AC replacement / upgrade

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Aug 19, 2017 | 12:58 PM

Majer3rd

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 8

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From: FL

AC replacement / upgrade

Hello,

I am refreshing my AC system in my 79 corvette with everything new. In the process I am upgrading to a Sanden 508 form the R4 compressor and replacing the condenser with a parallel flow condenser from classic air.

I know several C3 owners have upgraded to Sanden compressors, but has anyone installed them with a low mount where the mechanical fuel pump would be? If so, do you have any pictures and recommendation on the installation.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Vintage-Air/96...0-VCB/10002/-1

If I can use this low mount, I would need to upgrade to an electric fuel pump. What are the recommendations for a reliable pump that will work with the stock Quadrajet?

Aug 19, 2017 | 04:42 PM

BLUE1972

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 19,258

Likes: 1,678

From: Long Island

In tank is best, the Edelbrock or Holley frame mounts work well but are noisy - both are rated at 6 PSI.

Aug 19, 2017 | 11:51 PM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 37,637

Likes: 3,118

From: Crossville TN

Why would you want it down there? Yes, it's out of the way. But, when you need to work on it....it's out of the way!!

I bought the Classic Air upgrade kit and the brackets put the compressor down & in front of where the original compressor fit. No problem getting to plugs with that location.

I though about the low mount...and then decided better of it.

Aug 20, 2017 | 09:02 AM

Street Rat

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 5,339

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From: Central Texas

Top mount Sanden on my '81.

Aug 20, 2017 | 09:57 AM

Big2Bird

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 8,837

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Street Rat

Top mount Sanden on my '81.

Craig, could you post a source for that compressor and brackets sometime. I'm on the road with the brand new R4, and it 3000 miles, it's already sounding like a bag of rocks.

Aug 20, 2017 | 02:22 PM

Street Rat

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 5,339

Likes: 546

From: Central Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big2Bird

Craig, could you post a source for that compressor and brackets sometime. I'm on the road with the brand new R4, and it 3000 miles, it's already sounding like a bag of rocks.

I called Classic Auto Air in Florida. They sold me a kit with Alan Grove brackets which are awesome. They don't list the kits for the 80-82 in the catalog because the hoses have to be made up. CAA supplies all that you need. Hoses, fittings, brackets, etc.

Call Ron at (813) 251-2356 He should be able to fix you up.

Last edited by Street Rat; Aug 20, 2017 at 02:39 PM.

Aug 21, 2017 | 09:01 AM

Majer3rd

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 8

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From: FL

Is that the 7 series compressor? I ordered a kit from them with the condensor and I requested a sanden compressor. I learned its not Sanden but sanden type 7 series.
I'm on the fence about it since I can get the vintage air Sanden brand 5 series rear exit compressor for 199 from jegs. They want 800 for their kit. I can save a few hundred if I go elsewhere.

Aug 23, 2017 | 11:24 AM

Majer3rd

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 8

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From: FL

I just picked up the kit from Classic Air.
New Sanden style 7 series compressor
accumulator and orifice tube
Parallel flow condenser
hoses with ends installed (Sanden ends not installed on hoses yet)
Sanden compressor compression hose ends.
Alan Grove compressor brackets
o-rings

$834 with tax

I also bought new evaporator, hard line, and wiring harness from online corvette parts. The entire system will be new

Last edited by Majer3rd; Aug 23, 2017 at 11:26 AM.