When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Engine SwapEverything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.
I'm swapping a 2004 GTO LS1 into a '85 Z28 using the stock k-member, Holley engine mounts and Holley trans crossmember. My plan is to low mount the LS1 AC compressor and notch the k-member.
So my question is, has anyone used the Holley swap mounts with a low mount LS1 AC Compressor? Fitment issues? Any help and hopefully pics of your swap would be awesome! TIA!
I'm swapping a 2004 GTO LS1 into a '85 Z28 using the stock k-member, Holley engine mounts and Holley trans crossmember. My plan is to low mount the LS1 AC compressor and notch the k-member.
So my question is, has anyone used the Holley swap mounts with a low mount LS1 AC Compressor? Fitment issues? Any help and hopefully pics of your swap would be awesome! TIA!
Dirty Dingo low mount A/C compressor mount Holley high mount alternator/low mount P/S pump bracket
I used the Dirty Dingo A/C compressor bracket kit because it mounts the compressor slightly higher and closer to the engine and can be used with all three LS accessory depths. With this kit you may not need to notch the K-member, or at least not as severe. I used the left side of the Holley LS accessory bracket to relocate the alternator and power steering pump because I have rack and pinion steering and the low mount alternator interfered with the steering rack.
soloc4, thanks for the pics and very nice car!
I've seen the Dirty Dingo, Vintage Air and other aftermarket low mount A/C compressor options. From what I've read, they always have steering clearance issues when uses with a stock k-member and steering. I have a Sanden SD7 compressor I can use and it would be ideal if the Dirty Dingo bracket was the answer!
I'm swapping a 2004 GTO LS1 into a '85 Z28 using the stock k-member, Holley engine mounts and Holley trans crossmember. My plan is to low mount the LS1 AC compressor and notch the k-member.
So my question is, has anyone used the Holley swap mounts with a low mount LS1 AC Compressor? Fitment issues? Any help and hopefully pics of your swap would be awesome! TIA!
I'm using f-body accessories and I have no clearance issues at all. Mine is 92 Camaro....I assume it would be fine with 85.
It’s not what you’re looking for, but here is my high mount a/c compressor. I used a Kwik Performance bracket and a Sanden SD7H15 model 4294. The a/c compressor was another LS thorn that took too much effort to finally adapt to my third gen. 🙄
Last edited by johnw999; Oct 3, 2025 at 07:31 PM.
Reason: grammer
It’s not what you’re looking for, but here is my high mount a/c compressor. I used a Kwik Performance bracket and a Sanden SD7H15 model 4294. The a/c compressor was another LS thorn that took too much effort to finally adapt to my third gen. 🙄
Thanks, it's always good to see all options! What difficulties did you have with the compressor? My SD7 has the ports on the side.
It took me a while to figure out the correct belt size. My first belt squealed like a pig. Then I had to figure out how to install a high pressure cutoff switch. Also, I started my LS swap with a Sanden 508 knockoff ac compressor. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Sanden compressors come prefilled with pag oil. Knockoffs don’t, so it didn’t last long. After it seized and snapped my drive belt, I bought an actual Sanden 508 for around $200. It worked well, but I overlooked the section of instructions that said not to install the compressor upside down. The pag oil eventually drained from a bad o-ring at the compressor connection. I thought the strange grinding noise at higher RPM’s was the clutch throw out bearing. But it was the sound of my 2nd compressor going out. Onward to compressor #3! It’s a Sanden SD7H15 that sells for $260 (stupid inflation). I chose the rear connections so I could install it with the drain plug facing up and use the Hawks A/C swap lines. Before installing, I flushed the condenser and replaced all o-rings. Finally, I have consistent cold air and no noise.
It took me a while to figure out the correct belt size. My first belt squealed like a pig. Then I had to figure out how to install a high pressure cutoff switch. Also, I started my LS swap with a Sanden 508 knockoff ac compressor. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Sanden compressors come prefilled with pag oil. Knockoffs don’t, so it didn’t last long. After it seized and snapped my drive belt, I bought an actual Sanden 508 for around $200. It worked well, but I overlooked the section of instructions that said not to install the compressor upside down. The pag oil eventually drained from a bad o-ring at the compressor connection. I thought the strange grinding noise at higher RPM’s was the clutch throw out bearing. But it was the sound of my 2nd compressor going out. Onward to compressor #3! It’s a Sanden SD7H15 that sells for $260 (stupid inflation). I chose the rear connections so I could install it with the drain plug facing up and use the Hawks A/C swap lines. Before installing, I flushed the condenser and replaced all o-rings. Finally, I have consistent cold air and no noise.
Wow! What a journey! Glad it all worked out for you in the end!
