Delete A/C compressor - what serpentine belt?

[OldRanger]

What belt, and what routing are you using after you delete the a/c compressor? ChatGPT says:

The 6PK1165 belt length is commonly used in A/C delete setups for the E46 M3 and has been verified by multiple track car builds and forum discussions. It follows the standard accessory belt routing but bypasses the A/C compressor, which allows the existing tensioner to take up the slack. Belt Routing Without A/C Compressor:

1. Crank Pulley →
2. Power Steering Pump Pulley →
3. Alternator Pulley →
4. Tensioner Pulley →
5. Back to Crank Pulley

The key difference in routing is that without the A/C compressor, the belt forms a direct loop from the crank pulley to the power steering pump instead of detouring down to the A/C compressor.

Why 6PK1165?
The OEM belt (6PK1195) is 1195mm long, and removing the A/C compressor shortens the required length.

• The 6PK1165 is the closest available size that maintains proper tension without overloading the tensioner.
• This size has been tested and confirmed by various E46 M3 owners performing an A/C delete.

[Slideways]

The A/C runs off its own belt. Remove the belt and compressor to delete A/C. Could probably save some more weight by removing the A/C belt tensioner as well.

A quick visual observation of the engine bay goes a long way

[OldRanger]

Yep. Multi-tasking. How embarrasing.

[Tbonem3]

What does this say about chatgpt?

[OldRanger]

What does this say about chatgpt?

Not sure...I think my prompt included "M3"...

It's one of my sillier questions to ask. I was thinking..."I know I bought an A/C belt before..." . I'm fairly sure I wasn't drinking at the time.

[Tbonem3]

Are you deleting everything related to AC?

[OldRanger]

Are you deleting everything related to AC?

Good question. It's part of a larger project for 2025 - now that I'm using a trailer. So, I'm open to advice.

My plan is to reduce unnecessary weight on a car, since we don't drive to the track anymore and we have a FAST cooling system. I plan to remove the condenser, the auxiliary fan, the dryer, the lines/hoses, and in the process the refrigerant . At the same time, I'm also going to pull the front carpet, the passenger airbag, side curtain airbags, and airbag module.

I don't plan to remove the heater, and I haven't figured out how to dehumidify the car for early morning sessions in high-humidity without it.

(I've already removed the door cards and replaced with turtle labs aluminum option because I didn't like how the OE armrest got in the way of my elbow.

[Tbonem3]

Just curious, no advice.

[OldRanger]

Pulled these parts of the AC out today. 41.5 pounds in all.