Headers with AC??

[79dentside]

Hello! I bought a set of long tube headers for the 350. I have already messed with the bolts and I’m blessed that all of the bolts that I tested cracked loose easily. My concern is with the AC compressor bracketry... anyone run headers with the ac compressor like mine?

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This cross bracket is what I am worried about.

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Not worried about the drivers side

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Thanks!

 

[legopnuematic]

I made up a bracket for my 76

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[79dentside]

I made up a bracket for my 76

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Ahh, I figured I would run into some issues. Good job, thanks for the pictures. I don’t have a welder at the moment. I have even considered removing all of the conflicting brackets and leaving the compressor suspended if possible, but keep the belt off.

As you can see, I removed the belt. This was due to another project and haven’t put it back on. I am more eager to have headers than I am AC... so maybe I can use the intake brackets and the front bracket to hold it there until I can fab something up. I was hoping to not have any complications, but that appears to not be the case.

thanks for the info! I will need to try to figure something out like what you made up.

 

[legopnuematic]

I do believe they sell those brackets commercially, but when I did mine I needed it asap so I couldn't wait a week for it

 

[AuroraGirl]

Ahh, I figured I would run into some issues. Good job, thanks for the pictures. I don’t have a welder at the moment. I have even considered removing all of the conflicting brackets and leaving the compressor suspended if possible, but keep the belt off.

As you can see, I removed the belt. This was due to another project and haven’t put it back on. I am more eager to have headers than I am AC... so maybe I can use the intake brackets and the front bracket to hold it there until I can fab something up. I was hoping to not have any complications, but that appears to not be the case.

thanks for the info! I will need to try to figure something out like what you made up.

If you suspend the AC wouldnt it just be wiser to remove the compressor at that point or is it charged with R12 atm? or maybe you dont want to have it open? could you loop the AC lines into like, caps, that would keep it from being open? Im not sure how that really works.

 

[79dentside]

To be honest with you all, I’m not a fan of AC to begin with and the only reason that it’s in the truck is because it still works great... I would rather not have it if we are just spit balling here. I would have to have it reclaimed too...

I’m not even sure suspending it is a good idea, that seems like a bad idea considering that lower bracket is there for a reason.

 

[AuroraGirl]

Ahh, I figured I would run into some issues. Good job, thanks for the pictures. I don’t have a welder at the moment. I have even considered removing all of the conflicting brackets and leaving the compressor suspended if possible, but keep the belt off.

As you can see, I removed the belt. This was due to another project and haven’t put it back on. I am more eager to have headers than I am AC... so maybe I can use the intake brackets and the front bracket to hold it there until I can fab something up. I was hoping to not have any complications, but that appears to not be the case.

thanks for the info! I will need to try to figure something out like what you made up.

Another option is relocate the alternator to be where the compressor is and maybe have the compressor where alternator is.. or since the compressor cant fit in where alt is, you could relocate compressor next to alternator? that area of engine bay seems to be quite open, and you have more options, id think. Maybe.

Keep in mind, overall, you have smoker windows and a sliding rear. Stay frosty.

 

[yevgenievich]

Would spacers and longer bolts work?

 

[AuroraGirl]

Would spacers and longer bolts work?

I dont think those brackets can...err... extend without having to fab up a lot just to make tensioner function. which at that point he already has a welder or found aftermarket for it.

 

[AuroraGirl]

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Brackets like this might be what would work for you.

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both of these are from https://www.oldairproducts.com/

They also sell just the one side bracket, so you could possibly leave alternator alone while just doing compressor, but youd have to check compat and clearance on other parts.

 

[legopnuematic]

Would spacers and longer bolts work?

On my headers I tried that but the #1 tube is in the path of the bolt if projected out

 

[AuroraGirl]

Could I see a picture of your drive accessories with the crank visible? Its not related to your concern but your photos brought up one on mine

 

[bucket]

I used to have 2 or 3 of those AC brackets for use with headers. I might still have them in my crate of exhaust parts. If I do, I can send you one.

I'm sure Summit has them readily available, but it's not listed in their catalog.

 

[79dentside]

For those interested, I tried a bracket from Jegs that I was hoping would work for this compressor style, and it did. This is what I bought.
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/30782/10002/-1

It mounts like so:

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I have the AC compressor mounted up again, I just have to buy a new belt for it.

 

[78C10BigTen]

I have long tube headers on mine but i have the ac off of it. I rather have windows open and hear my flowmasters.