Getting AC in my project in 2024.. help identifying options

[jaredmac11]

I have an m42 in my e21 so I'm a bit of a different use case. I have a bracket for a denso and I have a denso core with everything but the pulley and clutch (not sure why)

I want to get AC in my car bc these Tx summers are too damn much.

The way I see it...

1) find reman Four Seasons compressor, which are already hard to find and cost $150-250.
2) Build a custom bracket and use a Sanden.
3) Other? Find a denso 10pa17c for another vehicle model and Frankenstein a unit together?
4) Find a clutch and pulley for my core and give it a shot? I'm having a hard time finding a v belt pulley


SSuper ideal scenario is finding an OEM denso that I know will be reliable and plugging that in. But I haven't found one.
I hear Four Seasons compressors can be questionable and I don't feel comfortable spending almost $200 for something that won't last.


If I do any options with a denso or reman, can I use R134A? Do the seals *in the compressor* need to be upgraded to the green gaskets similar to the o-rings for the lines?

What have y'all done to get good working AC in your e30?

[AWDBOB]

Hardest route these days is finding a good compressor if you're not going sanden. They've almost all been run out of oil, so even if you replace the shaft seal and front seals, they typically won't build enough pressure to produce satisfactory results.

Easiest route for you may be to convert to an E36 M42 serpentine belt system as those A/C compressors are much more readily available and then just have lines made at your local hydro shop.

[e30davie]

Making your own bracket for a sanden isn't such a big issue, here's mine i made to suit a sd5h09 sanden.

just a flat bit of steel and I bought the already laser cut universal bracket things from a local shop, I'm sure someone makes them in usa somewhere.

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/filedata/fetch?id=10109857&d=1701741161

[jaredmac11]

Thank you both for the input. I was looking at new reman or maybe new in box Denso. They exist just not for the bmw m42. Maybe I'd get lucky but seems like best strategy is the custom bracket.

Where did you get the Sanden mount from?

[ghrays]

I’ll give you my own experience. I spent a lot of time and hundreds of dollars having multiple Denso compressors rebuilt . They never worked, there were always refrigerant leaks from the compressor itself. I never had a functioning air conditioning system until I installed a brand new Sanden. I also replaced the condenser with a Nissens parallel flow, and got a new evaporator as well. With R134a refrigerant, it may not be as cold as R12 was when the system was new, but it is good enough and it just works.

I got the Sanden adapter bracket and my hoses modified by Lyle at:

https://lcwylieco.bigcartel.com/product/m-20-bmw-sanden-conversion-bracket

[Tzantushka]

I’ll give you my own experience. I spent a lot of time and hundreds of dollars having multiple Denso compressors rebuilt . They never worked, there were always refrigerant leaks from the compressor itself. I never had a functioning air conditioning system until I installed a brand new Sanden. I also replaced the condenser with a Nissens parallel flow, and got a new evaporator as well. With R134a refrigerant, it may not be as cold as R12 was when the system was new, but it is good enough and it just works.

I got the Sanden adapter bracket and my hoses modified by Lyle at:

https://lcwylieco.bigcartel.com/product/m-20-bmw-sanden-conversion-bracket

Can also vouch for this bracket - the photo is from my car.
All lines-up square so there are minimal problems down the track.

[jaredmac11]

Ive spoke with Layne a few times, he doesn't make an M42 sanden bracket. We're y'all modifying the m20 or m10 bracket?

[varg]

I had no trouble finding a new 10PA17C for my E34, the E30 318is compressor is the same model with a different pulley and should have similar availability. If not, an E34 525i compressor with with the pulley from an E30 318is should in theory be a bolt on swap. I believe Sandens are available with the same type of 4 bolt mount if you're anti-denso, you'd just need to look up the dimensions and see if it's a bolt on affair or would require a custom mount.