The other day, someone told me that if I cut the A/C belt on my 92 accord...then I would get like 20-25 HP gain. Is this true?

 

you would free up some power yes, but it would be nowhere near 20 Hp. I would guess more around 2-5 or so. But I wouldn't worry about it. Some cars disengage the A/C drive pulley at WOT, so this isn't even an issue, because the only time you are going to be using that last 2-5 hp is at WOT.
I am not sure if Honda is the same way though. Someone else can fill in that bit of info.

 

it wont be worth a lot, if the a/c is off all it does is spin the pulley since the compressor is already disengaged. plus if you cut that belt you lose the alternator...

 

How so? The A/C and ALT belts are independent.

 

you dont own an accord do you?

 

So the a/c condensor and alternator on an Accord are driven by the same belt? That's odd. Learn something new everyday.

 

heheh yeah
on accords and ludes the ps pump, alternator and compressor are all stacked...and the ps pump has its own belt while the alternator and a/c share one.
kind of a hassle to service the a/c compressor...more than ahassle actually, more like a pain in the ass.

 

As long as the A/C switch is off then it's not taking hp. But once the AC is on I can see it eating maybe 10hp or so. I know my Accord has no power with the AC on.

 

It actually does take some engine power to spin the pulley, even if the a/c unit is off, but you probably wouldn't even feel the difference if you were to remove it.

 

On most 4-cylinder engines, you will loose somewhat noticeable power with the A/C on, since there is a lack of torque. With most V-6 and V-8's you won't notice anything. But if you need the power, just don't run the A/C at the time. Cutting the belt won't do much for you.