Hi,

Even though my 87 Formula has low miles, the AC system never did work. The compressor leaked. So I installed the Classic Air Upgrade system and I am very happy with it. I get 48 degrees on a 95 temp day.

At the same time I installed the LS1 dual fans, managed to get a NOS unit. The fan install was easy as many of the threads state, however I dont think anyone has mentioned that when you remove the single fan and the bottom bracket, you loose the anchor points for the power steering cooling tube. You have to use nuts and bolt to fasten it to the frame.

I also installed the Derale PWM fan controller. I have the 180 degree thermostat and when the temp starts to increase

up to around 150 degrees the fans start to slowly rotate and increase in speed as the temp rises. The controller is connected direct to the battery so when you turn the car off, the fan continues to rotate slowly to cool the radiator down and then the fan shuts off.

All in all, I am happy with the results. Any questions, I would be glad to help.

Louis
Before install.





Old brackets removed and new installed.



New compressor with hose placement to clear snorkels.





Compressor sits nicely under the driver side snorkel.



Completed install.



Plenty of room for compressor.

 

I understand, but damn that setup looks out of place.

 

so what parts did you have to replace? where did you get it from? approx cost? did you change anything other than the compressor? looks like the hoses are new and the dryer.
Thanks *****

 

Hi *****.

Bought it from Classic Auto Air (https://www.classicautoair.com/)

Cost was $450.00. You get a new compressor, air dryer and hoses.

Great people to deal with.

Louis

 

Hi Drew, Out of place. yeah, but it works just great. I am not a purist, just like comfort.

Lou

 

Love the custom dual snorkel air cleaner. Those hoses will not fall apart like the stock ones. Great going.

 

Thanks for the info Siuol. I too have air and it works, but the bearing has gone bad and am going to have to replace it. Been putting it off. I have read a bit about the a/c in our cars and they don't like the R134, that is they don't cool as well as when they had R22. How does your cool? does the larger compressor help?

 

Canned air duster is cheaper than 134A and works better.

 

Does that also include all brackets to mount the compressor?

 

Looked online, saw the kit. Question answered. Thx

 

Looks great! Got a link to the kit? I've been all over the two sites and not seeing a 'kit' for 3rd gens.

Are there any part numbers, parts list, or invoice you could post? I'm very interested in doing the very same thing to my '84 T/A.

Any more info you could post on the install, operation, or parts would be greatly appreciated......

 

Hi Knight,

The install is very easy, all new brackets, compressor, hoses, dryer and orifice valve. Here is a list of the items in the kit:

Modern rotary style compressor
Compressor adapter brackets
Suction hose (from compressor to accumulator), pre-made with no cutting or crimping required.
Discharge hose (from compressor to top fitting on condenser), pre-made with no cutting or crimping required.
New replacement accumulator
New replacement cycling switch
New replacement a/c fan belt
New 134a charge-port adapter set
O-Rings & hardware
New high-performance orifice-tube

I am not sure if a link to Ebay is allowed here, however do a search for this item number and you will find the kit. -- 400508992758

Original R-12 freon was/is 40 ozs. I used R-134 and put in 3 12 oz cans which equals 36 ozs, which is perfect for the conversion. Now its very important to flush the old system once you take off the old components. All you will have left will be the condenser and evaporator. You can spend a fortune on AC flush liquid that might damage your paint or do as I did, use 96 % isopropyl alcohol. Flush the components separately with the liquid and use clean compressed air to blow the units out. When you put a vacuum on the system, any left over alcohol will evaporate. You can buy the kit off Ebay or if I were you, call Classic Air at 813-251-2356, ask for Mike in tech support, he is great to work with.
If you have any questions, ask them here or PM me.

Louis

 

Impressive. Wish my car didn't have more pressing needs before A/C upgrade.

Food for thought here.

Thanks for the report!

 

Thank you.

 

Careful-if that derale unit sticks itll kill the battery

 

All I did was get a new GM compressor, orifice tube and took it to a local show here who had R-12. Runs perfect.

 

Hi Formula, this is one of my worries. Do you speak from experience?

Louis

 

If the controller just controls relays, I would be real tempted to just have the controlled powered off of a switched circuit, that isn't powered when the ignition is off.