I am swapping a LS1 into my 1989 Firebird and I am torn on if I should be going with A/C or not. The compressor that came on my LS1 is locked up so I started looking at replacing it. I am going with the new QA1 K-Member and should be ok with a stock compressor. I started to look at the Kwik performance mini compressor bracket and pump for extra clearance. I am looking to see what i need to replace like the condenser and other parts, i know lines will need to be changed. I would like A/C but maybe this would require to many new parts. Any advice would be greatly appreciated on going with A/C or not
Thanks Rich

 

Ac is worth the effort, you dont have to install it right away but at least get what you need. other than the compressor you can get most of what you need from a donor thirdgen for the factory parts. On your swap you have the choice to mount the compressor up high or down low like on an ls car. The choice is yours.

 

My car has an A/C setup in it now from the factory I just am not sure on what will work with a new compressor. I already installed a new ATI damper and it has the inside pully for the lower A/C so I am committed to this location. Would I need to change the condenser and other parts if I went with the new refrigerant?

 

I'm not an automotive AC professional but I've done my own work for years. Be aware that your locked up, LS1 compressor may be a variable displacement compressor. My 2002 WS6 Trans Am has one that I had to replace about 4 yrs ago. These are very efficient compressors that maintaing good even cabin temperatures, save fuel and wear and tear. However,from what I've read, they are more difficult to make work in a retrofit situation. For you professional AC people, if this is not the case, I'm all ears and I'm sure upstateRich is as well.

Most people these days will be using an efficient Sanden compressor. I'm LS swapping my 1987 IROC and it will be getting a Sanden. I will not use the old school, perfectly good working R4 that came on the car.

 

Our 3rd gens came with R12 refrigerant. Before you can use any original R12 components in your 3rd gen, you must flush the component to get rid of the mineral oil. Mineral oil will not play nicely with R134a. You'll need to flush the evaporator and condenser as well as any hard lines that you choose to reuse. You'll probably need custom made hoses so they won't be subject to flushing.

R134a uses a parallel flow condenser for the best efficiency. However, a standard condenser will work. I flushed and reused my OEM Ford R12 condenser in my LS3 swapped, 1991 Fox Mustang coupe. I get vent temperatures below 40F using R134a. A good, strong electric radiator fan is key here! My Mustang uses a genuine GM C7 pulse width modulated, Corvette fan controlled by my Holley Dominator computer. It pulls a ton of air through the condenser and radiator. The reason I stuck with the OEM Ford is because it's OEM Ford and not china made like all of the aftermarket condensers today. If my OEM condenser had a leak, I would've purchased a new, china made parallel flow condenser.

 

Thanks for the info. I am looking at the Kwik performance K10420 Bracket kit and mini compressor

 

My Mustang's damper also has the inside pulley but I did't use it. My AC compressor is high mounted. You are not committed to that lower location, either.

 

I am probably going to use that as well on my IROC's LS swap!