Joined: Fri Sep 28 2012, 10:11PM
Location: USA
Posts: 92
Well since the A/C does not blow cold and I do not/would not use it if it did as i like the windows down way better... I want to remove the A/C system. My main question is with the pulleys and belts. If i remove the compressor can I just get a set of pulleys for a engine without A/C? its the 400CI engine. I plan on building the motor anyways so i was already going to replace the pulleys with some lighter/better ones and the belts that are currently on are really old.
if its as simple as removing compressor and replacing pulleys, what brand pulleys do you recommend?
The A/C Optioned Vehicle vs The non A/C version gets a point something of a difference of MPG. This means one has a Electro - Mechanical Drag and one has a Aero Drag because of the opened window's.
The A/C Optioned Engine has a Water Pump Unit that uses less energy from the engine. The A/C Optioned Vehicle also does this with the diameter of Pulley's that it uses. Because of this and the idler/ tension unit that is with it, you can best look at a 1972 year for your 400 Parts Book to learn what is the difference of pulley's and the length of belts.
So I just answered your can I get question.
When you do this you will find out The A/C Air has a better effect on you DeFrost System because it is routed with it and when you remove The A/C from your car, you will never have the same quality of a DeFrost System.
I feel as you do not care for the $$$ value of the vehicle because The removial of A/C will lower this. Even if the A/C Optioned Car has a improper working unit because of a lack of being maintained. it will sell quicker and at a higher amount.
You may find The Belts from NAPA to pep boy's. They also sell A/C re-placement fluids.
Joined: Thu Mar 22 2007, 08:13AM
Location: In the workshop
Posts: 1063
If I remember correctly, the a/c alternator pulley and non a/c pulleys are different. As some of these are not removable, it may mean changing that as well. Or spacing it differently.
Joined: Fri Sep 28 2012, 10:11PM
Location: USA
Posts: 92
Thanks guys! I'm not to consirned about value. I don't plan on selling it ever and plan on actually stroking out the 400 to a 470. Main reason I ask is just to make some more room, clean up the engine bay, and I'm trying to get every ounce of power out of the engine when it gets stroked. Their are a few manufactures that make aluminum pulley sets for the 400 without a/c so I was hoping to get one of those.
I forgot about the different water pump until you said something. That would not be to bad while it's all apart to swap out. Hopefully the alt pulley can come off.
Another 1972 low energy package item used on every A/C Optioned 440 - 400 - 360 or 318 ( the 318 is a Plymouth or Dodge C-Body ) is --- The Thermo Silicon Fan Drive ( they all have the same part number ).
*************** The after market alum pulley makers sell there wares at your local Auto Parts Store to even "on-line".
Joined: Sat Aug 19 2006, 05:03PM
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2919
One of my Chryslers had a dealer under-dash A/C system installed when I got it, which I removed. I believe the underhood bracketry was the same as a factory setup would have been, and that the bracket for the AC compressor is also the alternator bracket. When you remove it, you'll need a new alternator bracket and bolt/spacer kit, such as:
After swapping that, just eyeball the pulleys, and if they're all reasonably aligned, just measure for the length of belt you'll need and find one that fits. If you had no cooling or charging system complaints with the compressor installed, you won't with it removed either.