Ok, I need a new AC compressor, but dont have the money to buy one right now. So my question is this: Is there any advantage to getting a shorter drive belt and just bypassing the compressor altogether? I have no problem living without my AC, as I haven't had it for a while now lol

 

your ac compressor robs you of about half a horse. so little you wont notice. other than that theres no real advantage. I dont know where you live but I live in TN this week its been 100 + and high humidity I melt in my maro without my ac

 

and when your ac isnt running you dont lose any power it would be the same as a bypass pully

 

Unless the clutch bearings went bad there is no need to change the compressor. As long as you don't turn on the AC, the compressor pulley is disengaged from the compressor and acts as an idler pulley. You won't have any cold air till winter.