C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Cuate · 11-24-2014, 04:02 PM

I installed dirty dingo adjustable motor mount plates on my 5.3 engine and had to remove the AC bracket and compressor. Does anyone know a way to still use the 5.3 stock AC compressor? I didn't read the note on dirty dingo pg where it states that stock AC compressor can not be used. This engine is from a 2001 Tahoe and originally has AC compressor on bottom passenger side. Adjustable plates where pricy and I really was not planning on spending money on another AC compressor or brackets. Any ideas or solution will be appreciated.

bterry97gt · 11-24-2014, 04:09 PM

I am not sure how the dirty dingo mounts are made, but to get the adjustable plates I got off of ebay to work I had to trim the AC bracket just a bit. Hope this helps some.

rmv23887 · 11-24-2014, 05:40 PM

I have been down that road, stock compressor not compatible with 72 stock AC or any system like Vintage Air etc. Just have to get a mount that moves the compressor up and use sandeen unit everyone uses....
I found there is a reason no ones doing it...

RandyV

Kid · 11-26-2014, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmv23887

I have been down that road, stock compressor not compatible with 72 stock AC or any system like Vintage Air etc. Just have to get a mount that moves the compressor up and use sandeen unit everyone uses....
I found there is a reason no ones doing it...

RandyV

I keep seeing folks say that factory comp. won't work, but mine has been working fine for 7 years now. (2004 pu comp with Vintage air) can you explain what the issues are? Maybe I'm just lucky?

bterry97gt · 11-26-2014, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kid

I keep seeing folks say that factory comp. won't work, but mine has been working fine for 7 years now. (2004 pu comp with Vintage air) can you explain what the issues are? Maybe I'm just lucky?

I don't have any experience with these, but I have seen multiple people run them without issue. I plan to use the factory ac comp, so I'm interested to hear as well..

wpotter · 11-26-2014, 12:42 PM

If you stock compressor is a fixed displacement compressor then it will work with the factory and aftermarket systems. If you have a variable displacement compressor then it is not recommended for use with original or aftermarket systems. Not sure which trucks have fixed or variable but I think all car LS engines have the variable. Hope this helps.

anviltester · 11-26-2014, 04:56 PM

cpp makes a motor mount kit for the low compressor mount. try those.

ss454conv · 11-26-2014, 10:09 PM

Wpotter is on the right track. Some truck compressors are fixed and they should work. You will have to verify which ones are or are not. The other good news is that if you have a variable displacement compressor, they can in some cases be easily converted to fixed.I have done this on my 70 Chevelle which I installed a 2004 GTO motor/trans in. I have only had it charged for the end of the summer, but it was blowing ice cold till I stopped driving the car in the fall. No fluctuating temps caused by compressor cycling. Do a Google search and you should find the article that shows how to do it. Good luck.
AJW

Cuate · 11-26-2014, 10:16 PM

Just wanted to post picture of dirty dingo adjustable motor mount plates. As you can see on picture why it doesn't work. Mount can still slide 2 or 3 inches forward but AC compressor bracket won't let even after trimmed. As soon as I get a chance to install motor on truck I will figure out what route to take.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1417055117. I'm having trouble uploading picture.

Cuate · 11-28-2014, 10:04 AM

70blackfish · 11-28-2014, 01:14 PM

this 5.3 is 2011 and the AC comp. fit.
used POL sliding mounts,

BIG SWOL · 03-02-2015, 07:57 PM

so can anyone suggest a dependable mount that will clear the compressor .............. just brought my 5.3 and need to purchase some motor mounts now

Andy4639 · 03-02-2015, 08:20 PM

If you guy's will go to the Ls pages you will find all the answer's you need.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...prune=-1&f=206

Gooker928 · 03-23-2015, 03:55 PM

I used ECE motor mounts on my 63 fits just like 70blackfish mounts did.

cooperhw · 03-23-2015, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuate

Don't feel like the lone ranger. on my 67 Chevelle LS-2 I did the exact same thing and had to order a new compressor and brackets that took it up high on the passenger side. Mine had less than 500 miles on it. Quik performance is the one I ordered if I remember right.
"I feel your pain".

mattcrp1 · 03-25-2015, 12:59 PM

My compressor would not fit due to the switch hitting on the mount. Isn't there a factory compressor with out the switch on the back that clears?

l92powered77 · 04-16-2015, 11:30 PM

Dirty dingo sells the accesory brackets that move your ac and power steering high up for clearence...

