineapple racing. I bought it used from a member on the forum for ~60 bucks.

I think someone makes one thats better now. I know the pineapple one is not as strong as one would want. Seems they had some issues with them in the past.

martinhickey

iTrader: (3)

Wow. Thanks for the responses. Thanks Jeezus. What you mentioned is what I need to know - (The actual parts I need to remove w/out screwing anything else up and still have heat.) Do I need to plug any holes left from abandoned hoses through the firewall? What about wiring harnesses? Just tape 'em? After it's out and if the A/C button were to be pushed, would it cause a short or other problem? Is there a walk-thru on the FAQ page or anywhere else? I haven't been able to find one. Anyone want to buy a perfectly good A/C unit?

Thanks again.,
Marty

elwood

iTrader: (1)

While there's nothing wrong with removing the A/C (I did it), you won't see much benefit either. When the system is turned off, the magnetic clutch on the compressor is disengaged. In this mode, it uses virtually no energy.

As for the alternator relocation, removing the A/C will allow you to do it. The bracket to have is sold by Guru Racing in Australia.

mjm4jc

When you remove it, keep some oil in the compressor and seal/cap all the lines in case you ever want to put it back on. If everything is sealed well, all you will need to do to have it working again is replace the dryer and shoot some freon in it.

Hit Redline

iTrader: (2)

I like having the A/C for the freeway, when cruising 80-90 its pretty loud with the windows down. Plus it gets hot in Cali. I say keep it if its working, but your choice.

MattG

iTrader: (2)

I like the AC, It keeps your back from sweating, plus you dont have to yell if you have some one in the car with you.

You can get the bracket from Atkins Rotary
http://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/pr...cat=617&page=1

Welcome

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Yeah Atkins is the one I was thinking of for the alt relocation. Its not a bad price for brand new either.

Hit Redline

iTrader: (2)

You can still have a clean engine bay with A/C.

DivinDriver

iTrader: (15)

I love the AC in my 80 - - worked great for those 100-deg stuck-on-the-freeway days.

Keep in mind that intentionally venting the R12 freon in the AC system to the atmosphere is a federal offense (in greenie Oregon, it'd probably get you shot!)... If you care about such things. It's supposed to be evacuated and recycled.

Should a hose just happen to rupture, though, not much you can do about it.

blackdeath647

iTrader: (2)

you don't need it take it off lol, if you don't ever use it, then it's just 30 lbs of weight (well maybe a bit exagerated but it's pretty heavy). i took it off, i don't have great mechanical skills and it took me about 40 minutes, and most of that was just dealing with stuck bolts and what not. i don't miss it at all, most of the time you get away with cracking the sunroof, ...or taking it off . the hardest part is just removing the lines (atleast for me) since they had all kinds of build up.....i think i have a few pics of the parts i took off, if you need them to make sure (tho it's very straight forward) let me know

OnlyOnThurs

I have the AC in my 82 and i LOVE IT! it gets hot here in south Texas......i need it.