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

question for bczee and AC experts

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 2, 2012 | 09:11 PM
  #1  
1970-Cloned's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
Default question for bczee and AC experts

LS2 with stock corvette compressor

Classic Auto air conditioning system.

Bczee- I know you used the stock AC compressor because of past discussions, any issues or things I need to know about this.

I still have to figure out how to plum the classic auto air system to the stock hose/manifold. Any tips on this?

Last thing.

How do I know I have the hose correctly connected. One is larger and smaller. Small to Small hose and Large to Large hose?
Reply
Old May 2, 2012 | 10:48 PM
  #2  
-TheBandit-'s Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 86
From: Instagram @chevyhotrodder
Default

Supply (low side) is large, discharge (high side) is small. Yes, small to small, big to big. Docs Blocks has a few different adapters depending on which way you need to route your hoses. I thinkg Classic Auto Air also sells adapters, so you might just talk to them and get their input on how to plumb things up.
Reply
Old May 2, 2012 | 10:58 PM
  #3  
bczee's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,670
Likes: 6
From: Concord, CA
Default

Hey

Frist of all, I am no AC expert, know enought to get things working and recharnge systems. My setup should be considered a Budget approach and at best left or said that it WORKS !... (Maybe not the best).

So, for my conversion, the system is stock Chevelle with the Exception of the LS1 Compressor and some custom hoses / tubes, q combination of merging the LS1 and Chevelle hose. My local Hose and tube shop had done my AC lines a few years back and the hose were still in good condition so he was willing to merge the two sets of hoses and tubes. The Chevelle control are still in place and is what controls the System and Compressor as it would be for the Stock Chevelle HVAC system.

One Issue is that the 4th Gen F-body compressor are variable displacement compressor. So, The system will not be able to run at a 100% capacity under load. For the most part my system work and does get down to 45 degree, but under load while in bumper to bumper traffice or slow cruising. It starts to loose it cooling capacity and start to blow at 50-58 degree, Could be a air flow issue or the condensor/Evaporator not correctly size for the system or something (??), but if I am curising slow, my windows are open and checking out the site, cars and people anyway and the system is off.

There are some threads about turning one into a fixed displacement (do a search for it) by takeing it apart and welding/brazing the internals fixed. Some of the other Gen III/IV AC System do use fixed displacement compressor, so if you have one, that is good for this type of setup.

I also guess that knowning how much freon to use or try adjusting it might help to fine tune the system.

As far as the hoses and Tube, See if you have a Tubing and hose shop in the area. Maybe a Hydralics shop, ask a shop that services HD equipement (Tractor, turcke, forklifts, Backholes, etc) they would know who to use. Check out Doc's Block for AC manifolds and connector. You can also use AC rated SS Braided hose and AN Fitting.

The smaller lines are the High Pressure side of the system. The larger one is the Low pressuer side.

BC

Last edited by bczee; May 2, 2012 at 11:04 PM.
Reply
Old May 3, 2012 | 05:10 PM
  #4  
1970-Cloned's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
Default

Fine you may not be an AC expert but everytime I have a questions generally you have a knowledgeable answer.

Do you have more information on finding the post about turning a variable compressor into a fixed?

I hate to abandon the notched frame for a sanden compressor. Plus if I ever get done with this project a supercharger would be a nice addition and that is out if I use a non-stock drive.

Thank you for your help.
Reply
Old May 3, 2012 | 05:58 PM
  #5  
bczee's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,670
Likes: 6
From: Concord, CA
Default

Yup.. just found it by search on "Variable Compressor"...

https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...mpressors.html

Hope it help you finish up your project.

BC
Reply
Old May 3, 2012 | 07:14 PM
  #6  
Gray86hatch's Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
iTrader: (83)
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 4
From: Battle Creek Mi
Default

I have a stock 07 truck comp that is fixed on a stock bracket with vintage air. Used Docs Blocks had them leave the hoses uncrimped and mocked it and got them crimped local.

Make sure you get straight fittings for the two that will connect to the compressor.

Works great on the chevelle will 85 degrees out today and it was ice cold

Tim
Reply
Old May 4, 2012 | 08:03 AM
  #7  
1970-Cloned's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by Gray86hatch
I have a stock 07 truck comp that is fixed on a stock bracket with vintage air. Used Docs Blocks had them leave the hoses uncrimped and mocked it and got them crimped local.

Make sure you get straight fittings for the two that will connect to the compressor.

Works great on the chevelle will 85 degrees out today and it was ice cold

Tim
What accessory drive are you using? What I am asking is if I use the stock truck compressor can I still use the corvette belt drive?
Reply
Old May 4, 2012 | 08:09 AM
  #8  
1970-Cloned's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by bczee
Yup.. just found it by search on "Variable Compressor"...

https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...mpressors.html

Hope it help you finish up your project.

BC
I saw that post but it just says to remove the variable valve to make it fixed. These instructions seems vague to me.

The PDF just talks about replacing the variable compressor valve not changing it to a fixed compressor.

I guess DOCs blocks are no longer going to be selling AC blocks They are fazing out that division of their company.

I found a block on ebay that looks like it will work. I think I will get it together and try the variable and if I hate it then try to figure out how to change to a fixed compressor or buy the sanden compressor and relocate.
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 May 4, 2012 | 02:03 PM
  #9  
1989GTA's Avatar
TECH Junkie
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,092
Likes: 11
Default

Originally Posted by 1970-Cloned
I saw that post but it just says to remove the variable valve to make it fixed. These instructions seems vague to me.

The PDF just talks about replacing the variable compressor valve not changing it to a fixed compressor.

I guess DOCs blocks are no longer going to be selling AC blocks They are fazing out that division of their company.

I found a block on ebay that looks like it will work. I think I will get it together and try the variable and if I hate it then try to figure out how to change to a fixed compressor or buy the sanden compressor and relocate.
I agree. The instuctions were vague. I am in the same boat you are. Let us know what you find out.
Reply
Old May 4, 2012 | 03:32 PM
  #10  
-TheBandit-'s Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 86
From: Instagram @chevyhotrodder
Default

Originally Posted by 1970-Cloned
I guess DOCs blocks are no longer going to be selling AC blocks They are fazing out that division of their company.
Oh man that sucks!!! Where/how did you hear about that?
Reply
Old May 4, 2012 | 03:41 PM
  #11  
-TheBandit-'s Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 86
From: Instagram @chevyhotrodder
Default

Man, just got off the phone with them and confirmed they are going to stop selling the Docs Blocks line. If you need a compressor block, better get it while you can! Lady on the phone said as soon as they go out of stock, that's it.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:12 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