Anybody Running a 340 SixPack with A/C? Clearance Question?

[Road_Runner]

I'm considering running a sixpack setup on a 340 or 416 stroker and wondered if anyone has run this setup with an A/C compressor in the std location at the top/front of the motor using a regular Mopar aircleaner.  I've seen some do this with either a cut down bottom section or 3 individual air cleaners but wondered how much I would have to trim off the front lip of the air cleaner base to make this work.  I'd like to keep the original compressor but will swap to the smaller modern compressor if I have to.  If you're running this combo and could post pics that would be awesome!

Thanks in advance, Jim

[jordan]

My opinion is to go with the modern compressor.  I just put one on my 440/6 and it fits under the stock air cleaner.  Be sure to get a side discharge.  I used a vintage air set up and told them I had a six bbl, and they sent me the rear discharge anyway.  I couldnt make the fitting fit against the intake manifold.  Bouchilon make a nice bracket and compressor to fit to your stock system.  The modern compressor only uses 3 hp when running and weighs very little.  The old compressor won't fit, weighs 40lbs or more, and uses 17hp to run.  If you are running a electric fuel pump, you may even be able to mount it under the alternator where nobody will really see it.  Paint the new one black and see if anybody notices. 

[Road_Runner]

My opinion is to go with the modern compressor.  I just put one on my 440/6 and it fits under the stock air cleaner.  Be sure to get a side discharge.  I used a vintage air set up and told them I had a six bbl, and they sent me the rear discharge anyway.  I couldnt make the fitting fit against the intake manifold.  Bouchilon make a nice bracket and compressor to fit to your stock system.  The modern compressor only uses 3 hp when running and weighs very little.  The old compressor won't fit, weighs 40lbs or more, and uses 17hp to run.  If you are running a electric fuel pump, you may even be able to mount it under the alternator where nobody will really see it.  Paint the new one black and see if anybody notices.

Thanks for the info, so you're saying with the side discharge compressor you're able to run an umodified stock Mopar air cleaner?  That's good news.  I'm actually going to be putting a/c on my Roadrunner which will be running a 440 stroker six pack setup so I'll be sure to ask for the side discharge compressor, and that news to me so I really appreciate the heads up.  I am still wondering if the ac setup will fit any differently on the 340 six pack than the 440 though.

Thanks again, Jim

[jordan]

Check out http://www.bouchillonperformance.com and http://www.vintageair.com for more info.  Bouchilion was very helpful to me.  They have the kit to convert your stock system over to modern A/C.  Vintage sells entire systems that are all electronically controlled.  They may have a system for a small block e-body.  Just make sure you get the side discharge because the fittings may not clear the intake manifold. 

My compressor barely clears my air assembly, but it does.  No touching at all.  It takes a bit to get all the belts to line up.  Lots of putzing with spacers and straight edges.  The vintage system comes with brackets for the compressor and alternator.  You have to modify the power steering bracket.  I used the Bouchilon brackets for the compressor and P/S pump because then I didn't have to modify the pump bracket, and I needed a new one anyway.   I did have to shim the P/S pump inside the bracket to get it aligned correctly.   I haven't run mine yet, so I can't say how it works.  I did hear good things about the vintage systems though. 

[Road_Runner]

Check out http://www.bouchillonperformance.com and http://www.vintageair.com for more info.  Bouchilion was very helpful to me.  They have the kit to convert your stock system over to modern A/C.  Vintage sells entire systems that are all electronically controlled.  They may have a system for a small block e-body.  Just make sure you get the side discharge because the fittings may not clear the intake manifold. 

My compressor barely clears my air assembly, but it does.  No touching at all.  It takes a bit to get all the belts to line up.  Lots of putzing with spacers and straight edges.  The vintage system comes with brackets for the compressor and alternator.  You have to modify the power steering bracket.  I used the Bouchilon brackets for the compressor and P/S pump because then I didn't have to modify the pump bracket, and I needed a new one anyway.   I did have to shim the P/S pump inside the bracket to get it aligned correctly.   I haven't run mine yet, so I can't say how it works.  I did hear good things about the vintage systems though.

