Searched but didn't find any threads detailing the removal of the AC system. Anyone have notes/photos of their procedure? Other than the negative effects of perspiration, are there any other drawbacks of removal? Reinstallation concerns for resale? Is this something to attempt for an average guy with tools? Why? Weight reduction. Send me a u2u and I'll send you the schematics for the car. It's a royal pain in the arse to remove it though... Searched but didn't find any threads detailing the removal of the AC system. Anyone have notes/photos of their procedure? Other than the negative effects of perspiration, are there any other drawbacks of removal? Reinstallation concerns for resale? Is this something to attempt for an average guy with tools?
Check Sleepless's weight reduction posts. He had Speedware Motorsports remove the AC and as I recall it was more complicated than expected. Mostly because some custom radiator mounts had to be made as the radiator uses the condensor for support or something like that. Check Sleepless's weight reduction posts. He had Speedware Motorsports remove the AC and as I recall it was more complicated than expected. Mostly because some custom radiator mounts had to be made as the radiator uses the condensor for support or something like that.
Actually, it was quite easy. We had the rear clam removed so it was easy to reach everything, but it is doable with the clam on.

The "custom mounts" are just zip-ties to hold the fans on the radiator

You'll need a new belt.

The pipes that go through the passenger rocker panel weigh next to nothing so if you plan to put the A/C back, you should just leave them because you have to cut them to remove them. sleepless, since you did this do you have any insight into what would be required to put in a higher capacity fan to push the mildy chilled air into the passenger compartment? the removal of the AC from my TVR was one of the best things ! a/c in a "convertible" is kinda silly in my opinion i have to say that this particular convertible has the hottest interior of any i have owned...from fiat x 1/9 to 911 to spitfire to mr2 spyder. and 2 of those had no a/c. even with the a/c the elise is far hotter when topless. aluminum is one fine heat conductor ...You'll need a new belt...
why?

and is it a different belt, or the same part but just new?

i assume i'd get it from the dealer? why?

and is it a different belt, or the same part but just new?

i assume i'd get it from the dealer?
If you take out the compressor the belt has to be shorter.

Edit: Attached image Does anyone know the standard part number for the shorter (non-AC) belt? I.E. XPKXXX, or is it a Toyota Part?? Dep Part Description Part Number Remarks Qty

Function Code 41.03 Auxiliary Drive Belts & Pulleys Option



01 Drive Belt, alternator, water pump A120E6418S 1 Non AC cars

01a Drive Belt, AC compressor, alternator, water pump A120E6416S 1 AC cars

exxxxxcelent!

Once you have that belt, it looks like a very straightforward operation in the enigne compartment then!

Thanks!

Marc I take it back. That part # appears to be an internal Lotus part number. The belts are made for Toyota and carry both a Toyota part # and also a standard automotive belt designaion (i.e. you could get the belt from NAPA, Kragen, or anywhere else if you had this number).

The regular (A/C) belt carries the following part numbers actually printed on it:

Toyota: 90916-02537
Standard: 6PK1695

from what I understand, "6PK" means a 6-groove belt, and "1695" refers to the length of the belt.

So, the non-A/C belt should be a 6PKXXXX, with XXXX being a number smaller than 1695.

Does anyone have either a Toyota, or preferably a standard part number for the Non-A/C belt? If you have a non-A/C car, these numbers should be printed on the belt.

Thanks in advance!

Marc yeah they are Lotus part numbers specially crafted in gold flake and handwritten on each part.

I have the AC delete, i'll take a look in the morning if no one else posts by then,. I got in touch with Sleepless, who put me in touch with the shop that prepped has car.

They used a NAPA 25-060560 belt.

That PN cross references to a 6PK1420.

As a permanent reference for the Elise community, this would be the proper sized belt you want to run if you remove the A/C. With this standard part number designation, you can get one from any manufacturer (if they make one). I am going to pick up a Goodyear Gatorback.

6PK1695 = With A/C
6PK1420 = Without A/C

Good info.

How hard is it to remove the compressor with the clam still on? Are you planning to do this Marc? Is it really worth the time removing it? Wasn't the weight 20lbs or so? Have you done everything else already? Are you good enough to use that 20lbs. as it isn't hung out the back end like the battery, exhaust, rear grill and such? Good info.

How hard is it to remove the compressor with the clam still on? Are you planning to do this Marc?
Yes! I spoke to Colin at Cantrell motorsports about how to do it. The easiest thing to remove is the compressor. 3 Bolts, 2 hoses, and 2 wire connectors if memory serves from looking at it and the diagrams. The second easiest thing to remove is the condenser under the radiator. This should be a lot more time consuming than removing the compressor, because the front clam has to come off! There are a few more components to eventually remove (dryer, etc.) but the hardest thing to remove are the lines running inside the sill. Colin advised that they are very hard to get at and also very light, so not really worth the effort unless you *have* to remove as much weight as possible...and I guess it would help if you really LOVE working on your car!


Is it really worth the time removing it? Wasn't the weight 20lbs or so? Have you done everything else already? Are you good enough to use that 20lbs. as it isn't hung out the back end like the battery, exhaust, rear grill and such?
I think someone said (I may be wrong) that the compressor alone was 27 lbs. There are other components that can be removed as well. But in reality, here are my personal reasons for removing the system:

1. reduction of rotational intertia
2. reduction of parasitic drag
3. reduction of weight
4. dog gonnit, the Elise never should have had A/C*

*the story I heard was that "it was decided" by Lotus brass years ago that the U.S. market would not accept the car without A/C
And, yes, I am that good! hahah!