Well I just did this as well as removed the PS system...
I just used a screwdriver on the schrader valve to uh, vent the refrigerant into my, uh, Ghostbusters vacuum!
I messed up the A/C lines since it was freakin cold out and just used the fittings on them to plug the holes going through the firewall by cutting a circle of tupperware and putting it in unions.
anyway, yes since i usually have the windshield/foot option selected, the a/c light does come on, but its whatever........if anyone ever asks, ill just say its to let me know that the fan is on, hahaha, since my a/c button is a blank, haha.
5th gear response is improved from 1.5-3k rpms... everything else is probably my imagination making me think I'm faster. I did get up to 100 on an on-ramp I use a lot... compared to only getting up to 90... it's only about 300 yards long