Sanden AC Conversion Guide Discussion

[Shifty]

Regarding the article, "Sanden AC Conversion Guide" in our Technical Forum...


Excellent write-up Doc!  Enjoy that nice cool breeze....

[Shifty]

The good "Dr" went to a lot of trouble for this how-to guide, and it seems to be a really popular swap...

[Rapid Roy]

My opinion, this is a very good upgrade. I have gone thru several of the A6 reman and did not have good luck. I found this kit and purchased in July 2022 and it has been great. Gets cold still and no issues.

https://nostalgicac.com/a6-to-sanden-conversion-kit.html

[alfreema]

What engines does the "Sanden style SD5H14 compressor" work with?

Or actually more to the point, if I want a similar setup as the OP is recommending, what is the correct model for a 454?

[Shifty]

What engines does the "Sanden style SD5H14 compressor" work with?

Or actually more to the point, if I want a similar setup as the OP is recommending, what is the correct model for a 454?

https://www.alangrovecomponents.com/images/Instructions/Compressor_Diagram.pdf

[alfreema]

What engines does the "Sanden style SD5H14 compressor" work with?

Or actually more to the point, if I want a similar setup as the OP is recommending, what is the correct model for a 454?

https://www.alangrovecomponents.com/images/Instructions/Compressor_Diagram.pdf

Sorry I am dumb on this stuff, but I think you are saying the compressor doesn't matter, it's just a matter of having the right bracket?

[Shifty]

If you look to the right of the belt choice, there is the Sanden PN# listed, 6629, 6664, 6673, etc....these are the magic numbers in Sandenland.  For example, my V-belt powered compressor was a 6664, which converted to a 967213 at NAPA. 

[Dr_Snooz]

What engines does the "Sanden style SD5H14 compressor" work with?

Or actually more to the point, if I want a similar setup as the OP is recommending, what is the correct model for a 454?

The Sandens aren't vehicle specific. They are designed to be used in any application where you're trying to retrofit AC into any vehicle that needs it. Some guys want AC in their '32 Ford restorations, and Sanden gives them that option, even though AC didn't exist in 1932. You aren't looking for what fits your vehicle. You're looking for what fits your situation.

It boils down to a handful of options. Sanden offers different compressor sizes, ie: more cooling power vs less. There are different form factors: long and narrow, short and fat, very small, very large. There are different pulleys: V-belt, double V-belt, serpentine. There are different compression methods: scroll vs. piston. And there are different oil fills: R12 vs R134.

Look at the options, decide which combination is right for you, and make it happen. For me, I definitely wanted the serpentine pulley. If you have V-belts, then you want something different. Form factor wasn't a big concern, because I have a lot of room in my bay. If you don't, then pay attention to that. Here where it's hot, I want the biggest compressor (the most pistons) I can get. I got a piston compressor, but if I were working on a Cadillac, I'd get a scroll compressor, which operates more smoothly (though honestly, I can't even tell that my Sanden is running, except that the vents blow cold). Finally, the readily available and cheap bracket adapter was a big decider. I had chosen a different compressor until the expensive adapter bracket turned me off. It's a lot to think about, but worth the effort. I'm really happy with how everything turned out.

[Shifty]

I'm sure that where there is a will, there is a way, but Alan Grove adapters are specific:

https://www.alangrovecomponents.com/images/Instructions/Compressor_Diagram.pdf

[natehill3531]

General question here, If a guy used this Sanden compressor on an 86 with a SBC in it but later converted to an LS, could I keep the system charged and just use the ITC Billet adapter kit for the LS engine? My Alternator is currently on the passenger side, so I am assuming I first need to convert to a serpentine belt and move it to the drivers side.

[Captkaos]

If the hoses reach for both applications and the brackets work for both engines on the same side, yes you can unbolt it and leave it charged.