A/C Question
 

Does the car run cooler with the A/C on or off? Im trying not to overheat this motor as I dont have a water temp gauge. So keeping the FD cool is a major priority to me. I did a search, and I came across like 200 posts about A/C problems. Any info would be appreciated.

TIA,
ALI

Off. When the a/c clutch for the compressor kicks in it puts a huge amount of stress on the motor. If you notice... try driving with the a/c off. In my moms integra I can press the a/c button while on the freeway and notice a loss of power and noticable struggle/lag from the engine. You may not notice this on an FD, but both concepts are similar in examplifying the stress the a/c gives out. Though it does feel reaaaaaaaaalllllllly nice having it on when its very hot outside :).

Jeremy

I understand that it puts a sizeable amount of stress on the motor when it is on. But the thing is doesnt it turn on the second fan? Therefore pulling more air thourgh the radiator while at a complete stop. I dont have a the fan mod or anything of that sort, just an alum. AST.

Here's the deal.

First off, if the car is healthy and the AC is healthy, you will NOT notice any appreciable difference in power with the AC on. That's one of the really good things about the FD.

With the AC on, in theory you will run hotter. The AC condenser is in front of the radiator, and it's using air from the outside to cool the freon charge down, and the heat removed goes to the radiator. But, with the AC on, the fans will run at least at low speed. This creates the misunderstanding that the AC cools the car off - the AC itself doesn't, but the fact the fans are running does.

If the car has to kick on the fans due to running hot, load, whatever, it will always run one speed higher with the AC on.

If you're trying to be good to the motor, get a water temp gauge. Greddy's water temp is like $110-120 or so, and it's pretty easy to install. That's cheap insurance.

Dale