LS Swap AC Location

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custodian

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Those that have done the LS swap and have AC, will the AC compressor have to be moved up or will it stay in the lower position?

I'm doing the swap in the 73 C10.
 

eskimomann209

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Most bolt it up high on the passenger side.
People that keep it low managed to utilize a gmt800-900 non variable style compressor
 

custodian

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Most bolt it up high on the passenger side.
People that keep it low managed to utilize a gmt800-900 non variable style compressor

I was hoping to keep to low if possible. The one on the 5.3 is small compared to the older 70-80's types.

I have the Denso 10S20 compressor.
 
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eskimomann209

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Yeah.. a lot depends on what adapting plates you used for the engine.
YoU might have to modify the factory bracket ( cut it)
Or make one. The compressor you have is the correct one ( Non-Variable).
Then get fitting adapters or have custom lines made.
 

Camar068

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Then get fitting adapters or have custom lines made.

Thanks for the adapter bit. Was curious how it was going to connect when I go to do mine.
 

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Thanks for the adapter bit. Was curious how it was going to connect when I go to do mine.

They do make a few higher mount kits. One looks horrendous, the other is a kit you put together and looks good. I'll get those part numbers.
 

eskimomann209

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They do make a few higher mount kits. One looks horrendous, the other is a kit you put together and looks good. I'll get those part numbers.
My debate on em is, one day I might want a little pro charger right there.
 

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The factory AC mount on an LS interferes with adapter plate for mount and most likely will require some trimming of the frame. I have seen it done but it is a little extra work. Also every AC guy I have talked doesn’t recommend mounting the compressor that low. Something about the oil in the system setting in the compressor.
 
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Camar068

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You can mount the compressor that came on the LS engine in the original location, but you'll probably have to make custom hoses. Thankfully they aren't expensive. You'll need Tejas mounts to make it fit. They move the engine forward and up one inch to give you clearance.
Joe
 

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The factory AC mount on an LS interferes with adapter plate for mount and most likely will require some trimming of the frame. I have seen it done but it is a little extra work. Also every AC guy I have talked doesn’t recommend mounting the compressor that low. Something about the oil in the system setting in the compressor.

You can get compressor 'slugging' with low mounted compressors. Truth be told, some GM vehicles did it with high mounted compressors too, like my old B-body (Caprice). There are aftermarket fixes for the most trouble prone; https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...usafUa7NPdqF6ynQjJLOSCQVng3uatSxoCFFgQAvD_BwE
I don't have a good explanation as to why some, but not all, seem to have such issues. Having a car that did it since it was new for 37 years, mine does seem to be effected by the particular accumulator used and charge level.
 

CorvairGeek

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In case anyone wonders, I've always got a noticeable 'boom' from the dash after the compressor was running for a few seconds after the car was sitting for a while. Clicking it on and off a couple or three times eliminates the issues (with my particular car when it has the issue). It can't be a big deal with the old cars like mine because everyone knows how fragile an R4 compressor is.
The low mounted compressors tend to throw the belt or grenade the compressor.
 

custodian

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Can anyone tell me what LS swap motor mounts I can use to keep the AC in the lower position?

I currently have the Dirty Dingo adjustable ones for a 2wd square.
 

custodian

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In case anyone wonders, I've always got a noticeable 'boom' from the dash after the compressor was running for a few seconds after the car was sitting for a while. Clicking it on and off a couple or three times eliminates the issues (with my particular car when it has the issue). It can't be a big deal with the old cars like mine because everyone knows how fragile an R4 compressor is.
The low mounted compressors tend to throw the belt or grenade the compressor.

My 02 2500HD Silverado 6.0 has the AC in the lower position, and no problems in the last 19 years since I bought it new.
 

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