Ah, yes. The A/C. Not quite a million dollars, but possibly as high as $500.
I'm using the truck mounting, without modification. It will use the OE belt and tensioner.
There are two compressors used on these trucks. One has a single manifold for both hoses. The other uses a split manifold arrangement, having a bolt retaining each hose. (see pics)
This is the Denso 10S20F
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This is the GM HU6
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In either case, custom hoses will be required. This is easiest to achieve by using a manifold adapter of some sort.
These adapters come in the form of short aluminum lines that extend from the compressor manifold by a few inches, and allow a standard A/C metric o-ring fitting to connect, or smple blocks that bolt on and accept the new hoses right at the compressor.
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Companies like
Nostalgic A/C Parts have all kinds of problem solvers. And then the other end of the hoses simply mate to the OE condenser and drier fittings...
Minor notching of the top frame rail edge may be needed, depending on the adapters used, but nothing structural.
The electrical side on my truck is controlled by the ECM. It takes a A/C On command from an existing wire on the old system, at the firewall or behind the dash controls, directs that to the required pin on the ECM which then commands the compressor and fans as it did in the LS application, via the various pressure sensors. Fittings for pressure switches may be needed on the new lines, depending on compressor used, etc.
My ECM runs Fan 1 on a standard strategy (on @ 200, off @ 190), and Fan 2 on command with the A/C, or in the event that coolant temps reach 220. The blower motor wiring is unchanged from stock. A/C cut-off occurs above 88% throttle.
On a side note, the OE hoses from the LS application may have these aluminum can looking reservoirs down near the compressor. These are intended to collect liquid coolant when the system is shut off, so that that coolant won't gather in the compressor ports. When this happens, the compressor can hydro-lock at start-up, causing damage. This may be immediate, or it may be a longer term issue. Even with these OE hoses, some models using low mount compressors have issues. I am still considering whether to retain that design or try another option.
This other option is a start-up timer, made by Four Seasons, called a DeSlugger. It is Four Seasons part# 36141, and it accepts the ON command from the ECM or control panel, then relays this to the compressor in pulses, cutting on, then off, and on again, in a fairly rapid manner. This allows the compressor to gradually work through the collected liquid, extending the life of the compressor. This is not an OE piece of engineering, but instead it is a development from an OE supplier of A/C components. I'll be asking around to see if it is worth the $45.
from N.E.
