Low mount AC on a 72 Stingray?
Low mount AC on a 72 Stingray? 
Has anyone tried to fit an AC down low on a 68-82 Corvette? I've got the standard 6.0L truck low mount setup and it looks like it would be very close to the engine cross member and passenger motor mount. Has anyone done it? Pictures... Thanks 
TECH Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX
I have looked at trying to put a stock low-mount A/C in this chassis, and decided that it just would not work. I shaved some material off of the mounting bracket to move the compressor closet to the block, shaved some material off of the compressor bosses, and trimed some off of the motor mounts to clear the rear exit on the compressor, but after all was said and done, It was clear that I would have to raise the motor up at least 8" to ever remove the compressor. I opted for the smaller Sanden compressor with one of S&P mounts that moves the compressor close to the block and moves it forward to drive off the front belt instead of the rear belt slot like original.
This setup uses a single belt instead of 2 belts. You can make the stock compressor work, bit it is way too much trouble, and it is not that good a solution when you are done. Don't forget, that the engine centerline in you car is offset 1" to the passenger side to accomodate the IRS, so the clearance to the Passenger side frame rail is TIGHT! I have sen many people take measurement, and decide that there was enough clearance for an item in a Corvette, only to be derailed when the engine was mounted in the correct offset position.
Regards, John McGraw
This setup uses a single belt instead of 2 belts. You can make the stock compressor work, bit it is way too much trouble, and it is not that good a solution when you are done. Don't forget, that the engine centerline in you car is offset 1" to the passenger side to accomodate the IRS, so the clearance to the Passenger side frame rail is TIGHT! I have sen many people take measurement, and decide that there was enough clearance for an item in a Corvette, only to be derailed when the engine was mounted in the correct offset position.
Regards, John McGraw
Last edited by John McGraw; Aug 27, 2006 at 09:22 AM.
Originally Posted by John McGraw
Don't forget, that the engine centerline in you car is offset 1" to the passenger side to accomodate the IRS...
Is that why? I always assumed it was go get a balanced side to side weight distribution with just the driver in the car. And I didn't even notice it until I dropped the new motor in.
TECH Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by 70 LS1
Is that why? I always assumed it was go get a balanced side to side weight distribution with just the driver in the car. And I didn't even notice it until I dropped the new motor in.
Regards, John McGraw
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Originally Posted by Randy_M
I have not done a search but want to do this installation with a LQ9. The hood clearance has got to be a concern so what has everyone done about this problem?
If forced induction is your goal the LQ4 or LQ9 would be a good choice but if it’s a normally aspirated build why not go with an aluminum block to save some weight. There's about an 80lb difference between the two. The hood clearance issue is not a problem when an lS1/LS6 intake is used. And damn this truck Intake is UGLY!!!
Back to the Low Mount AC install, I'm planning to install a triangulated 4-link rear replacing the IRS. So do you think centering the motor between the frame rails would help the AC install? I know it would give me more room for the turbo on the passenger side. This one needs all the room it can get...
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX
I would doubt that there is sufficient clearance in the tunnell to move the trans over without surgery on the tunnell. I know on C2 cars there is not. You can not even put a Tremec trans in a C2 without sectioning the tunnell, and that is without even moving the trans!
Regards, John McGraw
Regards, John McGraw
Originally Posted by John McGraw
I would doubt that there is sufficient clearance in the tunnell to move the trans over without surgery on the tunnell. I know on C2 cars there is not. You can not even put a Tremec trans in a C2 without sectioning the tunnell, and that is without even moving the trans!
I'll know more once I mount the engine in the frame and run the turbo plumbing. Thanks for the input...