AC belt bypass

driftns2k · 10-10-2012, 06:01 PM

So i'm new to the suby world. I just sold my s2k and got a 06 STI. On my Honda i ran a smaller belt that bypassed the AC compressor since i never used AC. I was just wondering if i could do the same thing with my STI???

I know it runs on a separate belt system. So my thoughts were just taking the belt off for the 6 months i don't use it. It would prolong the life of the belt and also create less resistance on the system. Maybe I could gain an extra MPG....

Would not running the belt for the 6 months cause any complications to the bearings or A/c system tho?

Please post your thoughts since i'm a newb here!

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Dinzdale40 · 10-10-2012, 07:32 PM

ac compressors use the refrigerant as oil and thus like being run periodically to keep all the seals fresh and in working order. IMO you wouldn't gain much of anything by bypassing the AC compressor, remember this is a car with more torque in comparison to your s2000. I also used to have an s2000 btw.

kellygnsd · 10-10-2012, 07:40 PM

Removing it for 6 months at a time just to put it back on would be pretty pointless. You won't gain much hp because of the a/c clutch being dis-engaged anyway. If you need to remove a/c to make space for something else is one thing but pulling the belt just to free up power won't net you much.

UK-Wagon · 10-11-2012, 12:33 AM

It has almost zero drag on the system unless its being used. Leave it alone, you wont notice any MPG or HP gain what so ever.

HinshawWRX · 10-11-2012, 05:39 PM

Useless "mod" is useless.

imma_stocker · 10-11-2012, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dinzdale40

ac compressors use the refrigerant as oil and thus like being run periodically to keep all the seals fresh and in working order. IMO you wouldn't gain much of anything by bypassing the AC compressor, remember this is a car with more torque in comparison to your s2000. I also used to have an s2000 btw.

This. All you will do is help your a/c seals dry rot faster.

Besides, high hp domestics expect 10-15hp gains by switching to an electric water pump. So what exactly are you expecting to gain by removing a drag-less belt?

boosted25 · 10-11-2012, 08:17 PM

Typical Honda mod. Remember doing crap like that when I was 16-18

driftns2k · 10-13-2012, 07:57 PM

Thanks for your replies!!!! I will be leaving it alone then.

gurusan · 10-13-2012, 10:27 PM

You have a turbo now and a bigger engine. Freeing up .5hp is now pointless, you are only denying yourself an accessory that you have paid for.

Trust me though, I do know where you are coming from...I used to have a b16a civic and if I could get .5hp more I would do it as there just aren't many options when you have 1.6L putting out 170hp... that's already tuned pretty damned well from the factory.

10-10-2012, 06:01 PM	#1
driftns2k Scooby Newbie Member#: 333106 Join Date: Sep 2012	AC belt bypass So i'm new to the suby world. I just sold my s2k and got a 06 STI. On my Honda i ran a smaller belt that bypassed the AC compressor since i never used AC. I was just wondering if i could do the same thing with my STI??? I know it runs on a separate belt system. So my thoughts were just taking the belt off for the 6 months i don't use it. It would prolong the life of the belt and also create less resistance on the system. Maybe I could gain an extra MPG.... Would not running the belt for the 6 months cause any complications to the bearings or A/c system tho? Please post your thoughts since i'm a newb here! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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10-10-2012, 07:32 PM	#2
Dinzdale40 Scooby Newbie Member#: 254306 Join Date: Aug 2010 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Chattanooga, TN Vehicle: 2004 WRX STi Silver	ac compressors use the refrigerant as oil and thus like being run periodically to keep all the seals fresh and in working order. IMO you wouldn't gain much of anything by bypassing the AC compressor, remember this is a car with more torque in comparison to your s2000. I also used to have an s2000 btw.

10-10-2012, 07:40 PM	#3
kellygnsd Scooby Guru Member#: 32669 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Rancho C Vehicle: 2007 FR TS EFR 7670 LINK G4 hybrid STi	Removing it for 6 months at a time just to put it back on would be pretty pointless. You won't gain much hp because of the a/c clutch being dis-engaged anyway. If you need to remove a/c to make space for something else is one thing but pulling the belt just to free up power won't net you much.

10-11-2012, 12:33 AM	#4
UK-Wagon Scooby Specialist Member#: 232430 Join Date: Dec 2009 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: On the Left side Vehicle: 555 I haz 5 Subarus GC8/GF/SG/GD sedan & wag	It has almost zero drag on the system unless its being used. Leave it alone, you wont notice any MPG or HP gain what so ever.

10-11-2012, 05:39 PM	#5
HinshawWRX n00b Moderator Moderator Member#: 140114 Join Date: Feb 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Jolly ol York of VA Vehicle: 06 18G Semi Built SGM WRX	Useless "mod" is useless.

10-11-2012, 08:17 PM	#7
boosted25 Scooby Newbie Member#: 316107 Join Date: Apr 2012 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Andover mass Vehicle: 2002 Wrx sportwagon Rally blue	Typical Honda mod. Remember doing crap like that when I was 16-18

10-13-2012, 07:57 PM	#8
driftns2k Scooby Newbie Member#: 333106 Join Date: Sep 2012	Thanks for your replies!!!! I will be leaving it alone then.

10-13-2012, 10:27 PM	#9
gurusan Scooby Newbie Member#: 258165 Join Date: Sep 2010 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: PDX Vehicle: 2006 WRX Wagon WRB	You have a turbo now and a bigger engine. Freeing up .5hp is now pointless, you are only denying yourself an accessory that you have paid for. Trust me though, I do know where you are coming from...I used to have a b16a civic and if I could get .5hp more I would do it as there just aren't many options when you have 1.6L putting out 170hp... that's already tuned pretty damned well from the factory.