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A/C and headers...Special Fabrication?

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Old May 6, 2003 | 08:42 PM
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Default A/C and headers...Special Fabrication?

I'm having my mechanic put my A/C back together. Some Bubba a-hole ripped it out to gain, I don't know, 2 horsepower. And of course he did it to save weight.

40 pounds?

Oh well. I been sweating my everloving cojones off because of his search for the ultimate performance machine (thank God he left the engine alone).

My mechanic says there's going to have to be custom fabrication done to mount the A/C to the headers. Is this true? I'm thinking it can't be, because I can't be the only guy here with headers who also wants A/C.

The mechanic also said something about a lot of money.... :sad:

Any advice is much appreciated.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 08:49 PM
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Default Re: A/C and headers...Special Fabrication? (joeveto)

Joe,

What is your year of vette, engine size and what type of headers are you using? I installed the Hedman headers on my '80 L48 and had only to saw an ear off of the a/c bracket where it once attached at the first exhaust manifold bolt on the passenger side. Otherwise, no modifications and the a/c compressor still mounts via the modified bracket to the front of the cylinder head and via a metal rod to the passenger side middle intake manifold bolt/nut.

BTW, I have a bracket that I ordered when my headers indicated it was required. I didn't use it. Cheap, $5 plus S&H. I think I paid $10-15 + S&H from Jegs.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 09:16 PM
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Default Re: A/C and headers...Special Fabrication? (joeveto)

:seeya One word "spacer" between bracket and header. :yesnod: Was your mechanic wearing a mask? :rofl: :skep: :boxing
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Old May 6, 2003 | 09:24 PM
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Default Re: A/C and headers...Special Fabrication? (joeveto)

Most likely your headers will kiss the evap box. To maximize performance, you'll need to insulate between the two.
After you remove the manifold and before you install the headers, remove the evap box and clean out all the leaves and crud. Then insulate the INSIDE of the box on the side nearest the headers with double foil faced bubble insulation. Glue it in with weatherstrip glue. Reinstall evap cover and seal up real well for max airflow.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 09:30 PM
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Default Re: A/C and headers...Special Fabrication? (joeveto)

No, nothing needed w/ the 77 up rotary A/C comp. & have mentioned before that you do not have to use the former manifold connection w/ headers.

You can use a spacer if you want, see: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...347#1543932347
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Old May 7, 2003 | 10:45 AM
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Default Re: A/C and headers...Special Fabrication? (joeveto)


The mechanic also said something about a lot of money.... :sad:

Any advice is much appreciated.
My Advice, time for a new Mechanic - he's trying to take you down the river. A spacer is all that is needed for 77 and up. - If he cant make a spacer for you for about 80 cents (parts & labor) then he isnt worth the time.
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