A6 to Sanden SD7H15 Conversion Results

[jeffahart]

I know it's a bit of a dead horse beating, but I live where it's hot. Over the winter I converted my A6 to a Sanden SD7H15. The A6 Cooled nicely. But it was dogging my RPM at idle. I needed to really yank hard on a cheater bar to get the belt tight, I hated that. The belt squealed on and off. Especially on hot days. I could only turn the compressor on at a idle or it would squeal. I added and wired a carb solenoid to the compressor switch to up the idle when turn on. That worked well, but it still bothered me.

So I pulled the trigger on the Sanded and Alan Grove mounting brackets. I got the Sanden and brackets from Nostalgic AC, they added the manifold to match my hoses. They are nice people and answer questions, and make sure you get the parts you need.

Results. Conversion was pretty painless. System is R134(I moved to 134 way back when I was still runing the 4 seasons) My RPM now drops about 100 when switched on. No more squealing belt. I drove it in blistering 112 heat and it was blowing 49 at side and center vents. Plus, I have more room around compressor side of the engine and less weight with the new Grove brackets. And, I only have to pull the belt snug and it's tight enough.

A bit of money and effort... but a nice upgrde.

j

[54blackhornet]

Those Sanden compressors are incredible compared to that original anvil lump. I had a VW rabbit back in 75 that would actually almost stop when you turned on the A/C. Swapped the giant boat anchor for a Sanden off a mazda . Froze me out in high humidity Florida….

[Shifty One]

Nice! I did the conversion from R4 to Sanden this last winter, and have been 100% happier!

[weq92f]

.

The Sanden pumps are good, as you know! They're more efficient, quiet and perform. I swapped from R4 to Sanden last season.

-Kevin

[Orange Crate]

Ha, nice! I just ordered that same kit from Nostalgic on Monday.

[jumpsoffrock]

Any chance we could get a few pictures of the underhood setup or parts before installation? Glad it worked out for you.

[Orange Crate]

I went with the 113R brackets that bolt to the exhaust (like the original set up) and water pump. I have DART II heads but they are drilled like early heads with only one hole on the pass side. If you have later heads (with 2 bolt holes) you could go with the 132R bracket kit that bolts to the water pump and head. If you order from Nostalgic their form asks you your particulars concerning the heads, water pump, engine ect so you shouldn't have to worry about which brackets you will get. Check out the options here if you have the short water pump as an example (Nostalgic sells Allen Grove brackets in their kits):

https://www.alangrovecomponents.com/...Short_Pump.htm

[jumpsoffrock]

Originally Posted by Orange Crate

I went with the 113R brackets that bolt to the exhaust (like the original set up) and water pump. I have DART II heads but they are drilled like early heads with only one hole on the pass side. If you have later heads (with 2 bolt holes) you could go with the 132R bracket kit that bolts to the water pump and head. If you order from Nostalgic their form asks you your particulars concerning the heads, water pump, engine ect so you shouldn't have to worry about which brackets you will get. Check out the options here if you have the short water pump as an example (Nostalgic sells Allen Grove brackets in their kits):

https://www.alangrovecomponents.com/...Short_Pump.htm

Prices are reasonable, thank you for the link.

[jeffahart]

Originally Posted by jumpsoffrock

Prices are reasonable, thank you for the link.

What Orange Crate said and linked. If you still want pics, let me know and I'll snap a few tomorrow.

j

[jumpsoffrock]

Originally Posted by jeffahart

What Orange Crate said and linked. If you still want pics, let me know and I'll snap a few tomorrow.

j

No he got it, thank you!

[Orange Crate]

I got my kit Sat and took pictures after mock install for my own records so I thought I would put them in here if anyone is still curious about the Nostalgic kit or Allan Grove brackets (nice TIG welding, 1/4" thick). Everything lines up perfectly. The only concern I do have is a small gap between the ears for the compressor where the welded spacer tube sits between the ears. If I tighten that up without a shim there is a chance of cracking the cast aluminum ear(s). NOT a big deal I will measure the spacer tube and bracket stack up and add the appropriate shim. I thought it was important to mention to save someone from cracking a brand new Sanden. You might be able to notice the gap if you zoom in on the first pic.

[Orange Crate]

Forgot the attachment at the water pump pic. I made my own large area washer for the belt tensioning clamp ( I did the same for the alternator, just my thing...) So now that I know everything lines up I'll blow it part and paint with high temp something or other paint (don't get me started on high temp paint OK?)

[Orange Crate]

Sorry to drag this to the top but just trying to get in touch with jeffahart. Sent PM's and he replied but now dropped off for some reason. OK, prepare to carry on.........carry on.

[jeffahart]

Sorry about the delay. I don't get texts or anything when I have notifications on this site. Plus, I was having trouble uploading a pic. So you either got none or 20+ pics

I used my stock hoses that I purchased when I installed the A6. Also, I didn't want to hassle with finding someone to crimp hoses.

Anyhow, here's pic of my hoses I think it covers it but if not let me know I can get more from some other angle.

j

[Orange Crate]

Thanks again for your time, I appreciate it (and this forum), I did get your email also. I have the same compressor and hoses and I was having trouble getting the hoses to fit. The problem was due to a belt that was too short. I used my old belt from the A6 and was about 56" long or so. That put the compressor closer to the valve cover and then the hoses had to stretch in that direction. I got another belt that is 59 5/8" long and that allows the compressor to move more towards the fender area and that relaxed the hoses enough to get them to lay down without tension. Ok, moving on to under the dash ducting, fun!

[jeffahart]

I should have added in my original post I'm using a "Gates 7585 XL High Capacity V-Belt". I've not had one squeak.

Have fun!

j