2nd Gen Trans Am and LS3 swap Accessory ?s
#1
2nd Gen Trans Am and LS3 swap Accessory ?s
Hi - in terms of the A/C location is it better to go with a high or low mount option?
Is there any way to retain the A/C unit that I already have or do I have to go to a new one? It’s an aftermarket Vintage Air like setup.
If I do have to go to a new compressor can I still control it with my stock cable based controls?
Thanks!
Is there any way to retain the A/C unit that I already have or do I have to go to a new one? It’s an aftermarket Vintage Air like setup.
If I do have to go to a new compressor can I still control it with my stock cable based controls?
Thanks!
Last edited by twilightTA; 12-26-2018 at 06:41 PM.
#2
TECH Senior Member
If it's a Sanden compressor you might be able to keep it. Look at Holley's website to see which compressors are supported
#4
If you want to use that alt, a Holley based FEAD might be the best option. I'd ditch the OEM A/C system if the budget allows it. A Vintage Air system is very clean looking and gets my vote. Don't forget to start a build thread to share your swap. You''ll get more responses with a thread with pics.
#7
I would think so. But it depends on the electrical components that you add.
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#8
Launching!
iTrader: (14)
I used the Corvette/Holley High mount style on my car for several years. Upgraded to a factory vette 145 amp alternator but my electrical system seemed to be working "too hard". Voltae with everything one (fans, ac, radio, everything else) was around 12.5v at idle. swapped alternators, same results. I just swapped to Holley's new Mid mount setup that uses a Mechman style alternator. That thing is so much cleaner and the alternator puts out like 100 amps at idle. Voltage is 14.0v with everything on at idle. If you are changing setups, I would suggest that one.
Last edited by 130fe; 01-01-2019 at 02:59 AM.
#9
I agree the Holley's new midmount setup looks really nice (and compact) It uses the LT1 WP cartridge, so replacement is easily found.
twilightTA
Holley offers hi and low mount options for A/C compressors. They require using curtain compressors. You need to decide which style you want to run. I personally have a GMPP vette style setup in my 70 Camaro with VA Air system using
http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/LS.htm lowmount system. I am using their truck spacing as I am running VVT.
Back when I was researching FEAD systems, I've read the 4th gen f-body may have fitment issues on 2nd gen FIredirds. I don't recall what it was. I do remember it was fixable. Try a SEARCH here and on NASTYZ28 or whatever forums you belong to. You will find it.
twilightTA
Holley offers hi and low mount options for A/C compressors. They require using curtain compressors. You need to decide which style you want to run. I personally have a GMPP vette style setup in my 70 Camaro with VA Air system using
http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/LS.htm lowmount system. I am using their truck spacing as I am running VVT.
Back when I was researching FEAD systems, I've read the 4th gen f-body may have fitment issues on 2nd gen FIredirds. I don't recall what it was. I do remember it was fixable. Try a SEARCH here and on NASTYZ28 or whatever forums you belong to. You will find it.
#10
Thanks everyone for your help! I just purchased the engine/transmission this past week and have been catching up on my research. From what I've read so far, this is what I've seen working:
Corvette Accessory Drive (GM ) without A/C seems to always fit. Some have been able to fit the kit with A/C too. It appears to be safest to mount the A/C up top on the passenger side (which is where I have it currently).
My situation is as follows: As mentioned above I already have a 1 year old Mechman 170A Alternator on my Pontiac 400 setup. I'm not sure though if this will fit in the LS accessory drive brackets.
Mechman 170A
I also am running a Sanden 508 A/C compressor as part of my Old Air setup (direct competitor to Vintage Air). I do not want to mess with my A/C setup if at all possible.
Given that I already have accessories (assuming they'll fit) that I believe are better than those in the Corvette kit, I'm thinking that I should go with one of the bracket setups instead of the complete kits.
For my steering, I'm currently running a GM 800 Steering box. From my research the Type 2 Power Steering Pumps may require a power steering pressure reducer although I haven't been able to find any info about the type 2 interacting with the 800 box. I'm assuming that I can't use my OEM Pontiac pump.
Corvette Accessory Drive (GM ) without A/C seems to always fit. Some have been able to fit the kit with A/C too. It appears to be safest to mount the A/C up top on the passenger side (which is where I have it currently).
My situation is as follows: As mentioned above I already have a 1 year old Mechman 170A Alternator on my Pontiac 400 setup. I'm not sure though if this will fit in the LS accessory drive brackets.
Mechman 170A
I also am running a Sanden 508 A/C compressor as part of my Old Air setup (direct competitor to Vintage Air). I do not want to mess with my A/C setup if at all possible.
Given that I already have accessories (assuming they'll fit) that I believe are better than those in the Corvette kit, I'm thinking that I should go with one of the bracket setups instead of the complete kits.
For my steering, I'm currently running a GM 800 Steering box. From my research the Type 2 Power Steering Pumps may require a power steering pressure reducer although I haven't been able to find any info about the type 2 interacting with the 800 box. I'm assuming that I can't use my OEM Pontiac pump.
#11
One more question. If I was to go to that mid mount Holley setup - it uses a Sanden SD7 compressor. Any idea if it's plug and play to swap a Sanden SD508 with the SD7?
Thanks again
Thanks again
#12
Launching!
iTrader: (14)
TwilightTA, there are a couple of differences when it comes to the gm corvette style vs the Holley high mount. They "look" the same but the alternators are different and they wont interchange. The corvette bracket only uses the corvette alternator. The Holley version uses the F-body/truck alternator. The F-body/truck alternator is slightly smaller and cheaper to replace. As for your old stuff, the PS pump- not compatible. Both of those systems use a corvette PS pump (which you have to buy an adaptor) to fit an AN style line. as for your old Mechman alternator, you would have to measure the mount spacing. I used the corvette setup with the Holley AC brackets. Looks like they were made to fit together. After having the old Vette/Holley setup and now the Holley Mid mount I would recommend you look at the mid mount. Price difference isn't that much after everything is said and done. The Mid mount has a Mechman style alternator already. Sell what you have and go that route. Nothing wrong with the High mount setup but I like the mid mount so much better.
I just swap from the 508 to sd7 style compressor. I did have to change one of my hose ends, I wasn't able to use the 120 fitting that came with my vintage air set for the 508. Other than that if your lines reach, you just have to get the "manifolds" (fittings) that screw into the sd7. I think I paid $35 for them at Summit.
I just swap from the 508 to sd7 style compressor. I did have to change one of my hose ends, I wasn't able to use the 120 fitting that came with my vintage air set for the 508. Other than that if your lines reach, you just have to get the "manifolds" (fittings) that screw into the sd7. I think I paid $35 for them at Summit.
#15
#16
TECH Resident
twilightTA, I'm assuming you got a new Sanden SD7 compressor, right? If so, is it from Holley? Where is the compressor made?
I'll be starting my LS into my Fox body Mustang swap thread here real soon. I've been working on it for 2 yrs and I'm getting close to having to deal with the FEAD and air conditioning. I know it's near impossible to avoid chinese made products but I try to as best as I can.
I'll be starting my LS into my Fox body Mustang swap thread here real soon. I've been working on it for 2 yrs and I'm getting close to having to deal with the FEAD and air conditioning. I know it's near impossible to avoid chinese made products but I try to as best as I can.
#18
The alternator is US made but not sure on the steering pump as I no longer have it. I believe most of the pulleys are GM parts. I see a Made in Canada label on one of them.
#19
TECH Resident
Thank you for the picture and the details, twilight. Awesome that the parts aren't made in china! Just to confirm, this is the Holley mid-mount kit, right?