The A/C only takes power when used.  Disconnect your compressor and there will be no drag.  As far as removing the overhead unit, it is a bear.  Especially if you have never done it.  Everything back there has to come out, cabinets included.  On the other hand, you will be left with more packing space (in the empty A/C shell).  I'm not sure how heave the unit itself is, so I'm not sure if that makes a big power difference.
Good Luck;Dave B.the Boston one

-----Original Message-----
From: David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Wed, Feb 2, 2022 5:22 pm
Subject: A/C Removal

Hi Vanagon Types

As I start to look forward to summer travel I am thinking about whether to remove the A/C from my '85 Westy. I have read some comments that it is a drag on the engine, and I don't think I used it all last year. My question is whether it is worth removing, meaning would I see an appreciable gain in available power, or is removing it more trouble than it is worth so just leave it alone? Put another way, is it a meaningful drag even when the compressor is not engaged? Besides power, are there any other reasons to remove it?

Thanks

Dave B
Boise
'85 Westy