Type R - Air Con

[TomPob]

This is my first post on here gents...I've just sold a TVR Chimeara as I have no where to garage her now and so am looking for a little run about with a bit of a kick.. The Type R seems to be the best option.. Only thing is I want one with Air Con and read a review saying that air con affected the performance greatly. Anyone out there able to back up this claim..does it only affect it when its on..or does the added weight of the air con unit affect performance all the time.

Thanks for you help

Tom

[Roop]

Hi Tom,

Welcome to the PH Gassing Station.

I Assume you mean Civic Type-R...?

I have a Civic Type-R without a/c and dearly wished it had it. That massive and steeply raked front screen acts like a giant greenhouse roof and even with the fans on full bore and full cold you will cook yourself quite quickly on the motorway in hot weather - you just have to have the window open.

I expect the performance loss / increase in fuel consumption from running a/c is no more than driving with the window open.

Problem is a/c is a £1300 option on the Civic Type-R. Probably expensive because it's actually fitted at the dealers and not at the factory. Best I could get is £900 for it retro-fitted (which is what they do anyway in effect). Still too much for me to warrant spending when I might as well get another car with it already fitted.

Roop

>> Edited by Roop on Tuesday 1st June 12:52

[nighthawk]

I don't seem to notice much drop in fuel/mileage when using the A/C on my ctr, the mpg is crud anyway.

When sticking ya boot down, you'll not notice a performance drop as the A/C clutch disconnects when you give it a dose of johnny large! but pulling away from a stand still in hot weather does seem to feel a little bogged down, but once your rolling it's fine.

The A/C is fitted by honda now at a distribution centre in avonmouth, has been that way since 07/03 i believe.

As mentioned earlier, the front screen of the civic is huge,so A/C is a must.
saying that, it doesn't really ever feel as cold as other brands.....me thinks i'll have to check the weight of the gass

[pesty]

I have a Integra type R. don't notice any difference with air con on. Even if you do you can always turn it off.

If you mean weight. I don't suppose it matters unless you want it for a track car.

[Cabby]

I had an Accord - R. Made no tangible difference what so ever.

Paul.

[TomPob]

Thanks gents...Roof when I said it was my first post I meant on Jap Chat...have been around the TVR forums on here for years...going to feel strange without a Trevor..but may things change... Also anyone know who's good for insurance...my TVR for a modified 400 with around 300bhp roll bars etc so I had to use Adrian Flux, but now I'll have a normalish car with no mods anyone know who's best...and does anyone have a tracker fitted? and does that make much difference to the insurance.

[Roop]

Soz TB, don't do a whole load of chasing around on PH but now I think about it, I think I have stumbled across some of your contributions. Anyways, nice to meet you...!

I'm insured through Direct Line who blew everyone else out the water. £575 for 27yo with 8 points, 6yr protected NCD.

[TomPob]

Sorry "Roop" its my dislexic keyboard... I'll give them ago..I've been quoted £820 25yrs 6yrsncb no points which I thinks a bit strong seeing as the Trevor was only £950.
Got the test drive this weekend..looking forward to it...Roop, ever been on a track with it?

[pesty]

For my type R Liverpool victoria were half price of everyone else they dont care about points or modifications either apparently

[TomPob]

Thanks gents.. just one last question..what performance mods are out there for the Civic type R, and do they all affect the warranty.

[Neil_H]

I've heard that air con generally saps about 5hp on modern cars, I have it on my S2000 and there's no noticable difference with it on.

Of course, you can always switch it off - this will turn off the compressor = no power loss.

[nighthawk]

pesty said:

For my type R Liverpool victoria were half price of everyone else they dont care about points or modifications either apparently

I'm with liverpool victoria with my CTr and they don't mind a mugen front end and the addition of a jackson racing supercharger ( when i get round to sortting one out) for no extra cash!

[TomPob]

Picked the Type R up on Saturday..Got a 2003 53. I wouldn't call the car quick.. more nippy than anything until you hit the VTEC zone.. but round corners its amazing... I'm finding it difficult to get the car to understeer or oversteer unless I put it right on the limit.
The car I got does have AC and I can't see it makes much noticable difference to performance.

Cheers for your help gents.