Z32 AC

[BlazingCopperZ]

So I have test fitted the VH in my Z, along with modifying the crossmember to fit the headers, built the motor mounts, and am 90% done with the rear sump oil pan, whoo-hoo. I am eventually going to start a thread with lots of pictures, along with my oil pan design.

[IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

Over the weekend, I was able to do some measuring for the radiator and such, and ran into a few things that are worth asking. For those of you who have completed the swap, are there any who have the AC running? I measured about 4 1/8" between the VTC solenoid and where the front of the radiator will be. There seems to be very little room for the puller fan setup without pushing the radiator into the support like Superhatch did. On the other hand, if you put the fans in front, will there be sufficient airflow through the AC condenser? T45, do you have any issues with not having the stock condenser fan?

BTW, I found the button that allows you to search past the 365 days so I read all of the older post that answered most of my wiring questions, kinda makes me feel like an idiot Thanks

[Aus450zx]

looking forward to seeing the full thread Love the colour

[BlazingCopperZ]

Thanks for the color compliment, I did a lot of searching to find the balance of being different without being obnoxiously bright.

So has no one who has done the VH swap gotten their AC running yet? I read that several people where going to, just haven't seen any post about it. It is way too humid most of the year around here to go anywhere without getting stuck to the seat.

Thanks,Garrett

[Aus450zx]

I just ripped out all the air con related stuff, we have summers that have reached 46*C (115*F). I'll choose not to drive the Z for most of February

[T45]

I have yet to finish my a/c. I need a couple of custom lines and a charge and hopefully it will work.

The compressor bolts up no problem. The factory Q lines bolt up and will just need modified to fit the Z's condenser and evap. I moved my condenser fwd about 4 inches to allow the radiator to move fwd. I just put 2 cheap 12 inch elec fans on the condenser as pushers.

Basically it is simple because it is possible. It is hard because finding someone that can weld aluminum tubing is difficult. Anyways the major problem at first was the compressor, we now know it fits. There is enough room behind valve cover to get the lines hooked up to the evap, there is enough room to put the condenser wherever you want, now it just comes down to custom hoses/lines. Get someone that can do it and you're set.

[BlazingCopperZ]

Thank you T45, that helped me come up with an idea for how I want the radiator to sit. Monday I am going over to a local race shop to discuss building the radiator, they have made several top-notch parts for a co-worker who is big into circle track racing. Feels funny having something outsourced since I have done everything myself so far.

- Garrett

[T45]

I ended up buying a Howe TT radiator from Z1. Hindsight I should have bought a huge NA radiator since the NA's radiator almost goes framerail to framerail. The TT rad is short, allowing for the piping to run around it.

Anyways, if I were to do it again I would either do that, or have one made that fits between the framerails and headlight buckets. That way I could move it all the way fwd, as far as I like, and run a monster elec fan. I pushed it as far fwd as possible and I only have like 1/16" between the crank pulley and the fan housing. I'm using a Jegs 16" puller that I bought with the shroud, unfortunately I couldn't fit the shroud, it made the fan hit the pulley. Will need a taurus fan or similar which are deeper than 3.5". In Miami the Jegs just can't cut it, and I'm not even running a/c yet.

[SuperHatch]

Keeping this engine cool is a daunting task. I'm amazed at how some people on this forum get away with the single core radiators, or at least how they think they can.

The factory Q cooling system is set up quite well, and the extra room in the engine bay certinaly helps.

Keeping all of the ducting in place that forces air through the radiator is key, the lack of space between the engine and the radiator makes it more difficult for the air to get through.