Everybody has different goals and differing opinions, but I let some people talk me into pulling the air off my Buick street/strip car back in 1999 and it was the worst thing I think I ever did. I used to cruise the car, drive it to work, etc (this is a car that has run 6.40 at 110 in the 1/8th WITH a/c) Didn't help performance wise-all it did was make it miserable to drive. Granted, I am a sweat hog and run the a/c even in the winter, but I will never ever take a functioning a/c system off another one of my vehicles. The Buick gets driven maybe twice a year nowadays. Someday I will put the air back on it.

Anyways, not bashing on you, cause like you said, it opens the door for a bigger heat exchanger, etc. Just stating that I wouldnt take mine off. Can't wait to see how you like the built '80.

 

there are only about 2 months a year here when ac is needed and only during the day. so far this year it was barely been over 80deg. i would say it isn't worth pulling off just to save 30lb's but making room for a 4"+ down pipe is a whole nother story.

 

Don't EVER move to Florida. We've had heat indexes in the 100-110 range for like the last week or so. I could never imagine having any car without A/C.

Good luck with the truck man!

 

When looking on StreetPro's website, I notice they had a 4" cutout. Maybe you could make a deal with them.

 

Ben...you got that "408" up and running now?

 

I live in Georgia and I'm a plumber's assistant. We dig ditches (usually 2 feet or deeper) in 100 degree weather for hours to lay PVC pipe in the homes dirt foundation. We sweat like you wouldn't believe, but when we get in the van (no A/C) we just roll down the windows and all is good. I don't think AC is that important, however I don't think much performance is gained from removing it (unless having other plans like Parish). Hey Parish, when are you going to pick up that F-16 Cabin Pressure turbo that developes 100PSI with almost no lag? (old thread)
Philip S.

 

You mentioned changing the tires for more traction...

In the months leading up to my 10-bolt explosion the cover bolts were walking themselves out on a regular basis. To keep the fluid from leaking they needed retorque twice as often as oil changes.

Housing flex like that is a sign. Watch for it.

 

James ... it's nice to see you over here. I used to be over on fullsizechevy.com a lot, but migrated over here.

How are you liking the 80e?

 

Flyer,
Well ya know... one can only take the nonsense for so long
It's nice to be among folks that speak language I can understand and vise-versa!

(Parish, I don't mean to hijack your thread, sorry man.)

As for the 4L80-E, I cannot speak highly enough of these things. They shift AWSOME and always consistent. Every upshift is precise and exactly alike with no feelings of flare or mechnical BS going on. The 80 does not use bands to shift and there is no multi-event shift like the 2-3 up shift or 3-2 downshift in a 60. It moves power effortlessly and in a civilized controlled manner. I have mine programmed to be smooth enough to drive Miss Daisy holding her Tea and Crumpets at low throttle positions, and firm enough to snap you into the seat under power. Line pressure increase results in linear increases in shift firmness for every gear. Torque Converter lockup feels so good it's like fifth. Would I suggest this upgrade to ANYONE running boost? ABSOLUTELY. How's that for a satisfied customer?

I've seen (and fondled) what makes these things tick which is why I'm so surprised at what happened with Parish's 4L80-E. Everything inside is truly uncompromisingly built. (I have a hunch the converter clutch broke down and clogged the cooler lines.) I'm interested to know what's suggested in a converter that will stand up to a 900HP motor.

Besides, TCC is for mere street trucks which Parish's truck is no more!

 

Man, there is no way I could give up my A/C. I went for many years without it and now that I have it there is no turning back!