Air con reinstall

[Jake_rorx7]

Lads, I'm melting. The last owner removed the air con condensor in order to improve airflow and coolant temperatures. I have a bigger KOYO radiator and absolutely no issues with cooling at all, 83-85c cruising and up to 87-88c at standstill before fans kick on and bring it back down easily.

The compressor and dashboard components are still installed funnily enough, just the condensor and drier has been removed, with crimped lines between those and the compressor.

I dont really understand what is required in aircon or what will need to be changed to mount it to a bigger coolant rad. Is this going to be a mammoth job? Do I need to have a drier? Are there any more convenient (smaller?) alternatives to the full size radiator and drier? Do I have to rebuy the stock hard lines, because I'm assuming you can get some sort of flex ac line?

Sorry, I'm a bit of an a/c noob and have no idea what the system entails since I've never had it and worked with it. If anyone can reccomend any A/C specialist shops which do this sort of thing I'm all ears.

Thanks

 

[rx_dreamer]

carbuildersolutions make aftermarket AC parts, that is the route (hybrid FD!) i am considering in 2035

 

[Jake_rorx7]

carbuildersolutions make aftermarket AC parts, that is the route (hybrid FD!) i am considering in 2035

Ah I do like that site for their wiring bits, great site. I will check it out. I've found a few condensor kits on various other sites but most of them are US only

 

[noyzboy]

I would have thought that if the "in dashboard" bits are still in place, the hard bits are done. Just assemble and install the missing engine bay bits.

No wait.

If you reinstall the aircon compressor you will lose 5HP.....and then you will have to hang your head in shame.

Mind you, your head and the other squigy bits of you and G/F will be cool while being shamed. There may be later benefits

 

[MKZ7212]

love my AC..... sorry.

I got a new condenser from the US so parts are still available

 

[Brendan]

If space has been lost, rx8 condenser has the drier built in but will need custom lines knocking up

 

[Jake_rorx7]

I'll measure up for the RX8 condensor and if it fits I'll get some flexible lines... Hopefully its that easy.

As for installation of a "full size" condensor, how do you approach this? Is this a radiator out job, or can I go from underneath, just removing the engine tray? Obviously nothing is fully standard here but I'm sure you guys will have a rough idea. And also does the RX8 condensor share the same mounting holes or am I going to have to fab something up?

 

[rx_dreamer]

I'm sure there's a song about this ...

I'm thinking an rx8 air dryer won't work at 45 degrees in a vmount

 

[Jake_rorx7]

I'm sure there's a song about this ...

I'm thinking an rx8 air dryer won't work at 45 degrees in a vmount

Lol. I forgot to mention its all "standard setup", in that its a bigger radiator but not vmount or anything like that.

 

[Jake_rorx7]

R Magic - Cooling AC Condenser

The R-Magic AC Condenser reduces the vertical size of the A/C condenser to maximise air flow to your radiator for more effective engine cooling.

www.nengun.com

This looks like a cool unit, even if I have to find somewhere to put the drier. I'll probably end up just bolting it next to the battery. The ac lines are on the passenger side right?

Just need to find somewhere in stock....

The Rx8 unit is good if I can get some mounts for it because it doesnt mount the same, and I'm not fantstic at fabrication.

 

[rx_dreamer]

I was looking at the parts diagrams...

Wiring wise I expected a clutch switch on the pump, is there also something else on the pressure line?

(Being lazy i'll have a look for some stock pics and wiring diagarm)

Also looks like the climate control and aircon system might be a little different engine side. I have some of both interior side and definitely the units are different. I'm going to retrofit Air-Con not Climate as I have more of the parts

 

[Jake_rorx7]

I was looking at the parts diagrams...

Wiring wise I expected a clutch switch on the pump, is there also something else on the pressure line?

(Being lazy i'll have a look for some stock pics and wiring diagarm)

Also looks like the climate control and aircon system might be a little different engine side. I have some of both interior side and definitely the units are different. I'm going to retrofit Air-Con not Climate as I have more of the parts

I can check what wiring is on my 7's compressor and lines for you, but I am missing half the lines so might not be fully comprehensive.

 

[Ferrox117]

@Jake_rorx7 i have everything if you need it?

 

[Jake_rorx7]

@Jake_rorx7 i have everything if you need it?

Maybe! I just need to plan it out first and neasure stuff, but I'll buy the condensor/drier/front lines off of you in the future so dont bin em

 

[Ferrox117]

Haha let me know, I need to pressure test the condenser but got everything else

 

[Swanny_UK]

I was reading the other day that people are fitting RX8 aircon compressors to FD's so they can run using newer refrigerant, might be something to consider.