LSA Swap - A/C Question

[sn75]

Hey guys, maybe someone hear can help me out. I'm looking to find out what bracket (and compressor) guys that have done this swap into A Body's have used. I'm in the process (slowly in the process) of putting my LSA together to go into my '72 Chevelle (using Holley's forward engine mounts as well). Of course, now I want to put A/C on it. I need to know what A/C brackets are available that will work with the GM Modified FEAD (I already have this FEAD for my LSA).

Here's the link to the FEAD, in case anybody wants/needs to see what I'm referring to: http://paceperformance.com/i-19990626-19303242-modified-lsa-accessory-drive-system-w-o-ac.html

(http://paceperformance.com/i-19990626-19303242-modified-lsa-accessory-drive-system-w-o-ac.html)I want to use a Vintage Air setup, but need to know what has worked for folks that have done this swap already (that doesn't require notching or purchase of another FEAD). Any assistance would be appreciated.

[Trevor @ Texas Speed]

Your options are going to be limited. Most wanting to run a/c on an LSA will go with an aftermarket front drive system that will mount the compressor at the top, like the ConceptOne system. They are the only ones I know of that build an aftermarket front drive system for the LSA. I have an LSA in my '61 wagon, and we're running a Sanden compressor where the factory compressor would go. Roadster Shop built the custom bracketry to mount the a/c, so I'd recommend calling them to see if they will sell the a/c mount by itself. Not sure what your clearance will be, though, with your factory frame. The GM compressor definitely won't fit, but the smaller Sanden might.

If you decide to go with an aftermarket front drive system, we do have a ConceptOne system in stock that is black anodized. Shoot me a PM if you're interested, and I'll make you a great deal on the kit!

Thanks!

Trevor
Texas Speed & Performance

[dhutton]

Kwik Performance has a low mount for the Sanden SD-7 as far as I know. It's not on their website. You will have to call them.

Don

[Toddoky]

Your options are going to be limited. Most wanting to run a/c on an LSA will go with an aftermarket front drive system that will mount the compressor at the top, like the ConceptOne system. They are the only ones I know of that build an aftermarket front drive system for the LSA. I have an LSA in my '61 wagon, and we're running a Sanden compressor where the factory compressor would go. Roadster Shop built the custom bracketry to mount the a/c, so I'd recommend calling them to see if they will sell the a/c mount by itself. Not sure what your clearance will be, though, with your factory frame. The GM compressor definitely won't fit, but the smaller Sanden might.

If you decide to go with an aftermarket front drive system, we do have a ConceptOne system in stock that is black anodized. Shoot me a PM if you're interested, and I'll make you a great deal on the kit!

Thanks!

Trevor
Texas Speed & Performance

Hey Trevor, just to let you know, the new Hooker A-body LS swap engine brackets the OP mentions above do permit the installation of a stock truck, GTO, F-body, Corvette or LSA compressor. This is made possible by the brackets being based around the use of 4th-gen F-body engine mounts, which deletes the stock frame stands from the car that cantilever forward and typically get in the way of low-mount A/C compressors. If you look up the Chevelle LSA swap build thread of Korndawg on ls1tech, you can see the clearance for the low mount compressor there.

[slofut]

I used Classic Auto Air in Fla. for my 71 vette. They used the Kwik Perf top passenger side mount with a sanden compressor and factory camaro idler and belt. Bolts up perfect, fits under the hood of the vette too.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/25743701573_b3f9fb8b59_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FdTczF)IMG_4337 (https://flic.kr/p/FdTczF) by Bill Smith (https://www.flickr.com/photos/123552730@N05/), on Flickr

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/26254080112_9866a4def0_z-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FZZ2kE)IMG_4338 (https://flic.kr/p/FZZ2kE) by Bill Smith (https://www.flickr.com/photos/123552730@N05/), on Flickr

[RLJ676]

Kwik Performance has a low mount for the Sanden SD-7 as far as I know. It's not on their website. You will have to call them.

Don

This. I have the first one in my 72 w/ LSA on the same GM modified FEAD. I had to cut a small notch to fit it, but well worth it. Packages awesome. Call Kwik and get the compressor and mount.

[66Tempest326]

I have the LSA A/C add on from Pace I tried to use in my swap. It does require clearance cutting on the cross member to fit. I was already into assembly when I decided I wanted A/C and hoped it would fit. Here is the link to it: http://paceperformance.com/i-6255556-19244106-lsa-accessory-drive-system-a-c-add-on-kit.html

If you are still in mock up and interested, PM me, I'll sell it for a good price. New out of box. Only opened for fitment testing and put right back in the box.

[T.K.]

I don't know of anyone running an LSA in that generation Chevrolet that accomplishes what you asked for.

What I have seen.
1) various different AC comp mounted low on pass side with various different brackets requiring various different amounts of notching of the subframe

2)the use of a fead that puts everything including sc and ac on one 6-rib pulley. This is by far my least favorite.

3) the relocation of the AC high on pass side. Recognize that most of these arrangements do not work with the sc pulley arrangement you are using.

Note: I have by no means seen all possible setups but I've done some fair research on this topic.

You will likely use a sanden compresser since you plan to go vintage air. They make a smaller compresser that others have already mentioned.you may find a bracket that works but I don't know of one. I thought ICT was working on one but can't confirm. That could work, or could be a lot of trial and error.

The cheapest alternative may be to use a high pass AC relocate and a different SC drive setup. Their are not many of those out there. I know dirty dingo and a couple others are developing but the only one I've seen in use is the lsx concepts. I believe it was designed in their chevelle. I think it goes like 260 and their is a 10off coupon on FB.

[T.K.]

Really ??autocorrect changes chevelle to Chevrolet. Sorry

[66Tempest326]

I have the LSA A/C add on from Pace I tried to use in my swap. It does require clearance cutting on the cross member to fit. I was already into assembly when I decided I wanted A/C and hoped it would fit. Here is the link to it: http://paceperformance.com/i-6255556-19244106-lsa-accessory-drive-system-a-c-add-on-kit.html

If you are still in mock up and interested, PM me, I'll sell it for a good price. New out of box. Only opened for fitment testing and put right back in the box.

Need to fix myself, I have the low mount 19299069 kit, not the LSA specific kit.