How difficult...

[Treibenschnell]

How difficult is it to remove the AC and related pieces? Also, I'm tracking down the air bag crash sensors.... those are a little more obvious and easier to remove.

Also, while I'm under the dash, if and I mean if, I choose to remove the heater box as well, I should reroute the heater hose back into the block, correct?

[OUTRACE]

While you're researching that, try to figure out how you can simply move the AC from your car to mine without breaking a single seal or hose....

I'm serious here..... If the setup is semi-virginal, I'll give you a 6 pack of Fat Tire for the whole kit and your efforts.

[Treibenschnell]

It's a beautiful setup - one of the few things the previous owner did right! It's already converted to R-134. I'm reading and re-reading my Enthusiasts Manual to see how I can do this.

[Miatafreek]

Hey, my coworker Rory has an entire a/c system for sale, I could call him and ask what he is looking t get for it, as well as all the crash senors, the steering wheel and airbag I could call him for you. Just give me the word I will see him Tuesday.

Richard

[fwMiata]

i dont think there is any way to get it out without leaking freon, im pretty sure that you have to remove the two hoses going into the firewall.

[channelmaniac]

Just remove that section of firewall... It'll just lighten up the car a little more

[altiain]

I'd agree that I don't think it will be possible to remove the system without venting the freon. In addition, once you've exposed the system to atmosphere, you'll need to replace the dessicant.

[Treibenschnell]

While you're researching that, try to figure out how you can simply move the AC from your car to mine without breaking a single seal or hose....

I'd agree that I don't think it will be possible to remove the system without venting the freon. In addition, once you've exposed the system to atmosphere, you'll need to replace the dessicant.

Seems you'll be out of luck then my friend...

[Treibenschnell]

Now that I have the bug up my butt, how difficult would it be to clean out the entire engine bay anyhow? I'm looking to rid the vehicle of all surplus wiring and any other weight that can be lost (besides my own!). I'm not really worried about ending up in any particular SCCA class... I just really want a nice, fun and lightweight sportscar that I can have fun in. Ideas?

[OUTRACE]

I've watched guys gut racebikes like that before. Wiring harness weight savings are in the 1 to 2 pound range...... and you can simply take a dump before a race to get that.

I assume you still wanna drive it on the street?

I actually considered performing the AC removal for you in exchange for the system once it's removed.......but then I came to my senses and remembered that neither of my motorcycles has AC either, and the Miata doesn't require heavy clothes in August......

The removal part wouldn't be so bad. The reinstallation part would SUCK.

Besides, AC is available in my pickup......

[altiain]

3Bean, do some searching around on the pointy board. There are a couple of guys obsessed with "adding lightness", not for any particular race class, but just because they can. A couple of them have webpages documenting what they've removed and how much it weighed, as well.

[Treibenschnell]

3Bean, do some searching around on the pointy board. There are a couple of guys obsessed with "adding lightness", not for any particular race class, but just because they can. A couple of them have webpages documenting what they've removed and how much it weighed, as well.

Actually, I have been... this guy has probably been my biggest influence! I absolutely love what he's done with his car... and I'm hoping I'll have mine done almost the same. I'm even hoping to land a hard top by February.

[Adam Payrot]

I did it to my first car b/c I accidentally put a hole in the condenser and didn't feel like paying $300+ for the part. I did it to Dallas' old 97 as well. I was going to do it to my 2nd miata, but didn't get around to it.

When my A/C goes out on my current Miata, it too will go out. I will also be yanking out the PS and doing the "conversion" by leaving the power rack in. I was very tempted when I had to swap motors, and it will be tempting again when I do the 2nd swap.

I probably saved 70lbs or so in my first Miata by yanking out the A/C, PS, and various brackets that I thought were stupid and of no use. It was still my daily driver and completely liveable, I actually lost a few rattles and squeaks from before In my current Miata, I hope to shave 125-150lbs out of it when I start shedding parts.