Almost stock air conditioner compressor alternative
 

My original compressor on my 84 GSL-SE recently died and as we all know original equipment compressors are almost non-existent.
I have a friend who's a fabricator and does a lot of custom a/c installs on hot rods. He suggested I get a kit from Summit and he would install it for me. It turns out the Summit kit uses the same brand compressor - Sanden - and it is very similar to an RX7 original unit.
It's close, but not quite a bolt in, had to tweak the mount arm a little and needed a some spacers (or you could stack some washers). The kit comes with a variety of hose fittings and connectors so plumbing is not too difficult. It works very well with my original system, it's cold on the hottest days and I've logged a lot of miles since the install. (Also converted to R-134.) Just wanted to share with the community.

thanks for posting this. very useful and good to know.

which one did you get?

Universal:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/u...hoCdokQAvD_BwE

Gen 2 Rx-7 Kit
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/u...RoC2XMQAvD_BwE

It's gotta be the kt4737. At least it says Mazda RX-7 on the application list.

Ok, I'm going to have to retract part of my statement. Sorry if I caused confusion. My friend tells me he only ordered the compressor -Sanden 508- from Summit. While they are very similar the old compressor had flared fittings and the new uses O rings so he had new hoses made. I'm thinking if your going to keep the car that's a mod you would probably want to do that anyway. My other components were still in good order. As stated he did have to tweak the mounts and tensioner some.
Now as far as the second gen kit goes perhaps someone here knows enough about the differences from 1st to 2nd gen to weigh in with their opinion. PERHAPS there is enough similarity to make it worthwhile to use that kit.
If you feel like I did that the whole operation is beyond your skill level ask around your local Hot Rod community. There's bound to be a guy around like my buddy that does custom conversions.
I will say again my conversion is working very well and the 508 is known to be a good and reliable compressor. Unless you can find a new OEM or a reman it may be the best option.