Vipermike

I used a reusable cone type air filter similar to filters used in modern car fresh air kits.

With that setup the filter can be secured directly to the air meter or located in front of the radiator with the intake air flowing through a somewhat original looking duct.

MikeM

An easy way out not yet mentioned is to use the long water pump and associated accessory brackets and pullies.

AC compressor hangs on the right manifold, alternator mounts in front of the right valve cover. That leaves room for the PS pump if you want it along with the stock air cleaner.

You'd need to modify the fuel line coming up from the pump to clear the alternator. You could shove the fan up in the shroud the additional amount but a better setup would be to remove the stock clutch fan and shroud and go with electric, switched on when the AC is on to keep air flowing over the condenser at low speed.

Texaspilot180

That would solve my space issues but at that price, I'd rather loose some weight sweating without AC. I'm sure they are available for a lot less somewhere.

Texaspilot180

Hadn't thought about that, a long pump would likely move things forward just enough to make it all work and still look relatively original. I got the FI air cleaner mounted last night, will have the radiator and shroud in tonight and will measure the space and see how a long pump might work. Interesting idea, thanks!

OldKarz

This may be the easiest, cheapest option!

jkuzzy

LOL...I don't live too far from you. All I do is drive it earlier in the morning!

sub006

Maybe the original question should be turned around. In the last 47 years, I'm sure more than one C2 owner has installed FI on his factory A/C car, low compression, hydraulic lifters and all.

Texaspilot180

Go for coffee then go home before it gets hot!

Texaspilot180

Thats what was I was thinking but other than a few C1 guys using flex hose and a short stack style air cleaner, I haven't found anyone that has done this with a factory FI C2 car.

I'm working a street rod shop owner that is also a Vintage Air dealer, and have provided them with photos showing the FI air cleaner, upper radiator hose, fan shroud etc in place. The current proposed solution after discussiing with Vintage Air is to mount the Sanden AC compressor on the passenger side as is typically done on all afternarket installs, then mount a street rod style mini alternator low on the driver side where the PS pump would be. This seems the only way to keep the original FI air cleaner in place. If I use a short stack type air cleaner then I'll need to also change the drivers side exhaust manifold, as my original has no provision for mounting anything to it like the passenger side. If the mini alternator works I'm going to do that, as it will be low and somewhat hidden and put the polished Sanden compressor on the passenger side. We'll see. I'll post pics eventually once I get it sorted out.

Texaspilot180

I'm beginning to think so. I don't mind going by myself... ends those discussions about "when are we going to leave"," can we go over to the mall", "this is boring".... etc.... But really, AC is important here in Texas so I'll keep at it, there is a solution and it will develop.

Nowhere Man

what did people do before A/C? why devalue a car like a 65 FI.

Texaspilot180

I don't know if adding aftermarket AC will devalue the car all that much. It's not a 100% NCRS car anyway. I've not physically altered the car and I'm trying not to so the aftermarket AC can be removed by someone later if they want to back to original heat - defrost only. Without AC it won't get much use given our summer temps and the AC will make using the car more enjoyable. AC was available in 65, just not on every car and not on the FI cars, so I guess people just endured the heat and tolerated it.

sub006

If original Texas coupe buyers were smart, they insisted on white or silver, inside and out. Silver seats in my red non-A/C car made summer driving in sunny Southern California tolerable.

Texaspilot180

Well, my coupe is Rally Red with black interior, so it will be hot in there without AC.

Looks like a potential solution is developing to put the alternator where the PS pump would be using a mini alternator which is quite a bit smaller than the stock GM in both diameter and depth but still produces the needed amps. Should have a final idea if this option will pan out or not shortly. If it does, then the Vintage Air goes on the passenger side with a polished compressor and the small chrome mini on the lower left side. The mini unit looks just like the factory GM part, just smaller. Hope it works, need to move the AC install along and get the wiring and dash back in.

magicv8

Yeah. Look for GM executive/show cars. I think I saw it either in Mike's Museum at Mid America, or in Bob McDorman's collection.

Those exceptions are like the 64 BB with A-C and 4 wheel disc brakes that an exec's wife got. Money was no object.

Texaspilot180

Normally it would be a big deal to add AC, its just that big FI air cleaner on the drivers side preventing me from relocaitng the alternator there. Been looking everywhere I can for pics of custom install's, show cars, etc like those you mentioned. Found pne pic of a C2 FI with the alternator mounted in the center, slightly left, using a shorter oil fill tube. Not a real clean install, looked odd, but that car also had PS added so that space wasn't available. I'm still thinking my best bet is the mini alternator where the PS pump would be, and have a street rod shop looking into the brackets/alternator/wiring etc to see if that works for me.

wmf62

i have seen some very small alternators lately... let me know how it goes
Bill

Texaspilot180

Bill - Yes, the mini alternator looks very promising for this situation. I'll post an end result with photos once we get the issue resolved and the AC installed and car running. Jeff

64_365

Take a look at the albums on my profile. No, I don't know where the brackets came from.

I apologize if someone has already posted this but I have only skimmed this thread, the obvious solution to me is a front runner system.