I run with mine all the time and I have no loud noises at all. I had an 02 Rsx type S that was louder and had a much bigger power loss... Remember that this is a 4 cyl. car and not a v8 jaguar.... With the AC the power loss is significant, but like what was previously stated, you shouldn't be racing with it on anyway...

 

I stalled the sucker today with the air on for the first time. The clutch definatley has a different feel to it when the AC is on and I hate it!!! I like the windows down mostly, but when its over 90 the air is nice.

 

I know what you mean. I live to close to base to even bother turning the a/c on. I'll do it on long freeway rides and turn it off when I get to the surface streets.

 

ugh, my evo sounds like a P.O.S. diesel school bus when idling with the AC on. probably my biggest (of very few) complaint about the car.

 

When mine was new and the AC was on, it sounded like a giant spring or something grinding and was making the clicking noises when I had the clutch pressed. I took it to the dealer and it turns out the freon was overfilled from the factory. they bled some off and it has been fine ever since.

 

my OZ sounds like a POS with the AC on too. lol

 

you know, i don't mind that as much as having the car shake so much and lagging and going in to almost stalling fit. That bugs me.

And There is no way, IN ATLANTA TRAFFIC, IN ATLANTA WEATHER, anyone can NOT USE AC and still live.

 

LOL, you are right man!! i spent a summer in HOTLANTA, the trafic is insane always and the air is stickier than a (insert humorous analogy here). i also have the grinding noise a little, it is annoying, i rarely use the a/c so maybe it is just dried up bearings and the like, still makes me nervous!

 

I have noticed that when I have the ac on max (running the comprssor all of the time in this mode as well as the recirulation fan) the engine is running at a higher idle and the car makes a lot more noise. Now, there is power loss to be sure however for those of you who think its an outrageous amount like 50 HP or even 20Hp consider this. The magnetic clutch on the compressor must transfer all of the power from the belt to the compressor vanes. Hence, the loss is not anywhere near what some claim it to be particularly at low belt velocity (low engine rpm) but yes it is there and it is very noticible.

 

I kept thinking something was wrong with my car when the A/C was on. I also noticed that the throttle response seemed a bit slower in the heat... I now see why.

 

yeah, but its also slow with the ac on.

 

if the AC is such a problem, why not get an underpulley kit?

 

edit: after searching, post deleted for irrelevence

 

you can definately tell a difference with the AC on for sure. But I am not racing all day, and these hot Florida days in traffic without A/C is sweltering!!!! LONG LIVE A/C!!! :-)


BTW, you can take off the hood vent from underneath the car, a few simple plastic plugs and it's off. This will reduce the vibration, mine was rattling. Also this will allow more hot air to escape the engine bay. Just try to keep out of the rain, not that the stock hood vent kept water out anyway...

 

My car makes crazy noises with the A/C on. I thought I had a rod bearing going out at first. Funny thing was with the cluch engauged it went away.
I tracked it down to this. The throw-out bearing for the clutch starts getting a little loose and worn, so when you click on the A/C theres more of a parisitic load on the crank, which in turn causes more harmonic vibration in everything that the crank spins, including the throw-out. The reason it goes away with the clutch in, is because it put pressure on the TO bearing, keeping it from rattling around.

Im not saying this is the case for everyone, but Im sure its whats going on with my car. Ive talked to a few DSM guys that have had the same problem. I guess its pretty common with a pull type clutch disengaugement.