Air Conditioning Installation
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From: Echterdingen, Germany
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.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 984
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From: Bossier City, LA
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.
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,785
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From: And the horse he rode in on...
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.
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
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 30
From: And the horse he rode in on...
One final tip: Don't accept A/C advice from anyone with <strike>*****</strike> Texas Envy. Those guys can help with mosquito control advice (i.e. use a tennis racket) and rust control.
Jack
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 30
From: And the horse he rode in on...
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
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
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 0
From: Bossier City, LA
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!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 30
From: And the horse he rode in on...
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!
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!
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.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 0
From: Bossier City, LA
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Brazil
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
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
thank u and sorry about my very bad english
Rotary Evolution
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 445
Likes: 137
From: in the swamp
Hello my frineds, im paulo, im new on the forum... im from brazil, and i bought a 1988 rx7 convertible, at florida, and i will bring the this car to brazil, but im needing help.. this car doenst have a/c, i read that its possible, but here on brazil we dont have any part of this car ... to be honest, the car will be the first in all country... i woulk like to install the a/c but i dont know whas the part number or the right parts to buy, before to bring this car to brazil.... some friend have this "list"? im lost in this search.. my whatsapp is +55 19 98363-0008 or pauloronci@hotmail.com, hank you and i will post some pictures when the car come in brazil
thank u and sorry about my very bad english
thank u and sorry about my very bad english
You would need to find someone who is stripping a car and has a COMPLETE system to ship you. There was 3 variants for the 2nd generation RX7, the Nippondenso system with 10P15C compressor and 2 variants of the Sanden system which apparently came installed as options on cars shipped to the US after shipping them here.
The issue you will run into is no one makes stock fit condensers or OE fit lines for our cars anymore so it would be much simpler to buy a complete system off a part out vehicle and fix any potential issues with that system(replace failing seals in the compressor, replace rubber lines on flex hoses, etc). a hydraulic repair shop can rebuild the flexible lines based off the existing factory ones. reseal kits are still available for the complete system to retrofit them to R134a systems. The only part you technically don't need is the condenser, you can make a newer style parallel flow condensor fit with some modification to the lines.
I would assume that the stock HVAC housing will accept a evaporator for all models, but you can't find new or aftermarket evaporators anymore so used it is.
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