AC and track use ??
#31
Rennlist Member
#33
In hot weather I keep AC on. I find with it on I am less overheated and drowsy late in the day, which is safer. I will turn it off if necessary to catch and pass someone in a car my car is closely matched to...
#35
Rennlist Member
I was at Summit Point WV last week for 2 very sweltering days. (RTR PCA event)
I've been told that using the AC while on the track is not a good idea, but I haven't heard an explanation as to why it isn't a good idea. I didn't use it while on track.
WHAT'S THE STORY?? Is using the AC damaging/bad in any way? If so, why?
TIA.
I've been told that using the AC while on the track is not a good idea, but I haven't heard an explanation as to why it isn't a good idea. I didn't use it while on track.
WHAT'S THE STORY?? Is using the AC damaging/bad in any way? If so, why?
TIA.
The A/C compressor cycles on and off by a clutch, which engages when it is time to cycle the freon, and then disengages when high side pressures reach unsafe pressures. For track conditions, if the clutch cycles either off or on during that high, full throttle and/or continuous RPM, it can create an abnormal belt deflection, which the belt tensioner may not be able to compensate for and it could throw the drive belt. If the belt goes, you lose everything (water pump, power steering, alternator, etc.) and the car will over heat and the battery will not charge. Racing conditions are obviously harder than street conditions due to harder upshifts, downshifts and stressful rev situations..
BTW - Do your events allow windows to be roll-up too? Wish we could do that here in the blistering southwest!! 115 degrees here today
#37
Rennlist Member
I would LOVE a form of "ac" other than the 1XX degree air that shoots right at me in the damn cup from the tube of death on my left lol...I ran ac all the time in my 996 gt3 and turbo...never did me any harm...
I have never need a cool shirt so much in my life as I did that last weekend at summit.
I have never need a cool shirt so much in my life as I did that last weekend at summit.