Does removing your A/C really do that much?

Unless you have an older AC compressor like I used to, which didnt spin all that well, then it could help to get the belt. For me my compressor didnt turn all that freely, but it was still giving me cold air so for me it was worth it to buy a bypass belt for the track rather than replace the compressor. My belt would bypass smog, and AC but only for the track. That combined with removing excess weight: spare tire, jack, rear seats, passenger seat, mats, etc loose stuff seemed to improve my track times (by how much I cant say, I used to have pretty erratic times back then)...

By the way-
You may be tempted to remove the AC system (piping, wiring, condensor, blah blah blah) but leave the compressor mounted until you figure out if your going to bypass, move the power steering pump, or whatever.

Just make sure if you do leave the compressor mounted that its not still turning from the serpentine belt. I have a buddy who did the same thing you are thinking about and was lazy and left his compressor mounted with the serpentine still turning the compressor pulley. A few months later the compressor siezed on the highway and shredded the belt, which overheated the engine and drained the battery, and left him stranded for a few hours. :sterb: