necessary to turn off the air conditioner?

[Awk]

Is it necessary to turn off the air conditioner on the track? I thought more serious people ran with the AC removed to reduce weight, and perhaps even a little bit of more horse power by not having to power the AC, but since neither of those are relevant at my level (non-competition trackdays) I'm much more happy with my AC on. ;-)

Now I've seen some older posts (10+ years old) elsewhere talking abut that having the AC on at high RPM's is bad for it (too much pressure?), and coolant may leak out too. Is this applicable to the current (2020+) Mustangs too? Some posts said the system automatically shuts off the AC at WOT. If so, does that avoid all problems?

I'm in a manual 2020 GT, and I try to mostly shift before 7,000 to hopefully prolong clutch/gearbox/engine life.

Thanks.

 

[TMSBOSS]

Most modern cars will turn the A/C compressor off under hard acceleration. So power loss is not a big issue. The problem I have had running the A/C is with cooling. When you lift off the gas, the compressor kicks in producing heat at the condense. This extra heat causes the coolant to over heat Triggering limp mode.
I agree, it’s much nicer having a cool passenger compartment during track events. The problem for me was over heating the coolant while chilling the driver. YMMV.

 

[JDee]

I took the air out for weight, but when it was in place I did not use it until the cool down lap. I didn't use it partly because of potential power loss running the compressor but also because it adds heat load and there's already enough of that in there. Gets pretty warm in the cabin during a 20 minute session during the summer since I run windows up, but it's bearable for that short period of time.

I also shift at 6750 rpm max these days, having dumped a pile of money into trans and clutch issues I'm ready to minimize that bleed. When you're not even running for trophies it makes zero sense to beat the car to death chasing a tenth of a second.

 

[xr7]

I only use my A/C before and after my run. I don't run my A/C for the usual reasons during a run. I also figure the A/C compressor is happier not getting spun up to 7500 rpm and slammed off and on because throttle position changes. I did a lot of A/C work and cleaning up after a trashed compressor is a real pain in the butt and wallet. Even worse when you have to pay a shop to do it.

 

[Bill Pemberton]

What is air conditioning , ha. TMS is quite correct, the car should kick out of A/C under full acceleration if you forget , but just turn it off and crank it back on after your session is done.

 

[TMSBOSS]

Bill was in the car with me when I left the A/C on I don’t believe we were on track more than 10 minutes when the car over heated. It will cut out under full throttle and then turn back on when you lift.

 

[Ludachris]

Wonder how well one of these would work for those in street-driven cars who are planning to turn off the A/C while on track:

HyperKewl Deluxe Evaporative Cooling Vest - Deluxe 6530 - My Cooling Store

TechNiche HyperKewl Products are great to Help You Stay Cool and Combat Heat Stress. This deluxe cooling vest provides hour of cooling refreshment indoors or outside. TechNiche has the solutions you need to beat the heat while at work, rest and play. TechNiche's Evaporative Cooling Vests...

www.mycoolingstore.com

Techniche Self-Contained Cooling Vest - No Wires or Tanks!

DetailsNOTE: All vests now shipping in black only.Drivers of track-day cars, formula cars or sports racers often do not have sufficient room in the cockpit for the box of a cooling system. Or you may be a driver or instructor who sometimes finds himself/herself in cars owned by others. These...

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Or you could step up to this:

Coolshirt HPDE Complete System

DetailsThe perfect solution for High Performance Driving. A zip up vest that is easy to get on and off with a portable cooler that you can use in various vehicles as well as keep you cool in-between sessions. Coolshirt initially designed this system for drag racers but it has become a favorite...

store.windingroad.com

 

[AZShelby350]

Like others have said, the problem is that high engine RPMs cause the A/C compressor clutch to essentially explode. I only use the air when I’m waiting in pre-grid to go out or once I’m back in the pits.

 

[Dave_W]

Pro tip for cooling off before or after a session - put your palms up to the A/C vents. Your palms contain a much higher density of small blood vessels than most of the body, so they act as radiators. Cooling your palms cools your blood, which is then carried to your core, cooling it more efficiently. Don't over-cool your hands, though, as the blood vessels start to constrict if they get too cold and they become less efficient radiators.

For those without A/C, tightly hold a cold beverage bottle/can in each hand for a few minutes.

Stanford researchers' cooling glove 'better than steroids'

The temperature-regulation research of two Stanford biologists has led to a device that rapidly cools body temperature, greatly improves exercise recovery, and could help explain why muscles get tired.

news.stanford.edu

 

[Steve68Cougar]

My earliest days at the track were at a dragstrip. There it is a major no-no to use an air conditioner, as it drops moisture on the track. I've honestly never considered turning on the a/c before, during or after a session. As others have said, the mechanics of high rpm cutout and reengagement is pretty hard on things, anyway.

 

[302BOB]

There it is a major no-no to use an air conditioner,

Most serious racers take out the AC to lessen weight to begin with...........................................