Engine Installing A/C in a Non-A/C Car

bleedinggreen · Mar 18, 2024

My 1989 LX is a factory non-A/C car and I'm looking at installing A/C. I live in Texas and it's just not enjoyable riding around in the summer without A/C. I have an evaporator, a new heater core, and 89 A/C controls. I was going to order this this kit from LMR and prior to ordering it, I contacted them to see what else I would need to order. The understanding I had before this was that the HVAC box in 87 and up cars are the same and non-A/C cars just don't have evaporators installed. The gentleman that got back to me from LMR stated that I would need a HVAC box, electrical harness, and vacuum harness from an A/C car. Is this right?

This is what I was originally thinking that I needed, but now I'm not sure. Can anyone assist with this?

LMR conversion kit
Evaporator
A/C controls
Heater core (might as well while the box is out)
Compressor brackets
Condenser brackets
Accumulator brackets
Belt

Potomus Pete · Mar 18, 2024

I have the LMR kit and its great, but I dont know much about the rest except you probably need to go to the junk yard and get everything just so you have it. Does your car have the holes in the firewall. Blocked off of coarse

bleedinggreen · Mar 18, 2024

Potomus Pete said:
I have the LMR kit and its great, but I dont know much about the rest except you probably need to go to the junk yard and get everything just so you have it. Does your car have the holes in the firewall. Blocked off of coarse

Yes, the hole for the evaporator lines are in the firewall, but there's a foam cover over it now.

Potomus Pete · Mar 18, 2024

Then you just need a junk car. I feel sorry for you with the heat. I just sold a Jeep with no AC here in Florida because it was hot. Plus I couldnt fix it.. My Foxbodies AC was weak so I got the kit at LMR and its cold inside. Nice set with polished compressor

AeroCoupe · Mar 18, 2024

You will need the parts from a donor car as the guy from LMR stated.

Noobz347 · Mar 19, 2024

Should you complete this mission, you will be an under-dash pro.

I hope you document everything as you go.

Mustang5L5 · Mar 19, 2024

FYI,

I love LMR but you can piece that kit together for much less. They are just sourcing parts store components in a convenient package and offering outstanding customer support

Their kit features a reman compressor. So here's a rockauto cart (click to expand) with all the same components and a reman compressor PLUS an evap core. The only parts missing are the AC manifolds (get from LMR) and the r134a conversion fitting (get from parts store). With shipping to me plus tax it works out to $490. There's a 5% discount code on the internet for RA if you search around.

So you save almost $200 and that includes the evap. You could splurge for a NEW compressor as well off RA if you wanted.

One thing i will note though. If you have an issue with the parts, LMR will go above and beyond to make it right. RA will tell you to pound sand. So that's really where the extra cost goes. Up to you to decide if that's worth it or not.

I restored my A/C system using RA parts.

91AOD5.0LX · Mar 19, 2024

Here is a 6% discount code for you should you decide to go with LMR.

91 Black Hole · Mar 19, 2024

Hi. I have a 91 lx coupe that I just did an ac delete on. I'm in PA and the car is set up for track days. I removed everything except the evaporator since I didn't want to open dash. Was working but refrigerant leaked out. Has r134 hookups. If interested would be willing to sell or trade for??? Please let me know if this will work for you. Have pics of parts. Might be easier than trip to my or buying a junker.
Dick

Noobz347 · Mar 19, 2024

Do your "Wheeling and Dealing" in Private Message

91 Black Hole · Mar 20, 2024

Sorry but don't know how.

AeroCoupe · Mar 20, 2024

For example, on Noobz reply simply hover over his user name in the left hand box and a pop-up will appear. Click on "Start conversation" and you are off to the races.

91 Black Hole · Mar 20, 2024

bleedinggreen · Apr 20, 2024

Vintage Air just released their SureFit kit for the fox body. It’s pricy, but I’m wondering if it’s worth the upgrade. I reached out to them and they said they can put together everything I need for a non-AC car - brackets, belt, etc.

Mustang5L5 · Apr 20, 2024

The only hesitation I would have with such a kit, cost aside, is finding replacement parts down the road if needed. Hopefully it’s not, but snagging a new orifice line for an OE setup might be easier than finding a new line for the vintage air kit.

Not that I think the company won’t be around in 10 years, but I’ve seen stranger things happen.

bleedinggreen · Apr 20, 2024

Mustang5L5 said:
The only hesitation I would have with such a kit, cost aside, is finding replacement parts down the road if needed. Hopefully it’s not, but snagging a new orifice line for an OE setup might be easier than finding a new line for the vintage air kit.

Not that I think the company won’t be around in 10 years, but I’ve seen stranger things happen.

That thought crossed my mind. I wonder if they try to use the same parts in all of their kits as much as possible. For as much as the kit costs, I hope they support it long term.

AeroCoupe · Apr 20, 2024

I would just call them and ask about replacement parts. It may surprise you that they are using stuff you can get locally.

Engine Installing A/C in a Non-A/C Car

bleedinggreen

Potomus Pete

I'm still waiting for the fully nude shots

bleedinggreen

Potomus Pete

I'm still waiting for the fully nude shots

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

91AOD5.0LX

I have a slight sag in my rear

91 Black Hole

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Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

91 Black Hole

Member

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

91 Black Hole

Member

bleedinggreen

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

bleedinggreen

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

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