I understand that by using things like electric fans and water pumps frees up horsepower by eliminating drag, but what about the A/C system? During the winter months, can i just take the belt off my a/c and free up some extra power? If so, would it really be enough to notice. Also, if i did that, how would it effect my refrigerant charge? Does that thing always have to be spinning to keep the coolant charged? Would i have to recharge it when i put the belt bck on it?
When your a/c and defroster are off, the a/c compressor draws virtually no power to turn. The other rule of thumb is that you do want to circulate the freon in your system at least once or twice a month to preclude leaks and moisture build-up in the system.
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Performance Parts Inc. 13120 Lazy Glen Court Oak Hill, VA 20171-2326
ok thats what i thought but i honetsly know nothing about ac systems so i wanted to double check. Well then, so much for that idea.... i am not going to run an electic but not so much for power purpose (even though if it did i wouldnt complain), but would running something like one of those flex fans help with engine performance at all. Like take some wear and extra strain of the water pump? Or do they really not do anything but "look cool"?
A clutch fan would be the choice for an engine driven fan. An electric fan would gain you a few hp, you probably wouldn't notice a difference. What does your combo consist of right now?? Things like igniton,exhaust...even intake/carbs are not that $$ and can really wake your engine up.
A clutch fan would be the choice for an engine driven fan. An electric fan would gain you a few hp, you probably wouldn't notice a difference. What does your combo consist of right now?? Things like igniton,exhaust...even intake/carbs are not that $$ and can really wake your engine up.
all my mods are listed in my sig below. It has the stock clutch fan on i, i was just wonderingif a flex-a-lite fan is worth the money. Does it really help lighten up teh load and reduce wear on the water pump?
I think your fan clutch (is yours thermal?) uses less power than a flex fan would. The thermal clutch fans only engage when the engine gets hot, otherwise it's free spinning. The flex fan will allways be causing drag as there is no 'off' or clutch, plus they make a decent amount of noise as you hear the rushing air always even when 'flattened out' at higher RPM's, at least the one I had on my '70 did. I don't think you'd see any reduced wear WP wise.
The clutch on your A/C disengauges when it's off and while cycling so there is minimal drag, just like putting a manual trans in neutral and coasting. I plan to remove my belt only for 1/4mi. or other track events just to avoid throwing it.
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'67 Coupe 289 C4, Candyapple red w/red deluxe int., PS, ext. decor group, light group, foxbody seats.
Next to install> stroked 333, AOD, 9" w/3.50:1, PDB.
'09 Black Warriors In Pink with glass roof - the wifes Mustang.
"If it ain't broke, I haven't fixed it yet" -Jon
A thermal fan clutch will have a coiled up spring in the middle front that engages the clutch as it heats up. A nonThermal looks similar but w/o the spring and only reacts to RPM's and is pretty much always engaged.
Jon
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'67 Coupe 289 C4, Candyapple red w/red deluxe int., PS, ext. decor group, light group, foxbody seats.
Next to install> stroked 333, AOD, 9" w/3.50:1, PDB.
'09 Black Warriors In Pink with glass roof - the wifes Mustang.
"If it ain't broke, I haven't fixed it yet" -Jon
Free Horsepower? 
