Hi Folks,

I have an '87 305 TPI Trans Am and would like to add A/C to it (It didn't have AC from the factory). I know of a '91 305 TBI that is being parted out, that i could take all of the hoses, condenser etc from. Would it be a straight (ish) forward swap job? I assume that being a V8 of relatively close year, the mounting etc would be the same?

Any thoughts / advice etc welcome!

Thanks,

Ray

 

87 used V belts and stamped steel brackets. 88-92 used superior aluminum brackets and a serpentine belt setup. Strip the donor car of EVERYTHING, including the alternator, PS pump, air pump, water pump, AC compressor, and every nut, bolt, stud, washer and ancillary bracket to do the swap.

Of course the heater box and control head unit are also required.

 

Thank you eseibel67! As the donor car isn't too near where i live, it would be a case of driving down there one day and parting out what i can, so that is good advice there as i won't get a second chance at it.

I guess there is no way around the serpentine belt situation? It would be nice if i would only need to add say a dual pulley for instance, to be able to add an extra belt to hook up the compressor to get it to spin. Apologies for my naivety as i've only had the T/A for 1 month and it's the 1st 3rd gen i've owned, so learning my way around it all. I'm thinking ahead at how much extra the guy would want for taking those parts too (PS pump etc). But of course, if there's no way around it then i'll see what i can negotiate with him.

Would i need any wiring that needs installing / splicing into etc?

Thanks again for your help,

Ray

 

In addition to the heater/vent box and control panel, you also need the vaccum harness, air ducts, side vents, defroster vent tree, evaporator box and all the lines and condenser of course. It would be much easier if you get an a/c setup from an 87 and earlier so it's correct for your vbelts.

 

This is correct, it would be easier if you find an earlier donor.