AC bracket options
 

With the change to the UMI Road Race K member, I need to relocate the FBody AC setup to a high mount AC with a different compressor. Has anyone used the Holley R4 compressor bracket with the LS FBody accessories? Or the Kwik Performance AC bracket with the FBody accessories? If you have, can you post pictures of how it sits in the engine bay? I need to relocate the AC, the catch can, and the heater control valve as part of this move and want to see some builds to get ideas on where everything will end up when I'm done.

Re: AC bracket options
 

i don't have the holley bracket as of yet i'm not at that point in my swap but i will be using it with the factory R4 compressor.

Re: AC bracket options
 

These might help you...
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...104c1ea55c.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...a3d8bb585f.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...8ddf59908b.jpg

Re: AC bracket options
 

I have the Holley setup with the R4 compressor in my car. It sits basically in the stock 3rd gen location, but slightly closer to the outside, and the compressor is rotated a bit so the AC lines are pointed more downwards. I had to use the small overflow and melt it slightly so the lines were not pressing against the side of it

Re: AC bracket options
 

I plan on running the Kwik brackets. I looked at the holley ones and they are are a great choice to help offset the cost of a swap. However, the stock compressor is so ugly I had to get rid of it.

Re: AC bracket options
 

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...3a76943272.jpg
The Kwik brackets with a Sanden compressor seems to work ok for me.

Re: AC bracket options
 

Which compressor is that? It doesn't appear to be the one they sell on the Kwik website.

Also which motor mounts did you use? The motor seems to sit lower and clear the heater hoses on the firewall better than a lot of others.

Re: AC bracket options
 

You are perceptive! I bought a Sanden compressor from eBay. It was labeled as 4514 SD5H14 Sanden Style Compressor SD508. Also, I used the Hedman LS engine conversion kit.
http://paceperformance.com/i-8185596...smissions.html

Another member was selling a set of new Hedman long tube headers that were made for thirdgen cars with an LS engine. The price was good, so I bought the headers from him. Then I bought the Hedman swap kit, because it was supposed to work well with the headers. So far, I haven't had a problems with that set-up. I think I'm the only thirdgen member that's using it, though.

Re: AC bracket options
 

This is the same set up my buddy has on his LS2 72 Chevelle, only his is the Holley. It looks basically the same and works great. Same compressor too.

Re: AC bracket options
 

Finally decided on an AC mounting options. Kwik Performance sells a low mount mini compressor system. This unit clears the UMI Road Race K member and all the other hoses, frame rails, steering linkage, etc in the low mount position. Hoses come off the side and route under the heater lines on the water pump.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...3e4d053459.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...f39953e053.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...c698ce70c7.jpg

Re: AC bracket options
 

Thank you so much for sharing this. I was just looking in to this set-up but wasn't sure if it would still clear the RR UMI k-member. I hated the thought of running the high mount AC Kwik bracket. What spacing did you get or is it universal to retain the AC dedicated belt?

Re: AC bracket options
 

It comes with a belt and tensioner. You order the brackets based on the rest of your accessories / crank pulley spacing. I used the FBody option on this one. I also ordered the compressor from them along with the adapter fittings for the compressor. This allowed me to re-use the Hawks hoses I already had.

3 things to know before going this route. 1) It uses a 1 wire AC compressor so you'll have to cut the plug on your harness and put a bullet connector on the power wire to activate the compressor. 2) While I used the Hawks AC lines, they aren't optimal because the hose mounting point has moved about 6 inches forward. At some point, I will bleed off the charge and put on custom built hoses to get a better fit. If you're in a time crunch, their hoses will work. 3) The hoses will be much easier to install without the heater hoses installed. I did it with the heater hoses on and it is difficult to get a wrench on the AC lines to tighten them.

Re: AC bracket options
 

Good info here. I am running the Vette spacing so I am not sure if this will work for me since they are closer to the engine. Do you know roughly how much space you have between the compressor and your K member? Also, thanks for the heads up on the wiring and hoses. Mine will all be custom but this is good info for anyone reading this.

Re: AC bracket options
 

I can measure actual space this weekend. My motor is as far back as the motor mounts will allow it to go and has about a 1/2 inch of clearance now. With the vette accessories being 3/4 inch further back, this will likely still work if the motor isn't shoved all the way back on the k member. On the next build I'm moving it all foward about a 1/2 inch to allow for installation of the Holley trans cross member. The car originally had a BMR k member in it that pushed everything back. When the UMI piece was swapped in, we didn't reposition anything in order to not have to make a new driveshaft right away.

Re: AC bracket options
 

My goal was to use the Holley engine and trans mounts but it doesn't look like there is a way to easily make the holley brackets mount to the UMI pad. However, the new style LSX UMI mounts seem to have more adjustment built into them. It might be worth the gamble.

Re: AC bracket options
 

From the recent install of the k member, it looks like I could move the motor another half inch forward with no issue before I start wondering about oil pan to k member clearance. That should give you enough room to mount it with Corvette accessories.

Re: AC bracket options
 

Which oil pan are you running?

Re: AC bracket options
 

GM makes a high mount bracket now for the pad mount AC compressor that comes with LS engine.

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19355805.html

Re: AC bracket options
 

Factory FBody pan.

Re: AC bracket options
 

Problem I have with the high mount units is interference with the heater control valve and the catch can.

Re: AC bracket options
 

Perfect. I really appreciate the insight here. You have helped me solve my problem.:thanks:

Re: AC bracket options
 

Hey, Shifty, I know you've built a serious engine and just want to make sure you realize the F-body windage tray is not full length because the pan is too shallow up front. Everything in the front crank bay (cylinders 1 & 2) will be exposed. Dimensions of most common oil pans is here,

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...ml#post6193942

Re: AC bracket options
 

Thanks for the heads up. I am running the improved racing windage, crank scraper and sump baffles, but with a stock stroke length. Hopefully, that does the trick. If not, I'll have to explore dry sump. I have used your post extensively when exploring pans.

Re: AC bracket options
 

Re: AC bracket options
 

Holley makes a similar bracket. The stock compressor is inefficient and not suited for the high reving LS motors. However, it can be a cost effective solution and can blend to give it an OEM look