<VV> Re: A/C Suggestions

[LanningWB at aol.com]

Here are a couple things I have done with AC Corvairs regarding the spare  
tire interference with the AC compressor and engine heat load.  CAUTION:  these 
will cause the car not to look stock anymore, thus the purist  may not want to 
read this at risk of becoming upset.  
 
I have found that by putting the battery where the spare tire is (on the  
right side) and moving the spare the left side, you don't have to put the spare  
in the trunk.  The stock spare tire bracket can be used, but has to have  the 
bracket modified to clear the carb.  A minispare is required too.   Of course 
a good aftermarket battery tray has to be mounted on the right side  and 
longer wires run to the starter.  Typically the battery can be removed  with a low 
mount compressor in position.  If used with high mount  compressor, it has to 
unbolted and swung out of the way to remove the  battery.  I have used this 
approach on 140 and 110 engines.
 
To reduce heat load, I have done the following while using a firewall  
mounted condenser.  This mod can reduce carb inlet air temperature about 10  deg F 
based on testing I have done.
 
1. Relocate the voltage regulator or use internal regulator  alternator.
2. Fabricate a modifed air cleaner housing with a duct routed to the area  on 
the firewall where the voltage regulator used to be.  I found suitable  parts 
from newer cars at the junkyard to make a duct.
3. Okay..... here is the painful part.... Cut an air inlet hole in the  
firewall for the new air duct to the air cleaner.  The duct needs to be  sealed to 
the firewall so air won't leak around the condenser & cause high  head 
pressure.  Also requires a delector to keep rainwater from entering  the new air 
duct.  For winter operation you can switch back to the stock  air cleaner and 
install a block off plate over the firewall hole.
 
Wade