Electronic A/C system?

[t0rtur3d]

I have seen on several Overhaulin episodes an electric A/C and heating unit that mounts under the dash. I have been looking for the past few days and havent been able to find anything about them. Does anyone know of the company or a list of companies that make an item like that?

[V]

are you sure its a full electric setup or a vintage air type of kit. personally I've never heard of an all electric kit. many of the episodes I've seen used vintage air brand or similar. the kits mount all the firewall components neatly under the dash but you still need a compressor condensor and heater hoses. it allows for a clean firewall look or to add ac with cutting up stuff.

[t0rtur3d]

I am trying to get an AC unit that would bypass having a compressor on the pulley system. Heating isnt an issue.

[WildBillyT]

Wow, I don't know if any small scale air conditioning systems exist with no compressor.

[t0rtur3d]

atleast a non belt driven compressor. I am looking for something with an electric driven compressor to keep the stress off the belt system and not have the loss of power and fuel economy.

[MyFirstZ]

Research how an electric car get its a/c since they wouldn't use a belt driven compressor.

I highly doubt you will find anything cheap enough that would be worth it. The money you are going to spend and time to install anything like what you say you can probably get some major modifications.

[t0rtur3d]

If all else fails I will find an efficient belt driven compressor that wont kill my mileage or HP too bad.

[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by t0rtur3d

If all else fails I will find an efficient belt driven compressor that wont kill my mileage or HP too bad.

Well, when you need your HP (i.e. racing) just shut it off. As for mileage, not much to do there.

[V]

Originally Posted by MyFirstZ

Research how an electric car get its a/c since they wouldn't use a belt driven compressor.

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.

[Blackbirdws6]

Basically there is very little parasitic drag when the A/C compressor is not in use unless there is a problem. The main advantage of removing the system is for weight savings.

[t0rtur3d]

okay, then replacing the compressor that isnt working is worth it. This heat has been killing me and up until recently Iwas debating on removing the whole system.

[WildBillyT]

Originally Posted by t0rtur3d

okay, then replacing the compressor that isnt working is worth it. This heat has been killing me and up until recently Iwas debating on removing the whole system.

Yeah, that's not worth it really. There's only noticable drag when the system is on.

[MyFirstZ]

Wasn't referring to hybrids Refering to vehicle like the leaf, or the electric one series, No combustion engines at all.

I like my ac way to much to remove it for very very insufficient gains

[t0rtur3d]

I was trying to figure out what to do since the Compressor isnt working at the moment, and i am unsure if the wiring is good. Not to mentiont the fact that the rest of the system may have leaks or not work at all. I guess i will find out when i replace the compressor and recharge the system.

[MyFirstZ]

Just throw some dye in when you recharge it.

[t0rtur3d]

the recharge kits usually have the dye in it already. then ill grab my blacklight and check it for leaks.

[Geezer powered]

If you add freon does the compressor kick on?

[t0rtur3d]

Havent picked up more freon. Have to check the electrical system to it first

[MyFirstZ]

Geezers right compressors won't kick on if there is not enough refridgerant in there. So the compressor may be fine but you may have a leak.

[t0rtur3d]

it's been the better part of 10 years since i have messed with an AC system in a car. I will check the Gas pressure and check for leaks. Hopefully the compressor is still good