Electric A/C?

**Firebird Phoenix** · 07-09-2008, 01:43 PM

Is there anyway to have the A/C ran primarily on the battery/alternator without the drain on the engine (less mpg)???

Also approximately how much power does it take to run the a/c at its max? Thanks

**the_formula** · 07-09-2008, 01:49 PM

your a/c runs off the engines pulley setup...so i doubt you can find a way to make it battery powered...

**LIGHTNINGMCQUEEN** · 07-09-2008, 02:03 PM

Ask Doc Brown.

**StuntmanMike** · 07-09-2008, 02:09 PM

You know, I really don't notice a difference in MPG with my A/C on or off. If there is a difference, it's negligible, meaning less than 1mpg. I do mostly highway driving though, not much stop and go city type driving, so that might make a difference too.

I think with an engine as powerful as the LS1, it really doesn't notice the 5 or 10hp drag tha AC compressor has, which is why the mileage is hardly affected.

Whereas people who complain most about losing mpg with the AC on have little torqueless 4 cylinder cars that can't spare the power, so the AC compressor is a much larger burden to them.

**Firebird Phoenix** · 07-09-2008, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by the_formula

your a/c runs off the engines pulley setup...so i doubt you can find a way to make it battery powered...

I know that, thats what I meant by "drain on the engine".

Does anyone know how many watts or w/e of power it takes to run the a/c???

**Orcus79** · 07-09-2008, 04:50 PM

The only electrical going to the compressor is the clutch activation circuit that engages the electro mechanical clutch to turn the compressor, when there is no voltage or call for cooling it free wheels.