??? Air Conditioning Removal ???

[brianatccm]

I have a 1993 Ford Escort LX Hb w/ the 1.9L I-4. I have read through many threads looking for ways to improve my car's performance and fuel economy. I read that you can reduce some weight in the car by removing The Air Conditioning system. I only used the A/C once this summer because it takes too much power away from the engine. What parts make up the A/C system and how much weight will be removed? What are the pros and cons of doing this? Should I have a shop remove all of the A/C components and have them put the belt of a non-a/c 1.9L on or attempt this task myself? Thank you for any information you can supply to me.

-Brian

[AzTumbleweed]

I doubt seriously that this would make any noticeable difference. It would also lower the value of your car.

[brianatccm]

what value? the car is worth something? I went on KBB.com and its worth about a grand. I wont sell it. I'm going to drive it into the ground, lol

[escort0526]

Go right ahead and drive it into the ground, I completely agree, but try to resist the temptation to take it apart. Removing the a/c will not improve your gas mileage in any way. You would have to remove about 90% of the car to make any noticeable difference. Besides, in July you'll have cause to regret the decision. Do what I plan to do, drive it till it drops, then rebuild it and drive it some more. If you feel the need to take it apart, try to wait till then, you'll get plenty of practice. Actually, you could start buying new parts for that process now and that might slow down the dismantling bug a little.