To Remove or Not To Remove the A/C?

Viper TT

While some may argue that my car is not a "street car", I still consider it a street car and use it accordingly. Two weeks ago I legitimately passed Delaware State Inspection which is conducted by the DMV. No loop holes were available, so I had to pass just as any other vehicle in the state would. They tested all the obvious items (wipers, turn signals, horn, etc) and also conducted a brake test. Lastly to my surprise, I actually was able to pass the tail pipe emissions test after installing catalytic converters.

Enough rambling, I am contemplating removing the A/C system which would save around 40lbs. I currently use the car on the street around 1500+/- miles per year and never use the A/C. The only reason I've kept it on the car is for bragging rights and to keep the street car imagery.

Would removing the A/C system make my car less of a "street car"?

Joelcool

Nice, 2 questions with different answers.

Would removing the A/C system make my car less of "street car"?
No (how I voted) You can have the factory delete on the ACR versions.

To Remove or Not To Remove the A/C?
I voted to NOT remove it but meant TO remove it....just read the wrong question.

-FROG-

I don't know.... if you never use it, it only makes sense to remove it. I never use mine either. Back when I first got the car it kinda worked, but then started leaking due to a kinked line. So, I just removed the belt and now use a smaller belt, bypassing the A/C. That saves a few horses in itself... I don't think it would make it any less of a street car. Most of the late night car meets have guys with gutted cars, no A/C, no Power steering, etc... but they all still have their blinkers, horn, lights, etc, which "technically" make the car a street car. I don't think there is a "rule book" anywhere saying that removing your A/C takes your car out of the "street car" category.

Viper TT

After I posted the poll I realized I didn't word the Poll question very well.

The Poll question should read "Should I remove the A/C?"

1fast400

What is the weight distribution of the car front/back? I don't see 40lbs making a big difference in your ET, maybe a few hundreths. Of course, you're running heads up classes so every bit is worth something. Could you lose 40lbs elsewhere? I think having the AC that actually works is VERY impressive. I'm going to guess that the biggest restriction on ET with these types of car is the first 150'. With that said, I just wonder if you could do other things if performance is your only concern?

SUN RA KAT

That's what's thought you meant, so I voted "No".

I only run my air conditioner for a minute or two twice a month to keep the seals happy. Only if it's in the mid 90's or upper 80's in the rain do I run it for any length of time.

Viper TT

Weight distribution is currently very close to 50/50. The chassis behavior is exceptional. But I have yet to bring in any serious power in the first 330'. The best 60' to date is 1.30x and I have been averaging 1.31x-1.33x. Next time out, my plan is to start ramping in decent power in the first 330'. Radials are very finicky so I've been taking it easy in the 1/8.

As for losing weight elsewhere, I haven't found any other weight loss options to where it will not take away from what I want the car to represent. I've been looking into a carbon fiber hood, but I don't want hood pins. I want to keep the factory latching mechanism and function. So far no options on carbon fiber unless I install hood pins.

Viper TT

I'm also concerned about safety. Trying to slow down 3700lbs from 190mph is definitely not an easy task. While the chute does it's job, I have had it not open twice and it isn't a pleasant feeling. Once I am able to bring in more power in the 1/8, I will be heading north of 190mph in the 1/4.

v10kingsnake

I voted NO Sal. What is the gain from that 40# anyway? Near nothing I bet. Like you said, even though you currently only use it for the bragging rights I would guess that would be enough of a reason to keep it. Now if you were picking up a tenth or 2 in the 1/4 mile I may say otherwise.

Again, on the other hand, you are a converted auto car so I guess it is a toss up.

v10kingsnake

What? Why would your chute NOT open? I would kick the installer in the nuts for that mistake. Honestly Sal, what's the point of having a chute if it may not do it's job of at least opening. I would think the cable running to it is not routed properly.

Viper TT

Based on the generic 1/4 mile math, 40lbs is supposedly .04 seconds assuming everything else is equal.

I guess being an auto Viper significantly changes the image!

Viper TT

I'm not sure why it didn't open. The handle released the chute and it physically came out, but didn't actually flower.

The first time it didn't open (Atco) was probably my fault as I didn't unpack and repack the chute after being packed for a couple of months.

Makara

That is .04 seconds in a normal car. You are running a lot faster than a normal car so I don't think that you are going to knock off that much time. I'd keep it in. At the very least you can hold onto the bragging rights of having a fast ass car with the A/C still in.

v10kingsnake

Different story then. You deserve the kick in the nuts

Seriously though, I guess the first time it wasn't folded properly and the second, like you mentioned stuck closed after release due to not being unpacked/repacked in a while. Keep on top of that stuff Sal. Your far too nice a guy to risk injury over something easily preventable.

Viper TT

I hear ya!

Nice guy? That's it! It's on at the Atco Fall rental!

LPDesRoche

Sal, If it were any other car I would say yank it. But since its the Viper I would leave it in. Adds a bit to the coolness factor if you will in my opinion.

v10kingsnake

I believe Sean has the paperwork locked in for the 16th of october.

Mr. Hollywood

IMO keep the A/C. You could also add another 'chute to help you slow down.

BAD68GTO