Aircon removal

[jwongr6]

Good day, wondering if anyone has had the aircon removed altogether. I have a 2001 Boxster S and basically a track only car. Would be great to also obtain specs of the shorter Belt required, and would really appreciate a step by step removal instructions of the aircon system (if available). Thanks, Joe

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Hi Joe and welcome to the forum! I'm attaching a link to our site's DIY tech article on the a/c system. While I was unable to find the removal procedure (our members can likely share this) - you can also post a Comment just below the article and one of our techs will get back to you with the removal info. Hope this helps you and please let us know if you have any other questions or if we can assist with any part needs.

Porsche Boxster Air Conditioning Recharge - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

[tonythetarga]

If you want to remove the air conditioning, go to a shop first and have them evacuate the refrigerant from the system first. You can't just discharge that into the air. Once empty, you can remove hoses and compressor, condensers, etc as needed. You might post a similar question on the Autocross and Track DE page. Chances of finding a spec racer with a tip on the belt question is more likely.

[Jim & Kim 986]

Go to the the Boxster tech article on drive belt replacement. There is a great picture of the engine without the AC installed.

If I was trying to figure out the belt length, without the AC, I would take a piece of string or small low voltage wire and follow the path of the existing belt but simply bypass the AC pulley as though it didn't exist. Make certain to leave the existing belt on the car while you do this to allow for the tensioner adjustment range. Once you have the new belt length take it into a parts house and match it as closely as possible. You might have to buy a couple of different belts to get the best fit.

You can always return those you don't use. If you can't get a perfect fit you may need to do this AND change to a slightly different o.d. idler pulley. There are different pulleys available for different Porsches. It may take a little trial and error to get the right combination for durability on the track.

Good luck!

[jwongr6]

Thanks guys, some good tips which will get me started on digging deeper. Cheers