Does the A/C reduce power

[Trevorw24]

Originally Posted by stieger

Mythbusters proved that running the A/C does not hurt mpg

That's interesting, not sure if that's true for every car though.

[BrandonB956]

Very interesting . Subbed

[=Stephens=]

If you want to really increase your hp, turn off the radio too. LOL

[nukemustang]

In all reality the sensed loss of HP is probably due to the ambient air being so much hotter. Even in Hawaii I notice more power in the mornings when it is cool over the evenings when it is almost 90 outside

[kaler]

At wot the computer disengages the ac compressor clutch on these cars.

[knowitman]

Originally Posted by stieger

Mythbusters proved that running the A/C does not hurt mpg

I remember them running a test at 45 mph for AC vs windows rolled down on some Expeditions, and the vehicle with the AC running ran out of gas first.

On another note, in the new EPA tests for gas mileage, they now incorporate the use of AC. The compressor does add an extra load on the engine. Now whether or not you notice it, there is a decrease.

[ravensjeff]

Originally Posted by RAWarrior

All I know is the summer I blew out all of the freeze plugs in a POS 78 Olds Cutlass, I suffered heatstroke because the only way I could get it to my mechanic was to drive it(on a 90+ deg day) with the heat blasting on the hottest setting and the fan on the highest speed to keep the engine fan going so I wouldn't overheat, because I had to replace the coolant I left on the parking lot with water. Now, that being said, it may not be the same with the computers in cars today. It will be interesting to find out....

That's a little different scenario there. I did something similar in my 69 Camaro many years ago. Works too-for awhile!

Recirc keeps unwanted outside odors from getting in to the interior of the car while also making the AC run more efficient. I'm not even sure why it's not used all the time in recirc mode.

[liquidsmoke]

Cold air in the summer, hot air in the winter but never off.
Really don't care what any of the negative sides are.
Lower HP or perceived lower HP, more gas being used or whatever but I'm not gonna sweat or freeze my ass off to preserve either.
It's the American way.

Hell sometimes when it's a bit cold outside at night and I'm driving on a long stretch of highway going at a decent speed, I'll roll all the windows down and turn the heat on full blast to counter balance the 80mph+ cold wind.
I love it.

[liquidsmoke]

Originally Posted by ravensjeff

Recirc keeps unwanted outside odors from getting in to the interior of the car while also making the AC run more efficient. I'm not even sure why it's not used all the time in recirc mode.

Because people fart. Lol.

[gotroost]

This is my first vehicle that I have not noticed a significant decrease in power with the AC on. Maybe it has something to do with the cutoff at WOT or just the torque on the the LS3. Either way, Chevy got the AC figured out on this one.

I do notice a difference on my 05 Silverado diesel and I thought it was a torque monster. It loses a lot of power even when the fan comes on. I've got used to killing the AC when I want to accelerate fast or climb a grade when towing.

[Shift]

Originally Posted by stieger

Mythbusters proved that running the A/C does not hurt mpg

Not true, Mythbusters proved you get better MPG using the A/C rather than driving with the windows down but your MPG still goes down.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by RAWarrior

All I know is the summer I blew out all of the freeze plugs in a POS 78 Olds Cutlass, I suffered heatstroke because the only way I could get it to my mechanic was to drive it(on a 90+ deg day) with the heat blasting on the hottest setting and the fan on the highest speed to keep the engine fan going so I wouldn't overheat, because I had to replace the coolant I left on the parking lot with water. Now, that being said, it may not be the same with the computers in cars today. It will be interesting to find out....

only slightly different cars.

[CamaroFemme]

Originally Posted by ravensjeff

Recirc keeps unwanted outside odors from getting in to the interior of the car while also making the AC run more efficient. I'm not even sure why it's not used all the time in recirc mode.

Probably because constantly re-using the same air on long trips isn't good for you. Wouldn't wanna see you pass smooth out mid-drive from lack of O2.

[Dalefj]

Originally Posted by knowitman

I remember them running a test at 45 mph for AC vs windows rolled down on some Expeditions, and the vehicle with the AC running ran out of gas first.

On another note, in the new EPA tests for gas mileage, they now incorporate the use of AC. The compressor does add an extra load on the engine. Now whether or not you notice it, there is a decrease.

I remember the same test but I was referring to running no windows no AC versus AC