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I'm working on putting AC back in my FC but it is now 20b swapped. I'm currently running a serpentine belt setup to keep the pulley stack as short as possible. I'm planning on using a RX8 compressor and condenser for packaging but what I'm looking to know is:
Do I need to remove/replace the factory TXV in the cabin by the evaporator and utilize the RX8 one? I would think this is more to do with switching to R134a than it is the compressor swap.
Does the RX8 condenser include a drier? I think that's what the cylinder off to the side is. I have yet to verify that.
Whats the best way to integrate the high and low pressure sensors when custom lines are involved?
I you're switching to R134A, I'd replace the expansion valve (TXV) with one from an RX8 or really any R134A A/C system that fits and has the same size fittings you'll need to plumb it in.
The RX8 condenser does have a built-in dryer. Unless you purchased one brand new & sealed/capped, I'd buy the replacement dryer/desiccant bag service kit for it and stick that in just before you're ready to close up the system. Otherwise if you go with the used dryer, you'll end up with an unknown amount of moisture trapped in the system which makes getting it charged & properly operating a major PITA.
This is one of those few instances I think it will pay dividends to be fully prepared before the first vacuum and fill. Looks like I'll be taking the evaporator out in the next few weeks.
One more question. How do I go about acquiring the fittings that come off the compressor? The plan is to reuse the original aluminum lines that leave the evaporator and only change the big flexible hose, and the smaller line once it passes in front of the radiator.
Last edited by driftxsequence; 06-20-24 at 12:42 PM.
This is one of those few instances I think it will pay dividends to be fully prepared before the first vacuum and fill. Looks like I'll be taking the evaporator out in the next few weeks.
One more question. How do I go about acquiring the fittings that come off the compressor? The plan is to reuse the original aluminum lines that leave the evaporator and only change the big flexible hose, and the smaller line once it passes in front of the radiator.
What kind of compressor is it, RX8, FD, FC Nippon Denso or FC Sanden? They all have different types of fittings, and depending on which system your FC had (factory installed or port/dealer installed), it could have an interesting mix of metric and SAE fittings, so when retro-fitting you'll need to measure the diameter & thread pitch of every one to be sure of what you got. In my FC (S5T2 with the factory installed system, ND compressor), that small diameter hard line that runs from the evaporator core to the dryer, and then from the dryer to the condenser used M8 OD tubing, with M14 male/female O-ring insert fittings.
For A/C fittings and hose, I've used these guys frequently: https://coldhose.com/ Once you know what size fittings you need & design/mock-up the A/C line routing, it's pretty easy to fab up lines with standard or reduced barrier hose and the appropriate beadlock fittings. "Reduced barrier" hose has the same ID as standard barrier for a given size (-6, -8 & -10 is everything you'll see in an A/C system), but has a smaller OD, so they are a bit easier to route in the engine bay. I have a hydraulic beadlock crimping tool that does all the common standard & reduced barrier beadlock fittings, so when you have your lines all measured & mocked-up/marked for correct clocking, you can bring them over to my place in Elkton & I can crimp the fittings to the hoses for you.
What kind of compressor is it, RX8, FD, FC Nippon Denso or FC Sanden? They all have different types of fittings, and depending on which system your FC had (factory installed or port/dealer installed), it could have an interesting mix of metric and SAE fittings, so when retro-fitting you'll need to measure the diameter & thread pitch of every one to be sure of what you got. In my FC (S5T2 with the factory installed system, ND compressor), that small diameter hard line that runs from the evaporator core to the dryer, and then from the dryer to the condenser used M8 OD tubing, with M14 male/female O-ring insert fittings.
For A/C fittings and hose, I've used these guys frequently: https://coldhose.com/ Once you know what size fittings you need & design/mock-up the A/C line routing, it's pretty easy to fab up lines with standard or reduced barrier hose and the appropriate beadlock fittings. "Reduced barrier" hose has the same ID as standard barrier for a given size (-6, -8 & -10 is everything you'll see in an A/C system), but has a smaller OD, so they are a bit easier to route in the engine bay. I have a hydraulic beadlock crimping tool that does all the common standard & reduced barrier beadlock fittings, so when you have your lines all measured & mocked-up/marked for correct clocking, you can bring them over to my place in Elkton & I can crimp the fittings to the hoses for you.
It's an RX8 compressor and rx8 condenser i'll be using. That site looks like a perfect resource. now I just need to figure out how find all those fittings.
hey, I might be able to help you out a little. I'm also fitting an RX8 AC system to a 20B. I happen to have a spare mounting bracket that I made up if you're interested. It places the AC pulley in line with the e-shaft pulley. Not sure if it'll get in the way of your trigger pick up or not, but if you're interested, shoot me a line.
Also, if you're not aware, rockauto has a pretty good deal on new AC components. I purchased this kit, which comes with pretty much everything you'll need minus the fluid and the hoses/ fittings. They also have the stock hoses for super cheap. I happen to have some stock RX8 lines already that I plan on hacking up for the fittings.
06-18-24 | 10:47 PM
