View Full Version : Air Conditioner and the Power Question


TomsterRX8
08-29-2003, 02:18 PM
I was just wondering if maybe those who are experiencing ample power and performance boosts above 7,000 rpm are those living in cooler climates where the a/c does not need to be run. I just realized I've never driven one foot without the a/c blasting and maybe that is causing a real drain on power.

Add to the fact that cooler temperatures equates to better breathing and more power. I've heard each 7-10 degree drop in temps gives about 1% more horsepower.

Thoughts? Rebuffs?

eccles
08-29-2003, 02:33 PM
Originally posted by TomsterRX8
Thoughts? Rebuffs? Running with A/C on all the time may affect fuel consumption, but shouldn't have much bearing on perceived power, because the ECU cuts the A/C compressor for 5 seconds whenever the throttle is opened more than 65%. Try climbing a steep hill in a high gear, and you'll notice that the A/C starts blowing warm until you get back off the gas. So under full-throttle conditions such as 1/4-mile drags or dyno runs, it should be out of the equation.