Any pics or info of modified aftermarket Tube-Style crossmember to keep stock AC compressor mounting location?
I think I have the UMI crossmember, might cut/modify it to keep the 'truck' style stock AC mounting GM made for it..

Anyone do this?

 

I don't recall ever seeing someone section an aftermarket tubular k-member for LS AC compressor. There are different brands of k-member though that are compatible.

I think member @ShiftyCapone tried to mount a mini compressor with the UMI k-member, but not sure how it played out.

 

Unfortunately you dont have many options with the UMI kmember. Even without running the stock triangle braces you're going to have a hard time fitting AC in the 4th Gen location. Both the Holley mid mount and high mount systems work well but nothing in the OEM catalog (close or mid spacing) is going to work. I have a sticky that I wrote up on this subject if you dig around in tbr swap stickies. Typing from my phone right now.

 

Im using the UMI k member and the dirty dingo stock mini ac compressor and low mount fits without any modification. Using the Hawks ls swap ac lines. I will say if you dont use a mini compressor..it probably wont clear.

 

Are you running the triangle brace?

 

Im not, I didnt never ran one on my previous car because the larger truck alternator in stock ls1 location wouldnt fit on the driver side and I wasnt running ac on that car. On this current car I didnt bother trying to use them and assumed it wont fit. Not worth the hassle to use them anyways imo if you have a wonder bar on and strut tower brace.

 

Here's a pic of the ac compressor using the dirty dingo low mount. You can kind of see where the triangle brace would bolt on. I think it would work..if anything maybe notches it but I didn't bother trying as Im doing a turbo setup and wanted all available space I can get.

 

Detroit Speed steering brace is the boss. Once you install that I'm not sure triangles add much value.

 

I agree regardless which steering brace you use. I will say that adding the wonder bar made a noticeable difference steering feel especially while turning the wheel at a stop or slow speed, strut tower brace made a difference in cornering and overall front end suspension feel, removing the triangles didnt seem to make any difference or show any signs of added stress to the k stock k member. But who knows how much it could affect the tubular k member strength.

 

I can confirm with the UMI K-member (using the provided ls swap mounts) that you can get the compressor to mount in the low 4th gen location with the Triangle brace installed.



Sorry I don't have a better picture but you can see the triangle brace peeking through the battery cables.
Three caveats; one, this is using the ICT Billet low mount ac brackets. Two, this is with the UMI motor mount brackets in the forward most position, there is not much room to move the engine back before compressor hits the k-member. And lastly, this is only with the Sanden mini compressor SD7.
A full size compressor I do not think would work.