Hey guys, I'm almost finished with my Mustang restoration, but the last thing I'm thinking of adding is an A/C unit.

My quandry is that I have a 200 ci 6 cylinder engine, and I'm worried that if I put Classic Auto Air's kit into my car, that it will kill the power considerably.

I'm sure that it does take some power off, but how much power? Does anyone have any experiences with this?

Thanks guys.

 

I can't say for sure, but I want to think that the Sanden compressor that will likely come with the CCA system will NOT consume nearly as much HP as the stock compressor would.

I think you will notice a difference in power, but this drain will go away when it is turned off...

I would go with air for a driver.

 

Normal driving on the streets you might not tell,But like getting on the interstate you'll feel it bog you down then.

 

No, the power loss from AC, especially a modern compressor, is not that bad. It's not like V8 cars have to lean into the 4V to keep moving.

Here's a bit of trivia;

T/ F: When driving in hot weather, to save on gas, turn off the AC and drive with the windows open.

Ans: False. The wind drag of driving with the windows open actually uses more gas than using the AC.

 

I had the original type AC on my car back when it was an I6 and it wasn't that bad when it was on. You could feel it take some power away though.

I don't know about on the older classic cars, but on just about any vehicle from that last 20 or more years, running AC on the highway should get better fuel economy that having the windows down.

 

Didn't mythbusters prove leaving your windows up and ac on is better on fuel?

 

I could be wrong as it's been years since I looked into this, but I have a vague memory of Yorks drawing somewhere around 15 horsepower and the newer variety pulling 7-8. Even then, you can add a switch to the throttle linkage that cuts power to the compressor at wot if you're so inclined.

 

Yep

And a newer compressor, such as the ones Classic Auto Air recommends, won't put as much strain on the engine as a stock compressor.

 

I think it depends on the cars, as I seem to remember they used a full size late model pick up truck for the test?

I think that older cars were designed to be run with the windows down. I can ride with the windows down at 75 MPH in my 55 Lincoln and still hold a conversation.

Not so in my late model cars, it sounds (and feels) like a freaking hurricane at speed with the windows down in my late model crap, truly unbearable.

In other words, the windows down in early cars does not disrupt airflow like it does in late models, and I think this is by design for both early and late cars.

 

They did it in a SUV I think, not much difference from a truck though, haha.
And you're right, cars nowadays are so streamlined that when you roll down a window it's pretty loud.