A/C for 240z

[Jacob M]

Hi,

I'm currently looking for a 240z with working A/C. My understanding is that A/C was a dealer installed option. My question is: Is it better to wait out for a 240z with working A/C, or find a clean Z and install an A/C?

Also, if if I find a clean Z without A/C, where can I locate an A/C kit, and how much would the installation cost?

Thanks,

Jacob

[psdenno]

Waiting to find a Z with working A/C could be a mixed blessing.....depending on how long, and how well, the A/C continues to work after you buy the car. Aftermarket A/C kits are available from a few sources, including MSA in Orange, CA. Kits run about $1,000 and plan on several hundred more to have one installed, depending on hourly labor rates.

I replaced my original A/C a couple years ago with a MSA kit and the total for kit & installation was about $1,600 - a little more than four times what the original A/C cost in 1972.

Good luck with the search!

Dennis

[Pop's Z]

Hi Jacob. Do some searching on the site here Look in the forums) and you will find all of the answers to your questions. Bottom line: the old factory systems weren't all that effective unless it is a 260/280 system. A system like VintageAir (which replaces the heater assembly) works much better. I had the old-style system in my '73 back in '75 and it was marginal at best. In my current '73 I have a system from HotRodAir (since gone out of business, but very similar to VintageAir) and it works very well.

Cheers, Mike

[conedodger]

Hmmm... I have a 280 compressor and block mount in my storage garage. Nice project for the winter... Nah! I don't need it.

[Arne]

I agree. find the best Z you can, regardless of A/C. Any A/C kit you put in today will be superior to the vintage kits. In fact, even if the Z you select has A/C, I'd plan on updating it with modern parts anyway.

[ZCurves]

If you go with the compressor block mount, try to go with one from a ZX rather than an S30, the S30 mounts where heavy iron and weighed a ton. The ZX mount is aluminum and probably weighs a pound.

[Jarvo2]

As I had a hard time trying to find info on dealer-installed A/C's, I wanted to share what I was able to come across. Please note that I've since sold this setup, but it should give those of you interested in A/C some ideas.

[Jacob M]

Thank you all so much!

Dennis--I called MSA and unfortunately they are are sold out of the A/C kits. It is unknown when they will be selling A/C kits again.

Mike-- Is the Vintage Air System a universal kit or is it made specifically for the 240Z?

Arne-- I'm going to look for a clean Z, and then look into a modern A/C unit.

ZCurves-- Thanks for your advice. I will keep it in mind, but I feel installing a new unit is the route I'll most likely be taking.

Jarvo--Thanks for posting that info. Its really beneficial!

Edited November 15, 2012 by Jacob M
grammar

[psdenno]

If MSA is out of stock, try Courtesy Nissan in Texas. When I bought my kit, I ordered it at MSA and it was shipped to me from Texas, so I wonder who the supplier really was. See link below:

http://tinyurl.com/6peszsa

Dennis

[esmit208]

I live in Florida and I can do without A/C if it does not cause other temperature issues. Personally I don't feel that A/C and carburettors work very well in uunison. But to each his own. In addition to the heat issue here the power drain I could do without.

[madkaw]

Wasn't one of the bigger issues with the dealer installed early units was the weak fan ? The fan was to weak to draw and circulate the cold air.

[Jarvo2]

I believe the dealer fan was a "puller" rather than a "pusher" of air...poor design. I agree with everyone else, if you want A/C get a modern system which will be more reliable and give less parasitic draw than the dealer hog.