68c10airstream · 04-17-2015, 10:47 PM

Look at 98-02 f body factory mounts, possible 2010 camaro, trailblazer ss 5.3-6.0. These factory mounts sit low and rearward out of the way for factory air compressor. It would require a frame bracket to be made but once done your compressor would be down low and probably use the inner belt grooves on the balancer as the factory did, and would be in a cooler place and the engine compartment would be cleaner looking, just my opinion.

Billyburban · 06-27-2017, 11:27 AM

I haven't hooked mine up yet but it fits no problem. 73 engine stands & engine mounts 73 & up Dirty Dingo sliders

Gooker928 · 06-27-2017, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billyburban

I haven't hooked mine up yet but it fits no problem. 73 engine stands & engine mounts 73 & up Dirty Dingo sliders

Not the best photos but here's how mines looks from under the truck and from the engine bay...
Stock compressor....
Posted via Mobile Device

Billyburban · 06-27-2017, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooker928

Not the best photos but here's how mines looks from under the truck and from the engine bay...
Stock compressor....
Posted via Mobile Device

Can you take some pics up high then of you fittings did you adapt your factory ac line to fit a newer compressor? LS engine ?

Gooker928 · 06-27-2017, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billyburban

Can you take some pics up high then of you fittings did you adapt your factory ac line to fit a newer compressor? LS engine ?

I'm using vintage air...
I had a place here's in Houston put the factory compressor fittings on the VA hoses...
5.3 6l80e
Posted via Mobile Device

Gooker928 · 06-27-2017, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billyburban

Can you take some pics up high then of you fittings did you adapt your factory ac line to fit a newer compressor? LS engine ?

Posted via Mobile Device

Gooker928 · 06-27-2017, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooker928

Posted via Mobile Device

Gooker928 · 06-27-2017, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gooker928

Posted via Mobile Device

11-24-2014, 04:02 PM	#1
Cuate Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Pasadena Texas Posts: 35	C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor I installed dirty dingo adjustable motor mount plates on my 5.3 engine and had to remove the AC bracket and compressor. Does anyone know a way to still use the 5.3 stock AC compressor? I didn't read the note on dirty dingo pg where it states that stock AC compressor can not be used. This engine is from a 2001 Tahoe and originally has AC compressor on bottom passenger side. Adjustable plates where pricy and I really was not planning on spending money on another AC compressor or brackets. Any ideas or solution will be appreciated.

11-24-2014, 04:09 PM	#2
bterry97gt Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 142	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor I am not sure how the dirty dingo mounts are made, but to get the adjustable plates I got off of ebay to work I had to trim the AC bracket just a bit. Hope this helps some.

11-24-2014, 05:40 PM	#3
rmv23887 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: St Johns FL Posts: 24	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor I have been down that road, stock compressor not compatible with 72 stock AC or any system like Vintage Air etc. Just have to get a mount that moves the compressor up and use sandeen unit everyone uses.... I found there is a reason no ones doing it... RandyV

11-26-2014, 12:42 PM	#6
wpotter Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Adkins Texas Posts: 157	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor If you stock compressor is a fixed displacement compressor then it will work with the factory and aftermarket systems. If you have a variable displacement compressor then it is not recommended for use with original or aftermarket systems. Not sure which trucks have fixed or variable but I think all car LS engines have the variable. Hope this helps. __________________ Never a failure, Always a lesson! 1968 Chevy SWB Fleetside ECE 4/6 327/350 1987 Chevy V20 Scottsdale 4X4 350/400 4.10 1987 Chevy Custom Deluxe SWB 305/7004R4 1991 Suburban Silverado V1500 4X4 350/700R4 2015 Chevy Crew Cab SWB (Daily Driver) 5.3

11-26-2014, 04:56 PM	#7
anviltester Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: marietta, ga Posts: 22	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor cpp makes a motor mount kit for the low compressor mount. try those.

