looking for a compact AC compressor - Pro-Touring.com

opnwide · #1 10-22-2009, 08:12 PM

I've got a pontiac 455 that I want to keep looking fairly stock (no flashy aluminum pulleys or $2000 serpentine systems) but I would like to change out the HUGE axial compressor for something smaller. I know a lot of folk like the sanden unit but I think it may be a little too long.

I am considering run twin turbos, and I would like to mount it IN FRONT of the block, using a v-groove pulley that lines up with the old pulley (outside groove of 3 groove crank). I've got 6 1/8" between the block and the outer lip of the pulley groove. Are there any commonly available radial compressors with a body and clutch length of 6" or less?

The compressors off the old L98 TPIs look fairly short? Diameter is not much of an issue in this location.

thanks

critter · #2 10-23-2009, 05:56 AM

Well, if you don't like the Sanden and want to run turbos, I'm not much help. I used a Sanden mounted in the same location as the stock A6 compressor I had in my 74TA. I had to fab up the brackets. If you want a photo let me know.

Chevy Kid · #3 10-26-2009, 02:23 AM

The Sandens are nice because they only take about 3hp to run.

Tim

Twentyover · #4 10-26-2009, 08:45 AM

Candidly, the R4 used on GM's for a number of years are a little fragile. Think you may be happier in the long run with smething else

ProdigyCustoms · #5 10-26-2009, 09:05 AM

All the front mount drive set ups use the Sanden SD7 "peanut" compressor.

opnwide · #6 10-27-2009, 08:39 PM

I just found out that the Sanden 508 is about 7" from the back plate to the 1st v-belt groove. (About 7.5" to the second groove for those interested.) That's a tad too long for me, so I'm still looking. There is supposedly a shorty version that I am trying to find out about (SD5?)

Twentyover · #7 10-28-2009, 06:56 AM

There 7" and 5" versions of the 5 cylinder Sanden compressor. (The 5 & 7 inch designations refer to displacement.)

The 5" is infrequently used, so may cost you a little more. The pumps are fundamentally the same with different strokes to accomofdate the differing displacements, and body length variation resulting from stroke variation.

opnwide · #8 10-28-2009, 09:09 AM

I was just emailed from some Ebay seller, saying the SD5H14 is 8" long total with 2 groove pulley. It sounds like the SD5H14 is the same as the 508 compressor:(
I also discovered the SD5H09 is 7 3/8" long with clutch. So figure subtract 1" for the extra pulley and clutch assembly and that leaves 6 3/8". Still a little long. I wonder if those bolts that stick out the back can be ground down 1/4" or so....

Oh, and I get the nomenclature now. Sanden 508= 5 cylinders, 8 cu. in. displacement.

thanks!

Twentyover · #9 10-28-2009, 10:58 AM

http://www.rparts.com/Catalog/Major_...sion_guide.htm

Not quite the same

opnwide · #10 10-29-2009, 08:16 PM

Thanks, Twentyover.

It looks like that 505 is going to have to be the one. With a little grinding of those back bolts, it should fit!

ProdigyCustoms · #11 10-30-2009, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProdigyCustoms

All the front mount drive set ups use the Sanden SD7 "peanut" compressor.

Here is a link to some peanut compressors.

You are looking for the

P411 or P412.

http://marchperf.com/pg51.html#accomp

transamguy79 · #12 11-15-2009, 09:49 AM

are you looking for a compressor off of another car or a brand new one? my father owns a a/c and radiator shop and can get about anything custom or not. let me know what your looking for