A/C Delete?

Hello Miata and Autox pals,

So, from an autocross/trackday perspective, how much will Ibenefit by removing the A/C system?

I ran the PCA Time Trail last weekend, and my car wasrunning hot. This is the first time it has run hot, including hot weather DDand Autox. However, I would like to continue to do the occasional track day, soI have ordered an aftermarket radiator as an upgrade. While I am there I amconsidering taking the A/C out as well, if there is any real advantage. I maythen wire the A/C fan parallel with the cooling fan and upgrade the relay tohandle both motors as a second cooling upgrade. Also, I assume the removal ofthe condenser will let more air through to the radiator, offering even morecooling benefit.

The A/C is currently not working well, due to being low on refrigerant.I had been planning to recharge it soon, as I still have a few cans of R-12left over from the bad ol' days. I also have the ability to convert it to 134Aif I choose.

I like having A/C as much as the next guy, but truthfully, Igo top down most days anyway, even in the hottest weather, so I could probablylive without it. And, of course, I have other air conditioned vehicles to driveif I need to.

Advice and opinions are welcome.

Sincerely,
Undecided

It's always nice to put up the top and crank up the AC driving home after an event! If it's a dedicated AX/track car, that's a different story.

If you trailer it in, that's probably the best scenario for pulling it.

I deleted mine because it didn't work, all the parts except the expander weighed 28lbs, so call it about 30 all together. Benefits other than that I can't say. I used the firewall holes to run the vacuum line and wires for the megasquirt, though that won't matter to you.

BTW, you left your 1/2" breaker bar with me. I found it on my blanket packing up and you had already left.

Thanks Chris. I realized it was gone when I got home, but knew I would catch up with you at the next event.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sammm

It's always nice to put up the top and crank up the AC driving home after an event! If it's a dedicated AX/track car, that's a different story.

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This! Having had an Non A/C / non trailer queen car as my first AX car I can tell you those rides home from Mineral Wells and places that were at least an hour from my house sucked without A/C.

Also have done a few AX events in Oklahoma, Houston, College Station, and Louisiana and couldn't imagine those rides home without A/C......

If you delete the AC, understand that your resale value goes down by about $1000

I do trailer it to the Autox's, because there are usually three of us going.

I think I will leave it though. 30#'s doesn't seem worth it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OZMDD

If you delete the AC, understand that your resale value goes down by about $1000

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HAH, I bought the car for $800 so I wouldn't have to worry about resale.

I do agree though, if all you need is a recharge, there is no reason to pull it. I would have had to convert and figure out why it wasn't working/where the leak was. I'm considering bringing my DD out to the July events just for shits and giggles because it does have AC, though I have no idea where it would class and it has crap tires.

Unless you have forced induction, the OEM cooling system is fine. I AX and track mine without heat issues. You need to fix the issue. You might have a weak or malfunctioning fan motor.

I am definitely going to check the whole system. But I figure it surly won't hurt to replace the 25YO radiator anyway. It's very possible that it is full of crud and not flowing well.

Chris also reminded me that I should be running the belly pan, since it is part of the cooling system.

A new OEM cap and thermostat will also be on the agenda.

Definitely run the belly pan.

There are like a thousand hoses, too. Not likely your cooling issue, but you might replace them while it is drained, anyway.

Yeah, when I first got it, and was doing the TB and WP, I replaced the major hoses. I didn't really know yet about the other 995. I definitely need to do that as well.

Thanks everyone for the ideas and advice.

I pulled my AC and power steering at the same time last year. I daily drove it for a while like that, I do not anymore. (AC in the WRX works GREAT) I wouldn't hesitate to do it again for a track only car. I added NACA duct windows from Advanced Autosports and those work just fine for me on long drives in hot weather.

Unload your trunk instead. Or get a lighter battery. Or take all the quarters out of your ashtray. I'm joking on that last one, but I'm sure there are other ways to remove weight on your car. Heck, remove the top and put it back on when the day is over. Trust me, you wanna be cool.

Haha. I know. I'm not funny. I also may be slightly biased having grown up in Texas where it's 105 degrees out and the power of the wind alone won't cool you down.


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Wait, yeah I forgot this is the DFW forum not miata.net, we all know about Texas. Yeah, just be cool.


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And don't start with all the rules stuff, I'm just stating examples, there are other ways to remove weight and still be cool and you know it.


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