Air Conditioning Installation
 

I am buying a 1990 turbo RX7 convertible in Europe, and I will bring it back with me to the States in the future. One draw back is that it doesn't have air conditioning. Does anyone know of a place that installs air conditioning? I will be in southern Texas, and I'll definitely need it there. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Buy the parts off someone that lives in the northern states or someone that's parting out a car. It's really an easy install. The hardest part will be removing the dash to put the evaporator in, and that's not that hard, just time consuming.

Contact "jackhild" here on the forum.
He is not only our resident AC expert, he is also <strike>afflicted with Texas residency</strike> a Texan.

:lol::lol:Ah that was good for a chuckle:lol::lol:

Ok, thanks for the replies.

This is essentially a new installation, so you can make some decisions that will modernize and increase the effectiveness of the system.

The two systems found on the FC are Nippondenso system and Sanden system. One type was factory installed, one was installed at the port of entry. It doesn't matter which was which.

Choose the Nippondenso system. It has slightly higher compressor displacement and slightly larger expansion valve capacity so in effect it has more cooling capacity. Every little bit helps in cooling down a *Texas* heat soaked car.

You do not yet have a condenser, so don't install the stock serpentine coil condenser. Install a new parallel flow condenser. Some custom lines will have to be done, but it will be well worth the effort. If you do this step, you can use R134a effectively. This will allow *any* competent MVAC tech to charge, trouble shoot and repair the A/C in the future. I personally would still use R152. There are some helpful details in my R152 thread.

Also, install a small pusher fan, say 10"-12" on the front of the condenser wired to activate whenever the compressor is engaged. This doesn't need to be a 'badass' type fan. Hayden or Summit or any of the commonly available fans will do. Use a relay. Operate the relay coil from the compressor clutch wire. The factory installed a fan in this way on TII and Automatic N/A cars. You might find one of the factory fan setups available.

Clean the evaporator box and coil completely. There is some OEM sealing foam around the coil that will have deteriorated. Replace it so that all the air is forced to go through the coil, not around it.

I am in the process of restoring a 10th Anniversary TII. ALL these details are going into my system.

Good Luck!

Jack

I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as quick as I could.

One final tip: Don't accept A/C advice from anyone with <strike>penis</strike> Texas Envy. Those guys can help with mosquito control advice (i.e. use a tennis racket) and rust control.


Jack

I'm interested in this parallel flow condenser. I am in the process of completely restoring my car as well (90 GXL Winning Silver) and have almost completely emptied the interior and engine bay (going to strip EVERYTHING for paint).

I live in Louisiana, so we've got the HOT and HUMID summers too. I was already planning on installing the "push" fan that was stock on TIIs and A/T cars to help with the cooling.

What does this condenser you mention have over the stock condenser? I want to have the most effective cooling I can get.

Thanks!

The parallel flow condenser is about 30% more efficient than our old serpentine style condensers. This is what you need to use R134a in an FC. Google 'Parallel condenser' and you will find many sites selling the hardware. The install is not for beginners or the faint of heart. Almost no A/C shop will help you. Arizona mobile

Here is a diy thread from a Jag owner with pics and results: Installing Parallel Flow Condenser

I highly recommend Arizona Mobile Air, Inc. | Automotive Air Conditioning Parts & Equipment . They have the parts and the expertise to help you through the process.

Thanks!