I have been searching both on this site and on google got an answer but have has no luck. My question is, ”is it worth it to bypass the AC? What kind of millage increase (or lose) have you seen?”
I know I need a D2 tensioner and another belt which will likely cost me around $50 to $100. I'm thinking I would only have to gain 10% (or 1.5 mpg) to
recover my cost and essentially save money after only 6 to 12 tanks of gas at $3.50 per gallon depending on total price.
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

Why bypass the A/C? Just don't use it. When it is off an electric clutch dis-engages the drive on the compressor and the pulley just spins free.

 

Turning the disabled clutch of an AC compressor that is not engaged is not going to drag fuel mpg down that kind of percent. Now if clutch is frozen, and you don't want to put a junkyard one in there, that is another issue. We have members in the frozen north (polite term for "Land of the Yankees") who have run with radiator fan removed in winter time, no change in mpg. IMHO it would not be worth it. Neither is "cone head" air filter. There is not a widely used mpg improvement for a Disco, aside from good engine tune, correct tire pressure, O2 sensors working properly, premium gas, and not driving like you stole it. At least you have mountains to coast down, I'm stuck in the flat lands.

 

Thank you. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to reply. Savannah Buzz when you said "good engine tune" what exactly do you mean? Just to check and making sure that nothing bad is happening? Or like a tune up?
Quick little note (Savannah high five, you sure know a lot) and thank you both for helping!
You guys helped me decide.

 

The only reason to remove the AC is to make the truck simpler, easier to work on, and lighter. I've considered it, but it's just too useful when it's 110 degrees out.

 

or for defogging the truck when its cold out and youre getting in covered in snow!

 

I will keep that in mind a few years ago it was super cold. But I will keep it instead.

 

In good tune would refer to clean MAF, good air filter, new plugs and plug wires, throttle body and PCV cleaned out with carb cleaner, fuel filter replaced, etc. No codes.

 

Thank you for clearing that question up for me.