Quick SR20 question

[Arashi]

I've done some reading on what parts you need to have prepped and ready to do an SR engine swap, but I've yet to see this mentioned.

So far with my searches all I've come up with is that I need to get SR belts for the AC unit, but does the SR have it's own AC unit, or will the KA unit work?

Thankss in advance!

[IanS]

my SR came with an AC compressor on it, and you can have any decent AC shop make lines so it will work in a usdm car, I dont think the Ka unit will bolt to the SR

[homeslicej2]

You have a DOHC KA. The A/C compressor from your twin-cam motor will mount to the SR A/C bracket. It only has two of four holes that line up, but it will work. The SOHC A/C compressor does not mount to the SR A/C bracket. None of the SOHC compressor mounting holes line up with the SR A/C bracket. This is information for the S13 SR20 (redtop or blacktop) into an S13 chassis.

[Arashi]

So really all I have ot worry about is the lines, right? Since the DOHC KA compressor will mount to the SR, will the lines alos fit? Or will that have to be custom as well?

[homeslicej2]

Yes, the lines work, so there's no need to make custom lines and you don't have to recharge the A/C.

Heavythrottle.com says:

Remove the KA engine without discharging the air conditioning gas. Pull the compressor off to the side and tie it up. You have to use the KA compressor wire from over by the MAF NOT the SR harness one.

The SOHC KA compressor requires a simple custom bracket to mount to the SR engine. DOHC KA compressor usually bolts right on, using 2 of the 4 SR bracket bolts. Dealer installed AC may or may not line up correctly.

Follow these instructions and you can use your current DOHC compressor and A/C charge.

[leroiboy]

ok, i thought all i had to do to use my sohc compressor was get a dohc bracket-found out it does not match up. so what kind of "custom" bracket do i need to use my sohc compressor on my s13 sr20det? does someone sell it? thanks for help in advance

[homeslicej2]

Well, there is someone who sells a bracket for the S14, but I don't know of anyone selling one for the S13 SR into a SOHC. That said however, My '90 is at TopHat in Conyers right now and Mike is going to fab up a custom bracket for so I can continue using my SOHC compressor. He told me that he'll get all the measurements he needs when he does mine and then he can use that make more brackets to sell. You can just call them up and tell them that I told you about them fabbing up a bracket for my SR swap (I'm Justin Henry btw), and maybe they'll go ahead and make you one while they make mine. If you need their number just e-mail me: [email protected]. Or I can send you pics and more info once I pick up my car from them. Hopefully I will get it back by the end of the week but probably not until next week sometime. That way you can see if the finished product is something you'd want before you just pay them to make one. It's not too cheap, but it's about half what it would cost to fab up custom A/C lines and get a recharge to use the SR compressor.

[leroiboy]

ok im going to email you now

[homeslicej2]

got it and sent you a reply.

[Arashi]

Awesome.

However, do the SR engines use the new and safer A/C charges? If not I'll have to get it converted. Unfortunately my current is out of coolant and needing a recharge(I may even have to replace the compressor ), but I need to get it converted anyway so which would be the cheapest way to go about this:

Use KA compressor -> convert + recharge (+ possible repair)?

-OR-

Use SR -> convert + recharge?

I'm assuming the SR A/C needs to be converted as well...

Thanks in advance yet again

[homeslicej2]

That's your call. You can save some $ now by using the SR compressor and recharging the system (you do have to discharge the system to hook up the SR compressor, bring it to an A/C shop to do this btw), but if the SR compressor ever goes (could go fast, could last for years), you'll have to buy another (not likely) or go back to a DOHC KA compressor (since it can bolt to the bracket), and get another recharge. If the SR compressor lasts you for 5 yrs though it wouldn't be big deal. So, it's really your call and what you think will work out best for you. I assume you're talking about an S13 SR btw.