Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

low mount a/c compressor

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 03:03 PM
  #1  
edge04's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 626
Likes: 1
Default low mount a/c compressor

I have a 71 camaro with a stock subframe. I am thinking about mounting an a/c compressor low. Does anyone know of some that sells a kit to do this on an LS motor? I will have to notch my subframe. I am curious as to how the belt works, is the comressor on its on belt driven off the crank pulley?

Doesn't have to be a camaro but if anyone has pics of their compressor mounted in the low position that would be great.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 04:05 PM
  #2  
John McGraw's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX
Default

Street and Performance sells a low mount compressor mount that does not require notching the crossmember. It mounts the Sanden compressor and drives off of the same belt that drives all the other accessories, not the rear belt like the OEM compressor does. I have used this mount on 2 of my cars, and the only downside, is that a spring loaded tensioner will not supply sufficent force to keep from "chirping" the belt. I switched to a K-tech tensioner, and the problem was resolved.


Regards, John McGraw
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 04:09 PM
  #3  
edge04's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 626
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by John McGraw
Street and Performance sells a low mount compressor mount that does not require notching the crossmember. It mounts the Sanden compressor and drives off of the same belt that drives all the other accessories, not the rear belt like the OEM compressor does. I have used this mount on 2 of my cars, and the only downside, is that a spring loaded tensioner will not supply sufficent force to keep from "chirping" the belt. I switched to a K-tech tensioner, and the problem was resolved.


Regards, John McGraw
The one on page 84 here?

http://www.hotrodlane.cc/2010%20PDF%...g2010main.html
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 06:37 PM
  #4  
FastKat's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

Just a suggestion - I don't know what accessory spacing you're running, but it looks like the 2009-12 CTS-V A/C compressor is really small. I don't know exactly where your fitment issue is (height, width, etc) but if it's close then it might get you there. The whole kit (Compressor, mount, brackets, belt, belt install tool) is about $285 shipped. I am going to order one in the next couple weeks.
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 07:11 PM
  #5  
edge04's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 626
Likes: 1
Default

my issue is that i have a maggy SC on this motor, so i want to run the a/c on it's own belt, this will help with belt slip which i am having.

looking to do something like this:

http://www.lateral-g.net/tech_articles/LS7_install/
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 07:28 PM
  #6  
S10xGN's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,782
Likes: 7
From: Port Neches, TX
Default

Originally Posted by edge04
my issue is that i have a maggy SC on this motor, so i want to run the a/c on it's own belt, this will help with belt slip which i am having.

looking to do something like this:

http://www.lateral-g.net/tech_articles/LS7_install/
Well that definitely rules out the S&P setup, as all accy's run on one belt...
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2012 | 07:55 PM
  #7  
edge04's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 626
Likes: 1
Default

^^ I was looking at the one in their catalog here on page 84

http://www.hotrodlane.cc/2010%20PDF%...g2010main.html
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 01:23 AM
  #8  
runpasthefence's Avatar
On The Tree
20 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 11
From: charleston, sc
Default

I'm in the same situation with my LQ9 an MP112. I sent S&P an email a week ago, but received no response. I hadn't seen this option and was resigned to fabricating something on my own.



This looks like a good option, but I could do without the bling. Seems a little pricey, but should still get me cold breeze for under $1k.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 04:30 AM
  #9  
garys 68's Avatar
TECH Junkie
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 39
From: Camdenton, MO
Default

H&H Classic used to list a bracket, cant find it now though. Contact them.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 06:58 AM
  #10  
Slow Motion Speed's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default cts-v

Does anyone know if the ctsv compressor has to be controlled by the bcm or is the standard two wire control?
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 08:57 AM
  #11  
FastKat's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

The CTS-V runs on its own A/C belt, just like most of the other LS-based engines except the LS9. I have no idea what the LS9 does for A/C. I think you can use the LSA compressor if you have the Corvette accessory spacing, which is also found on the Cadillac CTS-V (2004-2012) and the Pontiac G8. If you have F-body, GTO, or truck accessories, I don't think it will work.

That picture from the Lateral-g website shows the A/C belt out in front of the A/C belt - I've never seen one like that before!

