Quote:
Originally Posted by MyFirstZ
Research how an electric car get its a/c since they wouldn't use a belt driven compressor.
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hybrids do have electric compressors but with at least cars like the Prius, its powered off the main battery pack at around 245v DC.
I do not see the benefit of wanting to convert a functional a/c system just to save hp and mileage. like WBT said, if you want the hp for racing, turn off the a/c. If you want better mileage, check your tire pressure, im sure its not optimal. Depending on what type of car you have, you may already have or can get a kit that allows for a dedicated belt to the A/C compressor(some v belts, LS1, etc) That way, on days you don't need it, remove the belt completely, no drag what so ever.
My one car only ran .2 seconds off its best time while having the a/c at full blast. I doubt it was even a 8hp draw. You can get 8hp tons of other ways on just about any car.
Bottom line is what you're willing to spend... An electric a/c setup, if available, will likely cost you 1,000-1,200 bucks, seriously. That's after any custom work and parts you'd need too. And thats all to save what? maybe .66 mpg? (rough calculation that you get 25mpg with 300hp)
Take that .66 mpg over the course of a year with a car that gets 25mpg(avg 15,000 miles) and you get stock 600 gallons used and @2.75g thats $1,650 for a years worth of fuel. Now 25.66mpg with electric a/c... same 15,000miles... you'd use 584.56 gallons and once again, @ 2.75g, youd spend $1,607. Hmmm... doesn't makes sense to save 43 bucks to me. AND keep in mind that means you have to drive at your most efficient mileage ALL the time to get that magical 25.66 number, and racing to USE your new found hp, will throw that efficiency in the trash. But still given a solid best MPG always, that $1,000 kit will take your car 23 years in order to just break even before you see any saved money.
My point is, its "cool"( no pun intended) but not realistic or worthwhile. If you do it, do it to be different, just not to save fuel or gain HP.