ls a/c manifold options

[rs72z]

I posted this in the lsx section, thought it might get a little more action here.
I was planning on using the 5.3 compressor on my truck and use the fittings from Docs blocks that some others on here have used. I called Yesterday to order them and they were out of stock on one of them and said they were not going to get any more.
Does anyone know of any other options toher than using a high mount kit?

I found this kit but i'm not sure if the fittings would clear the truck compressor.

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/ls...passkit-1.aspx

[chebyshortbox65]

I used factory compressor down in the frame modifying the bracket to clear motor mounts for hoses from a 2005 express van with 4.8 and used the factory hoses I had to notch the frame a bit and bend the suction line a little. My truck was a 6 cyl and the lines came out the driver side for the condensor so I notched the core support on the lower right side and flipped the condenser upside down so now they exit at the lower right side since Im a diesel mechaninc i have all kinds of fittings and hose so I cit the express van hoses where needed and crimped new fittings ,a/c works great 35 degrees been like that for a year with no problems
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[rs72z]

Originally Posted by chebyshortbox65

I used factory compressor down in the frame modifying the bracket to clear motor mounts for hoses from a 2005 express van with 4.8 and used the factory hoses I had to notch the frame a bit and bend the suction line a little. My truck was a 6 cyl and the lines came out the driver side for the condensor so I notched the core support on the lower right side and flipped the condenser upside down so now they exit at the lower right side since Im a diesel mechaninc i have all kinds of fittings and hose so I cit the express van hoses where needed and crimped new fittings ,a/c works great 35 degrees been like that for a year with no problems
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Thanks
Do you have any pics?

[rs72z]

lets try the link again

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/ls...passkit-1.aspx

[chebyshortbox65]

Not on my phone ill take a few when I get home tonite
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[Jonboy]

I talked to Brent at Dirty Dingo at length about this. The LS compressor is a variable compressor. He said in his experience, it will work for a little bit, and shut off for a few minutes, then resume working. Their climate (Arizona) isn't really good for that, and neither is ours. Since my truck already has a Vintage Air kit on it, I went ahead and got another Sanden compressor and decided to go the high mount route. Not exactly budget friendly, but I wasn't going to go without A/C, either.

[Firebirdjones]

I also used the high mount kit with a sanden compressor. Makes things very simple. Wasn't too bad on the budget (I don't think) $200 for the high mount kit and $100 for a brand new Sanden. Considering what I spent on the LS swap that was pocket change I then drove the truck over to the local AC shop and had the lines made.

Another issue us Arizonian's don't like is POA conversion switch for 134. That switch also works as you describe, and leaves the compressor off for longer periods of time (not minutes though). But it shuts the compressor off long enough (about a minute) that you can measure a temp difference in the vents, so it's a bit annoying. Blows cold enough to keep you comfy though.

[rs72z]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I talked to Brent at Dirty Dingo at length about this. The LS compressor is a variable compressor. He said in his experience, it will work for a little bit, and shut off for a few minutes, then resume working. Their climate (Arizona) isn't really good for that, and neither is ours. Since my truck already has a Vintage Air kit on it, I went ahead and got another Sanden compressor and decided to go the high mount route. Not exactly budget friendly, but I wasn't going to go without A/C, either.

I knew they were variable displacement, but haven't heard of any problems with them. If that's the case it's good to know before i spent the cash. We are a dealer for vintage air so the sanden shouldn't be a problem.

[rs72z]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

I also used the high mount kit with a sanden compressor. Makes things very simple. Wasn't too bad on the budget (I don't think) $200 for the high mount kit and $100 for a brand new Sanden. Considering what I spent on the LS swap that was pocket change I then drove the truck over to the local AC shop and had the lines made.

Another issue us Arizonian's don't like is POA conversion switch for 134. That switch also works as you describe, and leaves the compressor off for longer periods of time (not minutes though). But it shuts the compressor off long enough (about a minute) that you can measure a temp difference in the vents, so it's a bit annoying. Blows cold enough to keep you comfy though.

So are yall swapping in a later evaporater with the fixed orfice?

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by rs72z

So are yall swapping in a later evaporater with the fixed orfice?

