I have just purchased a 1994 XR6 and have found that the a/c compressor and the belt drive and pipes have been removed.
I have been told that the Tickford powered xr6 became a very thirsty beast when the a/c was switched on.
Could someone please give the real story on this. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like someone took it off to sell it mate...........You have a big 4lt engine so its not going to use anymore fuel to run the aircon, People get all silly about the amount of "Extra" fuel that a car uses with the aircon on. Your aircon is designed to be used all the time and if its not used all the time then the gas leaks out and seals get dry and brittle, in the winter time it acts as a dehumidifier and keeps the windows from fogging up so to answer your question, No it doesn't use any extra fuel, if you were worried about using extra fuel then I'd say you wouldn't have bought an XR6 mate.

Thanks for that FJ.
I will now try to find a serviceable 2nd hand unit and an installer who won't charge me the earth to install it.

Click on the link in blue at the top of the home page of the forum mate, fordace who's a member here owns the the ford parts wreaking business and will see you right mate.