What's funny is that it leaches torque, not hp. Don't worry about the hp numbers. It leaches whether it's on or off, it just sucks a whole lot more when it's on. Especially from the low end, and that's what makes SOHC cars miserable to drive when it's on.

I can't feel the difference in my GSX. It actually makes my GSX harder to stall when it's on.

If you're wanting to race it, just remove the belt. On many civics you'll have to pull 2 bolts loose from one of your 5 motor mounts to remove the belt (then bolt it back on).

If the AC doesn't work, remove it and the associated 40lbs of other crap altogether. There will be no more leaching afterwards.