I didn't, it's really the way to go though, but since I did this conversion in a 72 I simply did the POA eliminator kit with the pressure switch. The addition of a later model evap and pressure switch would have required a complete revamp of the AC lines, all the way up to the condensor, then I may as well put the newer style (more efficient) 134 condensor in there, and that would require more custom fabrication,,blah blah,,,see where this is going??

I didn't want to get into all that. I figured I'd spend about another $700 if I went that route.

When I converted my 79 over to 134 though, it came factory with the later model evap and pressure switch so there was no change needed. I like how that system works better, it's cycles much better and doesn't leave the compressor off for very long. That POA eliminator switch is rather slow in comparison.

[Firebirdjones]

Here is what I mean about the differences.

This is my 79 I converted to 134. It originally has the more desirable evap and pressure switch, this setup works better than a POA eliminator, and if you have the money and time to convert an older model to this setup, it's the way to go in my opinion...



And here is my 72 with the LS swap and 134 conversion using a POA eliminator. You can see adapting a later model evap is alot of work with more lines to be made, plus getting into other issues I already mentioned,,and there isn't as much room to play with in here either, so that big evap would really take up space compared to my 79 (with more room). I would more than likely have to mount it in front or on the driver side of the AC box rather than off to the passenger side like my 79 because the inner fender isn't deep enough in that area. That would get in the way come tune up time trying to get to plugs and things

[rs72z]

My 78 doesn't have a poa valve like the 67-72 did. It has a capilary tube on the high side at the evap, not quite sure how it works. I need to do some research it.

[chebyshortbox65]

I've got the stock 5.3 compressor works great dosent cycle on and off to much its all in how you wire it up I work with heavy trucks and dealt with sanden,delpi,and york I like the stock setup looks clean tucked it the framerail mines an 81 so it has orfice tube and accumulater works *****in 35 degrees I'm the middle of summer and I live in the palm springs area in so cal so its 115-120 easy
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[chebyshortbox65]

On the 78 that should just run to the sensor and tell it when to shut off and come on should go from the sensor to the fins on the evaparator I would upgrade to the later model setup with orfice tube and accumulater works much better
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[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by rs72z

My 78 doesn't have a poa valve like the 67-72 did. It has a capilary tube on the high side at the evap, not quite sure how it works. I need to do some research it.

I would think your 78 should be like my 79 pictured above? Was 79 the first year for an evap and orifice tube?

[rs72z]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

I would think your 78 should be like my 79 pictured above? Was 79 the first year for this?

I will post a pic of it tomorrow. It's differnt than my 87. It has a switch like a cycle switch but it's on the high side not the low.

[gchemist]

You have this option: http://www.kwikperf.com/lsx_ac.html

Here is a less expensive option with factory parts.
http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/vi...hp?=34&t=79059

[chebyshortbox65]

heres pics of a/c

[Desert1957]

Here are the fittings you need , they will allow you to keep the A/C compressor in its stock location WITHOUT notching the frame , I will post the link to the thread later today...






Desert

[jjzepplin]

firebirdjones, is that new style poa with the hi-lo switch ? And does this switch go inline to the compressor? I have a 1992 caprice compressor. Will this work? Classic air wants $180 TO RECALIBRATE MY POA TO 134 OR i CAN GET ONE LIKE YOURS FOR $119 ON EBAY.

[rs72z]

Desert,
Is that the fittings from docs blocks? If so they only have one of them and will not order another unlesss you buy a 100.

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by rs72z

Desert,
Is that the fittings from docs blocks? If so they only have one of them and will not order another unlesss you buy a 100.

It was posted in this 5.3 build thread (along with a lot of other great info)


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...dropped+trucks

Desert

[rs72z]

Yea that's the fittings i tried to get. They aren't selling retail anymore and will not buy more fittings without someone buing 100 at a time.

[Desert1957]

That sucks, Well let's start a thread and see who may need them in the future , I'm in for 4 of each one. What do you think?

I was looking forward to this swap down the road on one of my trucks , I really don't want to cut the frame or buy additional brackets.

Desert

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by chebyshortbox65

heres pics of a/cAttachment 906429

Attachment 906430

Attachment 906431

Attachment 906432

Oooo wow,,,that looks like fun to work on. Reminds me of my wifes 4th gen LS1 camaro when the compressor went out last year (it's burried down there too), I really enjoyed that afternoon