Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance a/c power loss?

Sorry if it's been asked before (plus I don't even know where to begin to search it), but can anyone put a ballpark figure on the HP loss from running the a/c? The car feels so much slower when running the a/c and I'd like to have an idea of what kind of HP loss(or gain) can actually be "felt."


BTW, troutslap???? What's this about?

10-15hp ballpark

With 134A on hot humid day it's closer to 25-35 hp less at the frt wheels. Not to mention the extra alternator draw, fans, clutch coil. 12 volts just does go very far.
134a runs with a much higher head pressure than r-12

Paul

Just to add to the above, the HP draw also depends on RPM. At low RPM, the draw is in the 3-5 HP range. If it was an electrically driven unit, the HP would stay low. Being tied to the engine RPM, it is pretty much overspeeding above 2500 RPM on the engine. The overspeeding wastes a LOT of HP.

Future vehicles are planning on all eletric air conditioning for this reason. Better economy. Same with power steering. A lot of new vehicles now use electric driven PS to minimize HP waste.