[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] [New Search]
<x-charset iso-8859-1>Hello- Jim: > While A/C may seem like a really "cool" accessory, I would NEVER add it to > a car of mine. The downside is just too overwhelming. I agree entirely that the VPC system as-is has a few design flaws that do cause problems! One of the problems with rust is that they'd cut holes for things to go in, and then leave the sheet metal edge totally unprotected. I've seen this mostly on gas heater installations, where the fender starts rotting out around the holes drilled for it. Also, the cooling air ducting holes are a BIG problem, especially with a T3 where the engine compartment isn't sealed! The actual load put on by the York is about 5hp or so (roughly... can be more, too) at cruise, so it does run things hotter, but the biggest problem to engine longevity is the ducting problem. However, I disagree that A/C will kill your ACVW, period. It just requires modification to the original system! A 5-cylinder Sanden 508 compressor takes about 1.25-1.5hp at cruise. That is a TINY load. Even more advanced 7-cylinder compressors (like the Sanden 7xx series... not too much more expensive) and scroll compressors are even MORE efficient. I have personally been unable to notice any temperature difference on a T4 engine using this compressor, even in the toughest of terrains. Performance-wise, it will make acceleration a bit less snappy because it has to spin up, too, but as for actual cruising, you'll just about never notice it. I have not yet finished my customized A/C system in my '72 Fastback. I have installed a DPD underdash evaporator/vent unit and wired the whole car for it, and if nothing else it makes for great circulation of air in the car. I'll likely install a condensor either in front of the front beam (the top of which is to be located where the bump is ahead of the gas tank) or horizontally near the transmission. I had the latter setup in my Ghia for years, and since it was a parallel-flow 12x20 condensor, it cooled the car very well. I'll keep you guys posted with how it all fits together. I'll use a 508 Sanden compressor on the engine, but it'll be mounted on the T4 engine in the back, so my modifications there won't be of too much help to anyone here. One other word: to make your A/C really effective in real 120F desert heat, I'd recommend looking into window tinting and/or some insulation. My Ghia had none of the above... when I was in 120F desert heat I could still get cold (40-45F or so I'm estimating) air out of the vents, but by the time it got to my body, I was still 80F+... but, if I held out my hand, it felt good :-) Marc: > ...................I beleive it was Mr. Shad Laws, > the man who made the first response to this thread, > that wrote those articles to begin with. I've read > many of his posts at shoptalkforums.com and beleive > him to be very competent in his views. On the subject > of A/C on aircooled motors, I think you can trust his > opinion. <blush> Why thank ya :-). I'm not a dunce on the subject, but I certainly don't claim to know everything either. Just had a little bit of experience and shared it with others so we could all mutually learn more, tis all. The original article I submitted to VWT had this very explicitly stated in it, I don't know if that part made it to print or got edited. For example, the part about VPC stuff being installed before the dealer in other countries I never had heard before... But, one thing is for sure, though: A/C for all of the T1-based engines (T3 included) was definately an afterthought. It wasn't until the T4 engine (used in the Type 4, 914, and later bus) that they actually designed the engine with A/C in mind. For the T4 car itself, the car was also designed with A/C in mind: there is a seperate piece under the dash specifically designed to be removed for A/C installation, kinda like a block-off sort of thing on a modern car. Take care, Shad Laws LN Engineering - Aircooled Precision Performance http://www.LNengineering.com ------------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe? mailto:type3-request@vwtype3.org, Subject: unsubscribe </x-charset>