A/C system and long tube headers
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
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A/C system and long tube headers
I am going to be acquiring all the parts to put my A/C back together. I haven't had A/C since I installed my headers nearly two years ago.
I've heard that a severe vibration will be experienced if the A/C system is engaged and the extra support brackets are not installed. There are four brackets that tie the A/C compressor and accessory bracket back to the the rest of the engine. 3 of these brackets go to manifold bolts and one of them goes back to the intake. The bracket that goes to the intake shouldn't be a problem. This bracket requires one of the other brackets to be installed, but it shouldn't be a big deal either.
Two of the brackets that used to go to the manifold shouldn't be a problem. I can use one of the orignal manifold bolts and a spacer to connect these. That will allow me to use the one bracket that goes back to the intake as well. This really only leaves one support disconnected. Unfortunately due to the shape of the header it is impossible to put back, the bolt would have to go through the header pipe.
Would 3 of the 4 supports be enough? I'm thinking that surely they will. What are your experiences on this?
I've heard that a severe vibration will be experienced if the A/C system is engaged and the extra support brackets are not installed. There are four brackets that tie the A/C compressor and accessory bracket back to the the rest of the engine. 3 of these brackets go to manifold bolts and one of them goes back to the intake. The bracket that goes to the intake shouldn't be a problem. This bracket requires one of the other brackets to be installed, but it shouldn't be a big deal either.
Two of the brackets that used to go to the manifold shouldn't be a problem. I can use one of the orignal manifold bolts and a spacer to connect these. That will allow me to use the one bracket that goes back to the intake as well. This really only leaves one support disconnected. Unfortunately due to the shape of the header it is impossible to put back, the bolt would have to go through the header pipe.
Would 3 of the 4 supports be enough? I'm thinking that surely they will. What are your experiences on this?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 603
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From: Atlanta
Re: A/C system and long tube headers (Nathan Plemons)
I'm glad you brought this up Nathan. I am looking into the HOK-2151's and was wondering the same thing. I was just going to ditch my braces, but the vibration issue sounds realistic. I sure would hate to use a few of my rusty stock bolts on a nice new set of headers. Anyway, I bet 3 out of 4 mounts will be plenty.
:lurk:
:lurk:
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
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Re: A/C system and long tube headers (BlackBeast2)
I sure would hate to use a few of my rusty stock bolts on a nice new set of headers.
Since it's a standard thread I'm thinking that after I get it all set up I can go get a clean one to put back in it's place. There is a place in town here called Diamond Screw that can match almost anything. They'll have the right thread and they can probably make it look a lot like the other ARP's that I've got. In any case at least it wouldn't be rusty. I'll spend the extra few cents to make it look good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,121
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From: Ca.
Re: A/C system and long tube headers (Nathan Plemons)
Before the SC, I had to "modify" the rear alt. bracket for the headers.....a vice, a torch, and a big hammer......then repaint it.....BTW Nathan-don't see how you've gone this long without AC!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: I'm the walkin dude I can see all of the world...
St. Jude Donor '03
Re: A/C system and long tube headers (Nathan Plemons)
When I put my shorty headers on I ran into the same problem. I just used a grinder and ground down the parts of the brakets which would be in contact. They can be ground down a pretty good bit and still retain structural rigity. Also since I'm convinced most of the wieght is put on these pieces in a pushing fashion not pulling I dont think It hurts the support a bit. I drove around using A/C for a year like this. I can send you pictures if you are confused :confused:
-Victor Russell
-Victor Russell
Thread Starter
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Re: A/C system and long tube headers (VictorRussell'92)
I think I've got it securely mounted. I've got 3 of the 4 brackets in place, it was actually very easy to do.
On the fourth one it isn't really the bracket that's the problem but rather there is nowhere to mount it anymore. I'll take some pics sometime today.
On the fourth one it isn't really the bracket that's the problem but rather there is nowhere to mount it anymore. I'll take some pics sometime today.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,670
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From: Severna Park MD
Re: A/C system and long tube headers (Nathan Plemons)
Nathan,
My 94 only has one bracket securing to the exhaust bolt. (Production change). With none of the brackets put back I had the severe vibration you describe. With the original two back I'm OK.
Because of taller valve covers I had to put two washers beneath the bracket where it bolts to the intake manifold. This makes it less sturdy and gives me a little viibration that I just live with.
My 94 only has one bracket securing to the exhaust bolt. (Production change). With none of the brackets put back I had the severe vibration you describe. With the original two back I'm OK.
Because of taller valve covers I had to put two washers beneath the bracket where it bolts to the intake manifold. This makes it less sturdy and gives me a little viibration that I just live with.