Dang. Sorry to hear about all of that Custom...

My compressor isn't noisy, but I'm convinced it'* on its way out. I've never seen a car struggle so much to get to speed with the A/C on.

Don--mine doesn't engage and disengage. It stays on as expected, when commanded. So, I know it'* not low on refrigerant or else the low refrigerant sensor would disengage the compressor.

I guess it'* not just my car. My buddy at work also has a 3.5 Aurora, 2001, and his car is just as doggy with the A/C on.. wierd. He said it boggs down more than his old 2.2 Liter Stratus did!