The typical AC system weight on a miata was around 25-35 lbs, with the
heaviest piece (compressor - only 15 lbs!) mounted very low on the block.
I kicked myself after sweaing to get all the pieces out. Net weight
savings = 1.6%, I usually lose more time than that if I blink in the wrong
spot on the course.
On an E, H or G stock car which is even heavier (2400-2800 lbs) the
percentage weight savings shrinks even smaller.
I actually run the AC between runs so that all the cooling fans come on to
stabilize engine temps (and cool off).
Get the AC, and if you wish, disconnect it's drive belt at the events (if
possible) to reduce parasitic loss. If you really feel like you need to,
remove the system after you get the car, then re-install before reselling
it later.
Good luck,
Stan Whitney - my views clouded by the fact of living in texas now.
At 09:05 AM 3/23/99 -0500, Chris Shenefield wrote:
>Hi everyone,
>
>Very simple question: How much does A/C hurt a national caliber car.
>For example, Celica GT in ES or Integra Type R in GS?
>
>I am tying to decide whether to get a car without A/C, but it will be my
>daily driver. I am a very serious autox'er at this point; so base your
>replies on all-out auto-x performance. I know the answer to this in
>theoretical terms, but maybe somebody has real-world experience.
>
>Chris Shenefield
>(no car yet)
>
>P.S. I did talk to Per Schroeder a little bit about this privately, but
>now I am asking everyone to give input if possible. Thanks!
>
>
|