Any guess on what MPG gains I'd get if I removed power steering and air conditioning?

[GasSavers_DaX]

Originally Posted by diamondlarry

I have A/C but no PS. It's not too bad even in parking lots.

I know, same here. I've only owned one car with PS, and it was more of a luxury than a necessity. It really isn't that bad.

[thisisntjared]

not having ps is no big deal at all until you put drag radials on.

[GasSavers_DaX]

Originally Posted by thisisntjared

not having ps is no big deal at all until you put drag radials on.

Haha, it's funny you mention that. I remember the time I put my old set of 24.5 x 8 slicks on my VX...THAT sucks without powersteering!

[Silveredwings]

I always wondered why the P/S pump has never been made with a cutout clutch the way the A/C compressors are. Above about 25 mph, I doubt any car needs P/S. I once had a car that lost a P/S pressure hose. It was pretty kantankerous below 10 mph w/o P/S, but above that I didn't miss it at all.

If the v-belt itself saps that much engine power, why haven't more cars been made with other types of P/S as the VUE and NSX have? Just curious.

[JanGeo]

My Scion has a variable assist PS - only works at low engine rpm and then they took the clutch off the AC compressor so you can't win.