I am putting a 2001 Legacy engine into a VW Vanagon as an engine conversion project.  The van does not have AC, so I figure "why do I need to hook up the belt to the AC compressor?  Is it possible to just leave it off and have that many less moving parts in my engine?  What are the benefits and downsides to driving with this belt off?

Thanks!

Jason

That belt only drives the AC compressor. Has no effect on anything else at all.

If youre not gonna have AC, ditch the belt, ditch the compressor. It's dead weight. 4 bolts and you can toss it in the scrap pile.

Nice!  Ditch the compressor too!!!  I like it.    Thanks for the quick reply

Yup. No point having it if it isn't being used. Takes out 2 bearings that can possibly fail. (The one in the compressor pulley, and the one in the tensioner)

Less drag on the engine because it doesn't have to spin the extra belt and pulleys. All around better for fuel economy, even if just slightly.