Question about AC hoses...
 

This could be in the engine forum, or cosmetic forum, but thought I would put it here.

The problem is I would like to remove the AC for aesthetics and weight, but I don't think it is worth removing it, so the next best thing would be at least to improve the aesthetics related to the two massive hoses that stick up high in the engine bay.

What is the deal? Do they need to be above something? If they were tucked or routed lower would it just make access to other service locations harder to get to?

In the long term I would like a Harrop SC and to do some wire tucks to clean up the engine bay, along with some other additions, but am clueless about those AC hoses.

http://st.motortrend.com/uploads/sit...BRZ-engine.jpg

"The problem is I would like to remove the AC for aesthetics and weight, but I don't think it is worth removing it"


Seriously? You just named two things that make it worthwhile.
I see no problem attempting to route it under the manifold, I'm pretty sure they were placed that way for convenience of design, also I'm not sure the low pressure side should be that close to the block as heat may effect cooling.

If your car is not a daily driver and if you can withstand the heat in warm days, then delete it. There is a factory A/C delete kit:

http://i67.tinypic.com/1581je8.jpg

https://www.japanparts.com/parts/detail/46246

It is easy to delete. Only complex thing is to remove the front bumper to delete also the A/C compressor. The bumper might not fit perfectly afterwards, but this is a well known design issue.

Personally I deleted it and the weight reduction is significant. You'll gain approximately 15 lbs. Engine bay is also much nicer without the hoses.

Forgot to mention. If you want to do a complete job, then you need to replace also the A/C switch:

http://i66.tinypic.com/10qdldg.jpg

Yea they are good reasons but what I was getting at was I dont know if the weight reduction is significant enough or aesthetic changes are enough to justify losing my cold air on the 90-105 degree days. So I was thinking of just rerouting the lines, and if doing so, would I be creating problems?

So removing the compressor removes bracketry for the bumper? Is that what you mean? And did you mean I will lose 15 lbs?

Oh no ... you don't remove any bracketry. It is just a general design issue. If you remove the bumper, then you might not have a good line up near fender. You can see more on this here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37694

Personally, I got afraid after seeing these posts and did the A/C compressor delete in a workshop.

Yes, you lose in total 15 lbs.

If you run the hoses too close to the block you are at risk of blowing one or both. The return hose gets hot on it's own so the extra heat will take it way past the rated levels. The AC will also not work worth shit. They are placed where they are for a reason not just conveneince. If that 15 pounds savings and aesthetics when the hood are open then just do the delete. You may able to relocate if you wrap them in a heat resistant material but I am not optimistic it would work.
Personally if I lived in California that AC would be one of my most important things.

Oh, I can't resist any longer ....... unless you are going to make this a dedicated track car ....... I would suggest that there are far better ways to shed 15 lbs of weight ....... like remove the spare tire or the rear seat or get lighter wheels .........:popcorn:


humfrz

or go on a diet

Gotcha, that makes sense. I'll check out the link just to see what this is all about; I'm sure someday I'll remove my bumper.

Thanks for the info. That's what I really needed to know.

For the record, between the compressor, the radiator/cooler, the lines, etc I was pretty sure the weight was more than 15 lbs, but the bigger reason was the lines. I can't stand them when looking at the motor. My last sports car was a mkiv Supra, so I am used to prettier, cleaner engine bays. Forgot to add, the car will eventually lose the AC when it becomes a dedicated track car in the future, but then I'll be removing everything non-essential.

8% at 165 lbs, so if I lost 16.5 lbs (10%) it would have to be muscle. I don't have 16.5 lbs of fat.

Yes ... I mentioned that if it is a daily car, then it is not worth it. :)

It makes sense only if you want to build something serious and only as an additive to other mods.