Engine Low mount AC compressor??

[Blue85]

So next on my list is my AC compressor. I kinda dont want to mount it in the original position on the driver side. I really dont like the way the hoses run all the way across the engine bay. So anybody running anything different. This is on a 87 5.0 serpentine set up.

 

[Noobz347]

Check this out:

Ford 289, 302, 351W : Custom Series Style Track 5.0 : Includes alternator and air conditioning with optional power steering

March Performance new Style Track 5.0 serpentine system is created with a combination of style and low price that is sure to find favor among car enthusiasts everywhere. This kit will allow the use of a mechanical fuel pump and timing cover from your late 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's applications...

marchperformance.com

 

[Blue85]

OOF looks alot like the CVF priced about the same too. I was hoping for a less expensive alternative. Might have to wait a minute on this one.

 

[Robertstang]

Hey: I’m looking to do the same thing and I’ve done a little bit of research. The four-cylinder has the compressor mounted on the passenger side of the engine and the hoses, accumulator, dryer, etc. are all shortened. This would replace the air pump. The only drawback is you will have to design a mount for the compressor to fit where the air pump used to be. That way you can essentially use the same belt set up.

 

[Mcmahst]

Didn’t the crown Vic have it mounted low on the passenger side? And as I remember, it didn’t matter which engine was in the car, all mounted there.

 

[Mcmahst]

Ok, maybe not low, but on the passenger side. And since it’s on a 5.8, likely the front arrangement would work. Just a thought.

 

[AeroCoupe]

What Crown Vic had a 5.8? All I am aware of are 5.0 and 4.6 engines which ran from 1994-2009 (last production CV police interceptor). I’m almost sure none of the 5.0 engines had a serpentine setup but rather a two belt set up with manual tension.

I dove off into this pretty deep when putting an “06 CV front suspension in my “70 F100.

 

[Mcmahst]

 

[AeroCoupe]

So this is a really good thread on this topic. My guess is none were serpentine.

https://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2649614

 

[Mcmahst]

For some reason, I remember those 351’s had the AC compressor very low on the passenger side. I guess the question to the OP is, does it matter if it isn’t one belt. If the need for room is the primary need, then ‍

 

[Mcmahst]

Ok, a quick search of Rock Auto does show two belts (1991 5.8l); in all applications of options, the V Belt only drives the smog pump. The Serpentine belt drives the rest. It could be two serpentine belts, but the AC is definitely driven by one of those.

 

[Noobz347]

I think (and I can't be certain) that the only 351W serpentine belt setup I've ever seen was on an E-350. It may have even been a fleet vehicle.

 

[AeroCoupe]

94-97 trucks and vans with a 351W will have a roller blocks but I’m pretty sure the accessory belt routing is the same as the 302’s and has the AC compressor at the top on the driver side.

 

[Mcmahst]

Many times, Ford put the AC compressor on the same side of the engine compartment as the battery, in these newer vehicles (post 1980). It’s clear in the Rock Auto parts that the AC compressor is driven by the S belt, not the V belt, and those cars had their battery on the passenger side. So either mounted up high or low, it’s not the same as the Stangs.

 

[Noobz347]

94-97 trucks and vans with a 351W will have a roller blocks but I’m pretty sure the accessory belt routing is the same as the 302’s and has the AC compressor at the top on the driver side.

Yeah... same component locations:

 

[Mcmahst]

Here’s a pic of a 1991 Crown Vic 5.0, with the AC compressor on the passenger side with a serpentine belt.




Now, not low.

 

[AeroCoupe]

And not on serpentine belt but definitely on the passenger side.

 

[Mcmahst]

Where do you see a v belt in that pic?

 

[Noobz347]

It's a serpentine alright. No idea what/how their accessory drive attaches but theoretically, you should be able to put that drive on a Mustang so long as there's nothing in the way.

Somebody that may know if we can get him out of the dungeons.... @LaserSVT

 

[Mcmahst]

I just got off the phone with an old salvage yard friend in Tx. He tells me, all of those 1991’s had the AC unit on the passenger side, and some luxury models of the Ford/Mercury had them in the place of the air pump, so lower. He also said, many of those were part of that junk your car for money back in the day, so availability is unknown. But, if someone could find either a belt illustration of the Grand Marquis or ? we might have a winner.