11-26-2014, 10:09 PM	#8
ss454conv Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Waterloo IL Posts: 49	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor Wpotter is on the right track. Some truck compressors are fixed and they should work. You will have to verify which ones are or are not. The other good news is that if you have a variable displacement compressor, they can in some cases be easily converted to fixed.I have done this on my 70 Chevelle which I installed a 2004 GTO motor/trans in. I have only had it charged for the end of the summer, but it was blowing ice cold till I stopped driving the car in the fall. No fluctuating temps caused by compressor cycling. Do a Google search and you should find the article that shows how to do it. Good luck. AJW

11-26-2014, 10:16 PM	#9
Cuate Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Pasadena Texas Posts: 35	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor Just wanted to post picture of dirty dingo adjustable motor mount plates. As you can see on picture why it doesn't work. Mount can still slide 2 or 3 inches forward but AC compressor bracket won't let even after trimmed. As soon as I get a chance to install motor on truck I will figure out what route to take.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1417055117. I'm having trouble uploading picture. Last edited by Cuate; 11-26-2014 at 10:28 PM. Reason: Attaching picture

11-28-2014, 10:04 AM	#10
Cuate Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Pasadena Texas Posts: 35	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor Attached Images

11-28-2014, 01:14 PM	#11
70blackfish Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newhall CA Posts: 1,195	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor this 5.3 is 2011 and the AC comp. fit. used POL sliding mounts, Attached Images __________________ 69 SWB 780hp Hellcat powered, manual 6 speed, currie 9

03-02-2015, 07:57 PM	#12
BIG SWOL Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Plantation Posts: 10	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor so can anyone suggest a dependable mount that will clear the compressor .............. just brought my 5.3 and need to purchase some motor mounts now

03-02-2015, 08:20 PM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor If you guy's will go to the Ls pages you will find all the answer's you need. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...prune=-1&f=206 __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-23-2015, 03:55 PM	#14
Gooker928 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, tx Posts: 99	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor I used ECE motor mounts on my 63 fits just like 70blackfish mounts did.

03-25-2015, 12:59 PM	#16
mattcrp1 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mountain House, CA Posts: 555	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor My compressor would not fit due to the switch hitting on the mount. Isn't there a factory compressor with out the switch on the back that clears? __________________ My Chevy habit is paid for by Ford diesels... Here is my SLOW LS install: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...55#post6456355 Caliper Rebuild: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=613748 Upper Control Arm Bushings: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=616974 IG mattcrp1

04-16-2015, 11:30 PM	#17
l92powered77 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: texas,2california Posts: 123	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor Dirty dingo sells the accesory brackets that move your ac and power steering high up for clearence...

04-17-2015, 10:47 PM	#18
68c10airstream Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Marquette michigan Posts: 828	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor Look at 98-02 f body factory mounts, possible 2010 camaro, trailblazer ss 5.3-6.0. These factory mounts sit low and rearward out of the way for factory air compressor. It would require a frame bracket to be made but once done your compressor would be down low and probably use the inner belt grooves on the balancer as the factory did, and would be in a cooler place and the engine compartment would be cleaner looking, just my opinion.



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06-27-2017, 11:27 AM	#19
Billyburban Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Oxnard,ca Posts: 98	Re: C10 5.3 Ls swap with AC compressor I haven't hooked mine up yet but it fits no problem. 73 engine stands & engine mounts 73 & up Dirty Dingo sliders Attached Images

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