ronkh57

My son has a 74. It originally had a/c in it. When he replaced the engine the a/c unit was removed. He is looking into a unit from Vintage Air. The guy who put the engine in told him not to replace the ac unit telling him that it could damage the engine.

The engine is a jegs 355cid.

Any thoughts?

Bowerss2

I don't see how replacing the AC compressor would damage the engine, I run a non-factory compressor on my 377. Lots of people run the vintage air unit, I hear good things.

gjohnson

I call B.S. on that one.

ronkh57

Thanks. The guy got him worried, so I figured I would double check it.

drwet

I can't even imagine what would motivate him to say something like that, unless the owner wanted the A/C reinstalled and he didn't feel like doing it.

ronkh57

If I remember correctly... They changed radiators to a smaller one since the new engine is bigger and they were afraid of heat and other issues.

Bowerss2

I still wouldn't worry about it, If the car still has a mechanical fan, you can add a small electric fan over the AC condenser to help it out (if you are stuck in traffic the AC might stop working as well).

Or do what I did and spring for a Dewitts fan, and call it a day

ronkh57

Thank you

Richard Daugird

Why on Earth would they put in a smaller radiator? I'd be lloking for a different "mechanic".

ronkh57

Engine is bigger if I recall correctly. But he moved down here so he got new mechanics....

drwet

Why would you put a smaller radiator in with a bigger engine??? What kind of logic is that?

ronkh57

My son corrected me. It's the same. The reason the mechanic said it is because it's the "racing engine".....
IMHO he just wanted to be done with the car.

redcruz1120

my 1974 with vintage system on a GM ZZ5. with a Dewitts radiator/dual electric fans with a Trinary switch to activate the fans on when high pressure is reached. like for example in traffic.

gbvette62

The only possible reason I can see for worrying about an AC system with a hi po engine, is the belts. Hi revving engines tend to throw belts, especially on an AC compressor, since compressors don't come with deep groove pulleys.

You're only going to throw a belt at high RPM, and if you do start throwing belts, you can always convert to a serpentine belt.

SteveG75

Which engine is it? Jegs sells 5 different 355's that range from 310hp to 385 hp. I think you could run AC on any of those.