Author Topic: AC on 5.3 in 76 ?  (Read 9033 times)

Offline roundhouse

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AC on 5.3 in 76 ?
« on: June 24, 2016, 07:39:54 AM »
Alright
Got the 5.3 in and running
Enjoying the 5 speed manual Trans

Wanna get the AC going

Who's done it and how ?

We removed the compressor from the original lactation due to frame clearance

What condenser are yall using and ?
What compressor and brackets?
Hoses?



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« Last Edit: June 24, 2016, 07:44:57 AM by roundhouse »

Offline hatzie

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Re: AC on 5.3 in 76 ?
« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2016, 09:16:51 AM »
Unfortunately the 5.3L LS engine has the compressor almost under the engine...  Here are some idears.  http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/transmission-drivetrain/ccrp-0905-ls-accessory-drive-swap-guide/

I would avoid the Harrison R4 pancake compressor.  It doesn't work as well as the Sanden and old Harrison A6 with R134a.

I installed a 1998 6.5L diesel in my 1976.  The HT6 compressor worked with in the stock 6.5L location with the stock evaporator and a stock size condenser.  I used a parallel flow condenser because mine was gone but, if you have have it, the stock unit is so huge it'll work just fine with R134a.   I had to make custom hoses but that was the nastiest part of the job.


Once you figure out the LS compressor mounting the rest is fairly straightforward. 
« Last Edit: June 24, 2016, 09:19:07 AM by hatzie »
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Offline 80Chevy4x4

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Re: AC on 5.3 in 76 ?
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2016, 07:14:34 PM »
Nice Truck....where did you get the rims at?

Offline roundhouse

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Re: AC on 5.3 in 76 ?
« Reply #3 on: June 26, 2016, 07:41:02 PM »
Nice Truck....where did you get the rims at?
Found em on Craigslist
They are 15" 8 lug
Spent a half day cleaning them with a brass wire wheel in a drill using dish soap to clean and lubricate the rim


And they won't fit 8 Lug disc brakes without grinding a little off the caliper and bracket



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Offline Gwtt

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Re: AC on 5.3 in 76 ?
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2016, 01:03:05 AM »
I just bought a vintage air set from classic industries. I have a 5.3 and it came with a lower mount compressor (truck style). the kit comes with a new compressor, but you have to purchase the serpentine belt clutch setup, and a mounting kit that moves it up above the water pump while still using the stock belt setup. Im not ready to install it but Ill take pictures when I get there.

Offline frotosride

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Re: AC on 5.3 in 76 ?
« Reply #5 on: July 22, 2016, 09:42:37 PM »
So far the best all around mounting kits I've seen are from Holley. They will allow you to use theolder sanded units or the one that came with the 5.3l and they mount on the passenger side cylinder head. All of the mounting brackets are the same but the spacer inserts change for the type of FEAD system you are using which, is like
Y a truck style with the long water pump and deep balancer.



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Offline roundhouse

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Re: AC on 5.3 in 76 ?
« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2016, 09:53:29 AM »
So far the best all around mounting kits I've seen are from Holley. They will allow you to use theolder sanded units or the one that came with the 5.3l and they mount on the passenger side cylinder head. All of the mounting brackets are the same but the spacer inserts change for the type of FEAD system you are using which, is like
Y a truck style with the long water pump and deep balancer.
I didn't even know Holley made AC brackets for LS swaps
Thougt they made just carbs


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Offline MrFiveOh

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Re: AC on 5.3 in 76 ?
« Reply #7 on: September 14, 2016, 02:40:03 PM »
If you are looking to utilize A/C in the factory position contact Scotty Baccus with Tejas Steel Works. he specialized is LS swaps and has fabricated motor mounts that make clearance to use facotry A/C with ZERO clearance issues. He is based just outside of Austin Texas. he is also a member of Lone Star Squares (LSS) on Facebook.
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