My gut feeling tells me this has been asked to death, but I've searched and searched and I'm not getting many hints.

How do you identify whether you have a factory or dealer installed AC system on the 12As? I can't get a hold of the original owner, so I need hints.

 

If memory serves me correct the non factory installed A/C was installed at port. there are two types of A/C systems available for the FB. Sanden and Nippon Denso. The Denso system can be identified easily by the larger fitting on the lines and the larger compressor. All Denso systems were factory installed. The Sanden systems if I remember correctly were port installed. The Denso systems were installed on the later (S3) GSL and GSL-SE trim levels. The Sanden systems were commonly seen on the S and GS models.

 

the Denso system is pretty easy to spot. the big low side hose is a pipe, and it makes kind of a square path around the engine bay. the sanden system has a rubber hose.

the denso system is found on every US, GSL-SE, and every 12A with PS AND A/C, aside from that it is pretty slim pickings. it seems to show up on the SA's sometimes, and i see an occasional 83 with one, but that is about it.

i suspect there is a tariff on importing cars with A/C as Mazda port installed A/C up until at least 1997, if not later

 

Port, not dealer, right.

Do the Nippondenso compressors usually have the high and low side ports on top of the compressors and at an angle? IIRC, my FC has a similar looking compressor. The car in question is an '84 GS with no PS, which has a different shape. It also has a giant rubber hose going across the firewall, so I'm assuming it has the Sanden compressor.

Thanks!

 

it varies by region, but in the west, the GSL-SE and 84-85 GSL with PS, got the Denso system, and then about 90% of the rest have a sanden. there was a part number for the a/c kit, so the dealership could install a/c if someone wanted it, but i would bet that more than 90% are port installed.

the two pics are the sanden vs ND, the ND is on a GSL-SE. see the pipe, vs rubber hose. the 12A car also has a decent shot of the compressor

oh and my info is USA only, in japan they would all be ND systems, and there was a Canadian GSL-SE for sale recently that had a sanden AC system, presumably a/c was an option in the great white north.

 

Wow, the more you know I guess. Definitely the Sanden then, thanks again!

 

Anyone know where to get a replacement Denso or who can rebuild one? Also, any condensers available?

 

My SA had the Sanden system on it. It was sold originally in the Kansas City area. I bought it used
from the same dealership after someone traded it in after 3 years. Port installed? Maybe.

 

Not sure if this helps, but I had this AC install document in my stash and had it posted to foxed.ca. I also have some more recent AC install docs I need to get posted.

http://foxed.ca/rx7manual/manuals/De...%20Install.pdf