The comprehensive Air Conditioning thread.

[choleaoum]

What condensors are you guys running with these ac line kits? I have the slim fan and it wont let me clear the front of the radiator, I want to install it via the back but it might hit the pulleys.

[Danny]

I used the stock e30 condenser with a 16" spal mounted where the AUX fan goes. Took a bit of creativity but I got it to fit.

[dude8383]

I used the stock e30 condenser with a 16" spal mounted where the AUX fan goes. Took a bit of creativity but I got it to fit.

You trim the valance or something more fancy?

[Danny]

I used some creative bracket bending to use the stock aux fan brackets.

[choleaoum]

So your just pretty much running 1 large ass fan? It's powerful enough to cool the condensor and radiator?

[Danny]

Don't know yet. Been too cold here, haven't needed to use the AC.

[Berkut]

I butchered the e30 compressor and welded an adapter to the S50 compressor, managed to keep and run the rest stock e30.

I just run the stock AUX fan and not had any issues yet but I'm thinking of getting one of those 16" ones, anyone had issues with just the AUX fan?

[RoadHazard]

A direct-fit parallel flow condenser for R134 folks.

http://www.ineedarad.com/bmw32newacco1.html

Info from

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113435

[choleaoum]

I need to run some kind of electric fan to cool my s52 swap. It appears I need to delete The condenser to make it fit from the front. Is the stock aux fan enough? Ordered a 16" spal fan hoping to cool the radiator and condenser with 1 fan

[Danny]

You don't need to delete the condenser. I run my 16" spal in front of the condenser. Works fine.

[butters]

I searched and searched and I have to ask, despite how dumb it may seem...

If I tossed the M42 compressor wiring (or sold to new owner) and I want to put the e36 compressor to use after 2 years of not being able to enjoy the car in hot weather, where can I get a good understanding of the electrical aspect of the retrofit?

Most of the discussion is in regards to the refrigerant lines, or the idle bump. I feel I understand those parts enough to give it a shot, but I do not know what to look for to connect the dash button to the compressor so I don't feel ready to move forward. Is there a pigtail that I need?

[RoadHazard]

The ETM has diagrams for AC wiring if that's what you're asking. On the AC unit, there should be a pigtail that connects to the dash button. As far as wiring goes, it depends on what wires are missing in your system. You might want to look at your AC/Heater unit to see what have been cut and try to identify them.

[treff-7]

i kept the original condenser and used a 16" high speed pusher. it's not the spal but has pretty much the same specs for about half the price (i think). a bit thicker IIRC but still fits between the condenser and valance. there's one thing i noticed. however it won't let my engine overheat in LA traffic above 100F there's a lot of air escaping between the radiator and condenser. i'm planning on boxing in the condenser so all the air goes through the radiator and cools the water.

[robgoesvroom]

i kept the original condenser and used a 16" high speed pusher. it's not the spal but has pretty much the same specs for about half the price (i think). a bit thicker IIRC but still fits between the condenser and valance. there's one thing i noticed. however it won't let my engine overheat in LA traffic above 100F there's a lot of air escaping between the radiator and condenser. i'm planning on boxing in the condenser so all the air goes through the radiator and cools the water.

Have you successfully done this? In for pics

[bimmerteck]

Have you successfully done this? In for pics

To stop the air escaping between the radiator and condenser I use a stick on high density foam from a local hardware store. Be sure it's a closed cell foam b/c it'll hold up longer. Stick it around the outside edges of the condenser then lean the condenser into position and it will press tight against the radiator essentially creating a shroud between the two to contain the air passing through the condenser and force it through the radiator as well.

If it wasn't this particular product it was very similar. ;)

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-E-O-3-4-in-x-10-ft-Rubber-Foam-Tape-R534H/202262324#.UioSCNLEN4k