I've been collecting parts and am finally putting my car back together.

I need to keep a/c but would like to run a Fahler log manifold with a turbo. Is it possible to keep air? If so how could I do it?

I am in the process of notching the frame and building a custom bracket to put the a/c in the lower passenger side.

Is this a pipe dream? I have heard of people talking about keeping air but haven't seen any pictures.

Thank you
Bill

 

Anything is possible, but that is a very broad question. I'd see if Fahler can provide measurements. Also depending on what engine accessories, engine mounts, and AC compressor you run it can make a difference on fitment. I'd say that you would absolutely need a frame notch to run one down low.

 

From what I've seen, much will depend on what accessory spacing and the fore/aft positioning of the motor as well. So your cross member and mounting position.

 

Sorry for not including more information. I already cut the subframe for the sanden 508 compressor, I made my own motor swap plates and put the engine in line with the motor mount on the engine so a good bit forward. I am using an lq4 and keeping the truck spacing. I think I will need to pu the compressor on the front pulley but it looks like it will fit. I have the vintage air kit and the Fahler log and when I mock it up it loks like it will fit.

I didn't want to spend the hours trying to make it fit when everyone knows it will not.

I read JoeNova and thebanditt threads. JoeNova is using a kbracing log, very similar, but I do not see if he was able to keep a/c. Thebanditt has the a/c low but no turbo.

I have not found anyone who has done it.

A/c is need the turbo is want. Badly want but a want.

Thank you forythe replies.

ryeguy2006a
Haggar

 

I'd say fit up the AC compressor and build the turbo around that. Worst case, you will just have to build your own log.

When I mocked up the motor in my car I used a Sanden SD7 compressor and it fit nice down low at the truck spacing. I used Clint's (Bandit) frame notches as the template for when I did mine since the Camaro and Nova frames are very similar. I'm having to completely rethink this though given that I'm running CTS-V accessories now which runs the main accessories at Corvette spacing.

 

Good point. I'll be placing the A/C low anyway so just get in and see..

I don't see any builds or discussions of someone doing it so I was making sure I wasn't missing something.

Thanks!

 

What's the best place for intercooler/condenser placement? Separate them if possible?

 

Factory AC suitcase or aftermarket under dash? On my car the evaporator suitcase would get in the way of any reasonably-sized downpipe. The log manifold itself might clear okay but the no 6 & 8 would be questionable. If you have an underdash AC unit (Vintage Air for example) that would make it much more doable.

Assuming you low-mount the compressor like I did, fitting a cross-over pipe would be challenging but I think it could be done. Keep in mind I'm using a factory Denso 10S17 compressor which uses the rear dedicated 4rib AC belt position. If you run a Sanden on the main 6rib belt, the compressor will be further forward and may take up space that you need for a crossover pipe. Either way, it would require some clever routing of the lower radiator/coolant hose and possibly a custom/aftermarket waterpump neck/thermostat housing. If you have an auto trans and need to run coolant lines, you could probably do something similar to what I did and run them on the top/outside of the subframe to provide more room for turbo plumbing. Overall I'd say yes it could be done.

If you want any detailed photos of mine let me know. I can take measurements for you as needed.

 

This thread might help.