Thanks, that is great to know that I don't have to trim the air cleaner since I have an old original one!  So did you buy the whole vintage air kit and then just use the brackets from Bouchillon instead?  I originally planned to keep my original A/C setup with the old heater box, dash controls, etc. but ever since I converted over to the new freon I haven't been happy with how cold the a/c blows.  The modern a/c compressors are more efficient and the newer evaporator/coolers are bigger and more efficient so the newer freon works fine with them, but the older units not so much.

Thanks again for the great info, Jim

[AARuFAST]

I like this setup considering it for my 1970  Gran Coupe.

Hide the compressor underneath the alternator.

Clean engine compartment and air cleaner no issue.

 check it out >>>  http://www.bpeusa.com/BPE4715.asp

http://youtu.be/S6ucwys-pGs

[Road_Runner]

I like this setup considering it for my 1970  Gran Coupe.

Hide the compressor underneath the alternator.

Clean engine compartment and air cleaner no issue.

 check it out >>>  http://www.bpeusa.com/BPE4715.asp

Very Cool, thanks for the link.  My only concern with the low mounted compressor would be routing the a/c lines around the headers to the firewall.  From past experience with heat problems I'd be concerned that the headers would cook the lines unless there's a way of going up & over.  Definitely bookmarked the link though, thanks.

Jim






http://youtu.be/S6ucwys-pGs

[Katfish]

Not 40lbs, but well worth the swap

[Road_Runner]

Not 40lbs, but well worth the swap

So you're running the pre-70 version of the 4 bbl carb oval air cleaner.  Looks like you have plenty of clearance.  And since I've been told the newer compressor will blow way colder than the older unit with the new freon that's a win-win for me.  It slightly spoils the 70's Correct look, but the cars got to work right first, look 100% correct second. 

Thanks for the pics, Jim.

[Katfish]

It does blow cold, and with the prices of R12, seems the only way to go.
I went through at least 3 rebuilt factory compressors and never did get the system to work without leaking.
Been trouble free with the Sanden for 2+ plus years now.

[jordan]

I really wanted to put my compressor down below the alternator.  It would make the engine compartment so much cleaner.  On a 440, I would have to remove the fuel pump, install an electric pump, return gas line, custom fuel line, and associated wiring just to do it.  I wasn't ready for the hassle, so I just went with the easier route.  I have been thinking of painting it black to  give the illusion of the stock one.  I haven't thought of the heat issues with the a/c lines.  I figured if they are routed on the inner fender and fed to the compressor in front of the header, it shouldn't be much of a problem.  The a/c fitting will help route them away from the header too.  Let us know what you end up doing. 

[Road_Runner]

I really wanted to put my compressor down below the alternator.  It would make the engine compartment so much cleaner.  On a 440, I would have to remove the fuel pump, install an electric pump, return gas line, custom fuel line, and associated wiring just to do it.  I wasn't ready for the hassle, so I just went with the easier route.  I have been thinking of painting it black to  give the illusion of the stock one.  I haven't thought of the heat issues with the a/c lines.  I figured if they are routed on the inner fender and fed to the compressor in front of the header, it shouldn't be much of a problem.  The a/c fitting will help route them away from the header too.  Let us know what you end up doing.

Will do, thanks.

[Road_Runner]

It does blow cold, and with the prices of R12, seems the only way to go.
I went through at least 3 rebuilt factory compressors and never did get the system to work without leaking.
Been trouble free with the Sanden for 2+ plus years now.

When I had them recheck the a/c when it still wasn't blowing as cold as I'd like, mine wasn't leaking then.  Since then I've done a fair bit of research and the consensus is that the new freon is not nearly as efficient so it needs the much higher efficiency of the new compressors and larger a/c condensors that all modern cars have.  I would LOVE to have 52 degree air blowing out of mine!

Thanks, Jim

[Katfish]

All things considered the low mounted option looks nice!
Didn't see that option for a SB?

[AARuFAST]

Not an easy install.
The install is for a non-A/C car.
Remove fuel pump use cover plate.
Install electric fuel pump.
Pulley's must match.
Install larger condensor and lines.
Oh, the radiator hose is in the way.