Air-conditioned

[dante]

Has anyone Air-conditioned a 240Z that has been updated with a V8.

Dante

[sblake01]

Not personally, but I've seen a few with the Vintage Air setup. Maybe a bit pricey, but it's about the best aftermarket sytem I've seem. I'm a tech and I did work on a 73 that had a V8 conversion a couple years ago. Basically his car had the old aftermarket system that was so common in the early Z back in the day, but he had the GM (AC Delco i think) compressor on it and I replaced it for him along with the receiver/drier and some hoses. It cooled a little better than the York compressor that system originally used, but not much better.

[dante]

Has anyone Air-conditioned a 240Z that has been updated with a V8.

Dante

[sblake01]

I thought that there was some glitch with the answer I gave until I realized that you asked this question in two different threads.

[ezzzzzzz]

There is no difference as far as how the a/c works. You'll have to locate the compressor to clear the framerails and/or inner wheelwells and/or hood. New hoses will likely be required as will a recovery and refill of the freon used. If you're talking about the old style York refrigierator compressor then you'll need to modernize to a Sanden type. This is wise anyhow as these are units more compact and have less vibration issues. There is more to it as details go. There are a couple of good books on the subject. One is from Vintage Air but it has a lot of redundant information. You can find it a most book stores. Makes for a good read. I kinda thought Sblake01 would kick in some info as I believe he is licensed and well versed in the subject (?).

[Duffman]

Stephen (sblake1), so you would recommend the Vintage Air system? Living in AZ, where the temps dwell around the 105 to 110 degree levels in the summer, I am looking for something that will handle the heat and cool me down. Does it hook up to an existing duct system, or does it use its own?

Thanks,

Stephen

[sblake01]

I do believe that it's a complete system with it's own ducting and controls. It's a purpose built R134a system with the proper evaporator, condenser, seals, etc. for that type of freon which allows it to cool as well as any modern system. As I said, I've never installed one in a Z but I have seen them. I helpled my brother in law install one in his custom LT1 powered 58 Chevy wagon and I can tell you firsthand that it's coooooold! And I can relate to the heat. I live in San Bernardino, Ca. The present temperature as I type is 103 degrees. I wish I had more pictures of the install. Contact Vintage Air. They'll tell you exactly what is needed to put one of their systems in a Z.

[bartman]

I have a Vintage Air system on my 73 240Z with an LT1 V8 engine. I used the stock relocated LT1 compressor, and everything else is Vintage Air. You can find some pictures and information on the web site listed in my signature.

[Duffman]

Thanks, Stephen and Bart, appreciate the input.

[Mckrack]

I have a Vintage Air System in an american car I own. The system had to be modified some because they do not make a system specifically for that car as it relates to the ductwork. Same goes I presume for the 240 with any engine. There is some funky problem with the system. When it is realy hot out and muggy you have to put a little heat on with the AC to keep the windshield from clouding up. Sort of works like a defroster. Kind of annoying. I don't know if it will do that in a Z car.

[sblake01]

That sounds like an installation/adjustment problem rather than a problem w/the system itself. The defroster ducts aren't closing completely as they should be when the controls are in the AC position. Or the seals aren't properly installed