GM sells the LSA A/C compressor kit out of their GM Performance Parts catalog, so I am hoping that they made it work with a single on-off wire (one power and one ground.) I have not gotten my hands on the wiring diagram yet, so I am not 100% sure. Worst case, you could probably make the compressor cycle with a high pressure switch.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 12:44 PM
  #12  
pdlightning's Avatar
Teching In
10 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clarita
Default

I am using the LS1 crate motor from a Corvette. The spacing on the harmonic balancer allows the use of a low mount A/C set up from a 2011 Grand Sport with a LS3. ( I know this from measuring a friends car) Don't know when the Corvette went to low mount A/C , but this a/c belt runs off the rear of the balancer. This set up wont work for the F-body as the harmonic balancer sits farther forward than the Corvette Y-body.

Now all we need is the low mount alternator set up for the same balancer. (drivers side) (Corvette).
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2012 | 01:02 PM
  #13  
edge04's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 626
Likes: 1
Default

I am hoping that movig the compressor forward and running the belt in front will remove having to notch my subframe.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2012 | 08:10 PM
  #14  
FastKat's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

Originally Posted by pdlightning
Now all we need is the low mount alternator set up for the same balancer. (drivers side) (Corvette).
The 2008-2009 G8 run Corvette spacing (so you can use the Corvette crank pulley) but have a low-mount alternator and high-mount PS pump. The 2004-2007 CTS-V has pretty much the same setup, also using the Corvette crank pulley.

I think all LS-based engines have the low-mount A/C compressor. I am not sure about the FWD cars and the LS9 though.
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2012 | 08:11 PM
  #15  
FastKat's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

Where does the subframe interfere? Does the compressor need to go up, forward, etc?

I ordered the LSA A/C compressor kit today. It should be here in a couple weeks. If you want, I can take some pics so you can see what it looks like installed. It might work for your setup.

Originally Posted by edge04
I am hoping that movig the compressor forward and running the belt in front will remove having to notch my subframe.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2012 | 09:54 PM
  #16  
Stovebolter's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Harrison Arkansas
Default

Don't know if it will help but I noticed Billet Specialties makes a couple setups. Ill be going this route in the end most likely. BTW, very nice set up with the Camaro. I'm wanting to go with a Maggie myself.

David

http://http://www.billetspecialties.com/item.asp?cid=32&scid=285&pid=849

Scratch that. Just noticed its single belt. Subscribing here. Curious as to your solution since I'll be in same boat.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2012 | 12:37 PM
  #17  
shoshorton's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default

Not sure if you are still looking, but I have the AC compressor and mounting bracket from a 2007 CTS-V LS2 with 27K miles. I had to purchase a sanden style compressor to bring mine up to the top for a '67 corvette restomod project. It does run on a separate belt, etc. If interested let me know. Thanks.

Last edited by shoshorton; Apr 10, 2012 at 12:55 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2012 | 02:43 PM
  #18  
edge04's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 626
Likes: 1
Default

I have lots of realestate in front of the subframe between the rad and engine. I plan on making some brackets that will weld to the sub frame and mount the compressor there and run it off the rear crank pulley. Looks like a standard sanden compressor will work but I may look to run a smaller one like the CTS one or Hondas and WRX' come with really small ones.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2012 | 03:21 PM
  #19  
TomM's Avatar
TECH Resident
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (57)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 857
Likes: 31
From: Baytown, Texas
Default

Take a look at the Alan Grove, bottom of the page under LS1...

http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/LS.htm

T,
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2012 | 04:19 PM
  #20  
FastKat's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

I just did some experimentation. The truck A/C compressor through the late 2000's is very short. It fits (with slight modification) in the 2009-2012 Cadillac CTS-V A/C compressor mount. When mounted in the CTS-V mount, the truck compressor lines up perfectly with the A/C belt on the Corvette accessories. If you want to, you can cut off a lot of the CTS-V bracket - it sticks out behind the back of the truck A/C compressor.

Also noteworthy is that the truck A/C compressor is only held on with 3 bolts when mounted in the CTS-V bracket. It has two bolts in the front and one in the back. Don't worry about this - a lot of GM A/C compressors are mounted like this with only 3 bolts.

You gain about 1.5 inches of clearance at the back of the compressor by switching from the Cadillac compressor to the truck compressor.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:49 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE