LSX engine/Sanden compressor in a Factory AC second gen. Anybody done this?

[srh3trinity]

I realize the popular answer around here is going to be "go with a Vintage Air setup" but I am starting with a factory AC Firebird. I have a LSX engine that I will be putting in, running F-body accessories and a bracket for a Sanden compressor which I also already have. If I go through and freshen up my original system, is it possible to use the factory components with the Sanden compressor/LSX? Interested to hear thoughts and I am at the point where if I am going to have to pull out the dash to do Vintage Air, it would be better to do it now than later when the car is farther along. Thanks in advance.

[lsx80monte]

That is an option. I have a sanden with my 5.3l in my monte carlo and I am running a front a rear unit in mine. The sanden is lighter and draws less hp to run than the old heavy a6 compressors. It can even work cycling the clutch which the old a6's were not designed to do. I know Classic auto air and I pretty sure others sell a sanden kit that kinda proves its doable and that it works. What yr fbody do you have ? Reason being is, up to 73 they used a poa then went to a VIR and then a accumulator/orifice tube. The VIR system isnt really a good setup for running 134a. If you are running VIR you could change it to an accumulator/orifice tube setup pretty easily. The Poa can be adjusted to work better with 134a and you can also get a poa delete kit thatturns your system into a cycling system. Were you planning on restoring you original system? Barrier hose is pretty much a must for 134a.

[srh3trinity]

I have a 74. The previous owner had recently revamped the system, but I am not sure about the stuff under the dash. New compressor and hoses under the hood. I haven't found much info about doing this. Most people go with VA, but a lot are probably starting without factory air cars. I am open to any links or info you could provide. Could a specialty AC shop handle this reasonably? A good mechanic? I know I will need custom hoses and I have read the concerns about the compressor and PCM ECM.

[lsx80monte]

So you should have a VIR system. Under the dash are your flex hoses, vacuum hoses/cables, duct work, and heater box. These parts arent really affected by using a sanden. You are correct most people do go aftermarket because its "modern" and more efficent, cleans up the firewall if you have an air car, or because theyare either missing or have to restore original parts that can become expensive. The problem I have with the original underhood setups is that they have to fight the heat from the engine compartment. Of course you can insulate them much like the oems did with newer vehicles. Take a look at say a late model crwon vic and you will notice the aluminum heat barrier that is used. But it looks like most oem's are now putting their a/c sysems in the dash to help with this problem. I use to work for Classic Auto Air and we sold a lot of systems to guys with factory air cars. So if right now the original system is still in the car, there are vir delete kits for around $100 and then you can have the other ends of the hoses cut off at the manifold that bolts onto the compressor. Crimp a couple of new fittings for the sanden and you should be set. This pretty straight forward so a good competent a/c shop or mechanic should be able to do this. Now as far as the ecm and the compressor communicating, I am not using the ecm to control the sanden. What concerns are you refering to?

[srh3trinity]

I have heard if variable pressure compressors. Not sure if the Sanden is. Again, my knowledge is limited and it is hard to research this stuff.

[lsx80monte]

thats an issue if you are using the factory compressor that came with the lsx.Not so with the sanden which is what you are going to be using. GUys have been running sandens for yrs. They have a proven track record. All the major aftermarket a/c companies use them in their kits. I could tell you to call classic or vintage or hot rod air but they may all be biased tpwards their product. Im sure they are all pretty knowledgeable.

[GRNOVA]

I am running a Sanden SD7 and made my own bracket.

[GRNOVA]

Bracket

[srh3trinity]

Good info. I may go this route, the firewall won't be as pretty, but potentially saving 1k is a lot.

[lsx80monte]

Actually the kits now days are a little more than that. More like around $1400.

[lsx80monte]

Bracket

Man thats a nice looking setup right there

[srh3trinity]

I am looking at using this bracket with the Sanden compressor. I am going to be using a Scott Mock subframe and I am hoping this will allow enough clearance to mount the compressor down low and out of site. I feel like this bracket is a little pricey for what it is, but I don't have the means to fabricate one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-LS-Series...d6361f&vxp=mtr

[Twentyover]

I have heard if variable pressure compressors. Not sure if the Sanden is. Again, my knowledge is limited and it is hard to research this stuff.

You've heard of variable displacement compressors. Sanden 5XX and SD7 aren't. A/C System pressure is dependent on ambient temperature, airflow across the condenser, system charge and compressor rpm.

But it looks like most oem's are now putting their a/c sysems (sic) in the dash to help with this problem. ....

The reason OEM's are are mounting in dash is to expedite vehicle assembly. The HVAC is usually mounted to an Instrument Panel assembly that is loaded into the car at single station on the assembly line. At a subsequent station, the entire IP wiring harness' are connected, so a series of operations that took 4-6 stations 20years ago now takes 2.

[Twentyover]

Double post

[MuscleRodz]

I did this on a 79 firebird using a sd7 compressor. Car had an extensive restoration and everything worked perfect before we installed the LS3. The sd7 barely kept up in the summer heat on high. I was not sweating, but was exactly cool either. The 508 would do a better job, but sure your goning to be happy either. There are several other clearance issues that are a major headache as well, like clearing the suitcase with the ls engine. Do yourself a favor and install vintage air.

[Twentyover]

I did this on a 79 firebird using a sd7 compressor. Car had an extensive restoration and everything worked perfect before we installed the LS3. The sd7 barely kept up in the summer heat on high. I was not sweating, but was exactly cool either. The 508 would do a better job, but sure your goning to be happy either. There are several other clearance issues that are a major headache as well, like clearing the suitcase with the ls engine. Do yourself a favor and install vintage air.

Replacing an 11 cubic inch compressor with a 6 cubic inch compressor. You probably had too much evaporator for the reduced compressor size.

[lsx80monte]

You've heard of variable displacement compressors. Sanden 5XX and SD7 aren't. A/C System pressure is dependent on ambient temperature, airflow across the condenser, system charge and compressor rpm.



The reason OEM's are are mounting in dash is to expedite vehicle assembly. The HVAC is usually mounted to an Instrument Panel assembly that is loaded into the car at single station on the assembly line. At a subsequent station, the entire IP wiring harness' are connected, so a series of operations that took 4-6 stations 20years ago now takes 2.

That does make a lot of sense where they are trying to make assembly as fast and efficient as possible. I should have worded my response a little diff. But I think they may figure that as an added bonus at least, the hvac system is also not having to fight the engine compartment heat. I think that maybe engine compartment real estate is becoming more and more rare these days. But streamlining assembly is a major player.

[jlcustomz]

I did an ls1 install in 03' into my 83 el camino using the factory compressor, which failed twice. Later switched to sanden using BRP brackets, worked fine with the factory system. Later switched to vintage air to clean up under the hood & to change out other failing factory components. Local air shop capable of making hoses did my airlines & hookup each time, I did other fabrication. notched my crossmember behind compressor & cut & reboxed frame behind steering Idler for factory compressor. Sanden(508?) in pics takes up less room.

[srh3trinity]

I am getting close to deciding. I think I am going to have to see where the engine sits with the Mock subframe and also, what the firewall looks like with all of the factory air components. I would love to have a VA unit and a clean firewall, but it is a lot of money. It may be money well spent, I think there was a span of 30 some odd days this summer in 'Bama where the temp was over 100. I really don't lose anything if the factory stuff doesn't do the trick other than time and having to pull the interior back out, but I should know when I am still in the mockup stage which way I need to go.

[srh3trinity]

I bought a Sanden 6628 from somebody here on the board, it was a good deal and I hope it will work for my application.