How much does the a/c belt drag on the engine?

[NCYankee]

Mine shredded last week, and I have noted a substantial mileage improvement - getting the best mileage right now I have ever gotten, though I haven't filled up yet it looks like close to 30 mpg on around town start-and-stop driving, compared to the ~23 I had been getting (215 miles and it just passed the halfway point, 7-7.5 gallons on mine, the gas gauge is very consistent once it gets near half tank - but flaky as hell above 3/4.)

Not sure how much of this gain to attribute to the alignment I had done the same day - it was way out, about 1 degree toe on one side, but I have never gotten this kind of mileage before, even when it was aligned correctly.

I rarely actually use the a/c, unless it's raining - in fact, if not for how badly the windshield fogs on this car, I wouldn't be in any hurry to get a new belt in.
Modified by NCYankee at 2:03 PM 5/25/2009

[OutToWinPAHC]

Watch mythbusters

[NCYankee]

Doesn't really apply here - I am just talking about mainly loss turning 2 dead pulleys, not whether or not to run a/c.

So has anyone dynoed with NO a/c belt?

Also I am wondering if it is possible for an a/c clutch to wear out and drag when it is off.

I am sure most of the improvement is from the alignment and suspension issues finally being right, but 20% still seems like an awfully large gain.
Modified by NCYankee at 2:36 PM 5/25/2009

[mick]

AC should only take 15hp to use