Modern AC compressor with original HVAC - 71 Charger

[70chall440]

I am currently in the research phase of my 71 Charger (Superbee clone) build and am looking at the AC system. My car is an original AC car and I would like to use the original HVAC system and controls mainly because I don't like the aftermarket control modules. I am going to be using a 5.7 Hemi and a 4 speed so I intend on using a modern compressor like Sanden 508.

I know that someone has done this but I am looking for details if anyone has any. I intend to make new lines and use modern other components other than the HVAC unit.

I appreciate any advice and/or comments.

 

[493 Mike]

You will need a way to control the compressor. It must cycle on and off to control the evaporator temperature (keep it from freezing up). The factory compressor contains a valve which performs this function. I added a adjustable switch with a capillary sensing tube to my 65 but, I still don't have the A/C functioning so I can't verify if it works-should though. For best control the tube should be inserted into the evaporator core (through a small hole in the heater housing), although I wrapped mine around the suction line at the firewall. Many vehicles used these switches, do a search. Wire the switch into the compressor clutch feed to cycle the clutch. Then you will have to experiment with the setting to make it preform to control evaporator temperature.
Mike

 

[T2R9]

I plan on using this firewall forward kit on my 71. It is designed to work with the factory HVAC interior parts. Your brackets, compressor, and hardlines will differ due to the 5.7 though. Perhaps call them and they could put together a kit for you. Bouchillon performance could also do a similar kit I am sure.

https://www.originalair.com/70-71-b...ck-bb-engine-compartment-kit-134a-2-big-block

https://www.bouchillonperformance.com/

 

[70chall440]

Well that answers the whole deal right there!! Thats awesome.

 

[furious70]

Bouchillon under hood kit in my fury with oem under dash and controller. They have all you need.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I bought the bouchlion kit once.... Didn't use most of it.... I like to re-use most of the original formed metal lines & add new hose & crimp style fittings just to the compressor... The bouchlion kit is all rubber hoses & clamp style fittings for every location...

I've converted a couple dozen vintage Mopars with the Sanden compressor, I use a binary switch to control/protect the compressor, since the older system uses a expansion valve you don't need to cycle the compressor, that is how oriface tube systems are controlled... I do use a thermostatic switch with the capillary tube inserted into the evaporator to prevent the evaporator from freezing....

The original system used a suction throttling valve (STV) or an evaporator pressure regulator (EPR) to keep the system working even when low on charge, as long as your aware of when the system isn't cooling you don't need an STV or EPR

I use a new dryer & a new expansion valve calibrated for R134, I throughly flush the evaporator, condenser & the steel lines...

 

[Thrashingcows]

I converted my 68 T/C wagon to modern underhood AC from Bouchillon as well....works great with the OEM HVAC system, and I have close to 10 years on it since the conversion.

 

[70chall440]

I really appreciate all of the answers and information. I am not familiar with all of the valves and such but I will research it and get my head around it.

I have a Sanden 508 compressor that a friend gave me that I am thinking of using on my 5.7 but I am not positive.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

A 5.7 should have a compressor that mounts to the OE brackets, once you know what it is it should be usable with the vintage components... Some modern compressors are variable displacement via a adjustable swash plate... You would need to either feed a signal to the swash or disable the movement mechanically... Neither should be hard to accomplish...

 

[70chall440]

I wish I could say I understand exactly what you are saying but again, I need to do some research and learning.

I might use the OE style compressor but this Sanden is free so I am at least going t check it out. If it is a pain to put onto the 5.7 then I will go to the OE system.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I wish I could say I understand exactly what you are saying but again, I need to do some research and learning.

I might use the OE style compressor but this Sanden is free so I am at least going t check it out. If it is a pain to put onto the 5.7 then I will go to the OE system.

From Rock Auto this is a 2006 Ram 5.7 compressor... Looks like a fixed swash & designed to bolt directly to the engine...

 

[furious70]

I wish I could say I understand exactly what you are saying but again, I need to do some research and learning.

I might use the OE style compressor but this Sanden is free so I am at least going t check it out. If it is a pain to put onto the 5.7 then I will go to the OE system.

You'd be ahead to just use an oem one, they have so many models with different mounting, you'll waste time trying to make that free one fit when the right one bolts on immediately

 

[70chall440]

So are you saying that this is what I should be after?

 

[1 Wild R/T]

As Furious 70 mentioned it would probably be the easiest method... Did you get a complete 5.7 take out? A bare 5.7 or a crate?

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Thing is on most modern engines all the components bolt directly to the engine in an effort to reduce NVH (noise, vibration & harshness) & simplify assembly line operations..

 

[70chall440]

As Furious 70 mentioned it would probably be the easiest method... Did you get a complete 5.7 take out? A bare 5.7 or a crate?

I bought a brand new crate engine

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I bought a brand new crate engine

Did it come with the front drive components? IE alternator, A/C compressor, water pump & P/S pump?

 

[70chall440]

No it didn't, I have to source all of those.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

And your 01 Ram is probably a cummins or a 5.9? Cause it would be useful to have one to look at...

 

[70chall440]

Its a 5.9 but my 14 is a 5.7 so I can look at it for reference. The crate 5.7 is a car variant and I know there are some differences but it should give me an idea.