For the power hungry Mustangers out there looking to squeeze every last bit of performance from their Stangs Lee Wilson documents the installation of the march performance A/C elimination bracket. This piece will allow the removal of the A/C compressor and also the power steering pump, if you so desire. By doing this you can remove two potentially power robbing accessories.

Before starting installation, you will need a nut to mount the belt tensioner on to the Eliminator Bracket, and a bolt to replace the center bolt on the driver's side of the water pump. The center bold on the water pump is not included in the kit, and the only way to reuse the old bolt is to cut the threads off after the nut. It is worth the $.35 to just get a new one.

If your freon has not already leaked out of your compressor from age, take your car to an authorized service center and have the system evacuated. Please be environmentally responsible and do not just evacuate the Freon into the atmosphere!

After the system is evacuated, disconnect the hoses from the compressor using either a Ford wrench or large crescent wrench. Remove all A/C lines, fittings, and electrical connections to the compressor and resevoir on the passenger side of the firewall.

In order to remove the long lower bolt on the water pump it is necessary to remove the fan. Using a 7/16" box wrench, remove the four bolts holding the fan to the water pump. Next, remove the serpentine belt. Remove the A/C compressor and large A/C bracket and large nut from the power steering pump.

Next, remove the large center stud from the driver's side of the water pump and replace it with the one you bought. This will prevent any coolant leakage before you remove the other two driver's side water pump bolts. Install the bracket and replace the upper driver's side water pump bolt with the 1.5" spacer provided and the shorter of the 2 provided bolts.

Remove the lower water pump bolt and replace it with 2 of the 3 washers provided and the longer bolt. Install the power steering pump nut and tighten everything down.

Remove the tensioner and install it on the bracket using the nut you bought. The tensioner can be mounted in one of two positions depending on the belt length to be used. The instruction sheet in the kit lists recommended belt lengths for various situations. I kept the power steering, removed the A/C and the smog pump, which called for a 72-72" six rib belt.

Install the new belt referring to the pictures included in the instructions for proper belt routing. Finally, reinstall the fan and briefly start the engine to check belt tracking. The kit is very light and well made, allowing you to lose at least 35 pounds off the front of your stang.