LT1 & Vintage Air. Compressor?

[69lt4]

Wondering what others with LT1's and the stock accessory brackets are doing for a compressor to work with the vintage air system.

I have an LT4 out of a corvette. The alternator, compressor, and steering pump are on the driver's side. I have been told the stock compressor (Denso) won't work with the Vintage Air System. It needs to be a Sanden compressor.

Thanks,
Kevin

[awr68]

I'm very interested too as I have the same motor setup....perhaps giving Kyle a call at DSE would be the best way to get your answer...he always seems to be in the know....

[Van B]

I think most are going with LT1 Corvette accessory brackets or notching the subframe.

I didn't feel like dealing with all that and bought a March accessory drive system.

Jeff

[69lt4]

awr68 - I didn't speak to Kyle directly, but he over heard the conversation and said it GM compressor won't work. Vintage air confirmed. Vintage air doesn't make an adapter. I was at DSE today to looked at a Sanden compressor. I believe I can make an adapter to match the sanden compressor to the brackets

[awr68]

Thanks and keep me informed!! :)

[130fe]

I emailed DSE and they didn't know anyone who fabricates one. I am in the same boat you guys are. I will search here locally for metal fabricators. Hope to make it through Ivan ok (live in Fl panhandle). Please keep me informed also on any progress, I would appreciate it.

[Flyboy]

I'm going to be in the same boat you folks are as well. My 67 SS is going to be an LT1/T56 setup and i'd REALLY like to have a/c in the car (living in the desert can persuade an individual to do that :) ). Hopefully someone has a good, functioning setup to use in an LT1 first gen.

How difficult is it to notch the K-member? Does anyone know of any tech write-ups on this subject? Did a search and didn't come up with anything.

[KUL FIR CHICK N]

The stock compressor will work from an LT1 if it is fixed displacement. Most LT1's were. Just be sure the compressor is in good shape and clean. Also, be sure to get the proper oil charge in it. Ask a chevrolet dealer what the oil charge should be for the car the compressor came out of. Drain the compressor for a couple of days, then when you charge the system, add the recommended amount for the new car minus 1oz. Vintage Air has an adaptor fitting for GM compressors used with VA systems.

[awr68]

Huge thanks, that's some much needed info!!! :)

[69lt4]

KUL FIR CHICK N,
Do you know what years and if just on F-bodies? I have a corvette set-up with a Denso compressor.
Thanks,
Kevin

[awr68]

I sent VA an email the other day asking about this LT1 issue, this is the reply I got.

My email:
I have a ’68 Camaro with a ’96 LT1 350 and have plans of installing a Gen-II system in it. My question is do you have a compressor that works with the factory LT1 serpentine belt system/brackets? If not can I use the factory compressor with your system? I really want to use your system and I have seen cars in magazines with both the LT1 and a VA system so I know some how it can work. I’ve recently been told that VA has an adaptor fitting for GM compressors…is this true? And does it matter if you use the camaro or corvette serpentine brackets?


VA's Reply:
You can use the stock compressor with our system with no problems. The adapter is $18.95. We do not carry the bracketry for the LT1, you might try Street & Performance.

[69lt4]

Anthony,
Interesting......Was there a name attached to the e-mail? Would like to speak to the person in more detail.
Kevin

[awr68]

Kevin, I sent it to [email protected] and there was no other name (just sales) on the reply....

[69lt4]

Anthony,
I called VA, again. The tech rep said the variable compressors from the LT1/LS1's won't work with their system. He believes it was the 99 models and up which have these, but said to comfirm. The GM dealer should be able to tell by the part number if it is a fixed or variable compressor.
Kevin

[awr68]

Thanks!! I don't have a compressor yet so this is good info to have when I go shopping.

[Flyboy]

Anthony,
I called VA, again. The tech rep said the variable compressors from the LT1/LS1's won't work with their system. He believes it was the 99 models and up which have these, but said to comfirm. The GM dealer should be able to tell by the part number if it is a fixed or variable compressor.
Kevin

So those of us that will be or are running LT1/LT4's should be ok then?

[awr68]

Sounds like pre '99 'fixed' compressors will work.

[69lt4]

Here's the information from my compressor.
GM 10219645
447100-2640
Denso
10PA 20C 44720 6090
I have the corvette front accessories which puts the alternator, compressor, and p/s pump on the driver side.

A response I got from an air conditioning website was:
...the Variables V-7 (Delphi) started in MY 1997 thru 2004--- then it changed to the 7 Compact Variable Compressor (7CVC) in 2005 MY.

As I recall Denso compressor ran from 1989 till 1996 MY..before that it was the R-4- both fixed displacement units....

Kevin

[130fe]

Just wondering if anyone has heard any new info on this conversion.

[69lt4]

Chris,
Not sure what info you are looking for. The VA system requires a fixed displacement compressor. If you have a GM compressor, your local GM dealer can tell you if it is fixed or variable by the part number.
Hope this is what you were looking for.
Kevin

[130fe]

I was just wondering if anyone has started this conversion and if it works. I have to get another VA kit (had wrong one), so I am waiting to start my conversion.

[ILLEGAL69]

I am looking to do the same install. I have a 69 Firebird with a 96 LT-1.

I talked to my local Vintage air dealer and he said that it should work but, V/A wont warranty the unit because I am not using there compressor.

I know that V/A sells the adapter to fit onto the GM style compressor.

The unit would be cheaper without the compressor but should I worry about not having a warrenty?