Removing AIR and AC Need Advice

[Macgyver]

So Im throwing on the Edelbrock Performer tomorrow along w/ a Holly so I can junk the Quadrajunk. The Holly has clearance issues w/ the fuel rails so Im dumping the AIR pump and going w/o the EGR.

The problem Im seeing (already tried the swap but saw that it was going to take all day instead of 1hour) is that the AC is supported by a bar that runs from the intake to the back of the AC unit. The Performer doesnt seem to have this bolt hole. I dont want to lose the stability of the AC since I do a lot of highway driving and could only imagine how much more the AC will shimmy and shake at 3500rpms under the hood. I figured Id ditch the AC as well since Ive never used an AC in any car Ive had in the last 6 years. It would probably cost $6-700 to service it anyways.

To remove both the AIR and AC what am I going to have to stop off or plug up? Are there any tips or words of advice here? They are both electrically disconnected by the last person that owned it but the belts are still there as well the hoses. I swapped alternators a few months ago and I imagine the bolts are in the same condition which isnt too bad. Also how much HP might I stand to pick up?

 

[JohnZ]

Also how much HP might I stand to pick up?

One, if you're lucky - the A.I.R. pump uses less than one hp, and the compressor uses none when it's disengaged.

 

[Macgyver]

Boooo. Oh well nothings free.

Wish me luck Im bout to tack le it all now.

 

[Plumbroke]

I am looking at the opposite. A previous owner took out the AC compressor and mounting brackets and I would like to put it back in. Are you interested in selling them to me when you get it out?
Mike

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Mike,

Make sure you have the same brackets here. On the 77, the a/c bracket attaches to the exhaust manifold. Macgyver is indicating that his attaches to the intake manifold. I'm not sure where the 78 fits in here.

Bob

 

[Plumbroke]

Thanks for the input. Actually I assume the PO took them off when he put headers on it, so mounting on the intake might actually work better. And I don't mind making some adjustments if necessary. Would that work, or are there other issues that you know of, if the style is different?

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I don't know if your intake is tapped for the a/c mount.

 

[Macgyver]

Sweet Jesus this is a nightmare!!!!! Everything has gone wrong.

Two guys going at it for 12 hours and still not done. Im having to buy about 20 new little parts that dont match up anymore and replacing the water pump cause the gaskets broke and had to come off anyways. My garage is full of coolant! Called it quits for the day because a valve cover bolt broke off in the head.

But there is some good here though. I got the idea to spray paint everything else in the enigne bay thats rusted or dirty flat black or replace w/ chrome and its looking pretty damn nice. I just need to find out what the hoses go to that run on top of the brake booster go to so I can eliminate some more of the junk thats in there. They like they go to the head lights, tranny and wipers but Ill follow them tomorrow and figure it out.

Plumbroke, the assembly bracket has a bolt in the block, in the exhaust manifold and has a supporting arm that bolts somewhere at the bottom i cant see right now but will look tomorrow. There is also a bolt hole that is needed on top of the intake that bolts down a supporting arm that pushes the AC forward. after taking that arm off that unit became very loose. Its up to you but I got an AC and bracket here if you want it. Ill take some pics tomorrow if youre still interested.

 

[Plumbroke]

I am interested. Let me know how much and the pics would be appreciated.