MA61 air con condenser replacement options

[mullett]

I've decided that air con is definitely something I want as part of the UZ conversion, but the factory condenser is looking very sorry for itself. I've got a smaller on which I could easily make fit, is this the best option, or is there an easy aftermarket option for a new one? (commodore etc...)

-RM

[andyroo]

Hiya,

Look I honestly don't know much about AC compressors/systems etc, but what I do know is that the BEST AC I've ever experienced in ANY car I've been in or driven is my current Avalon. The AC is ice cold really quickly, and the fan/s system it uses is amazingly powerful. I don't know how you could go about using it's system but there must be many wrecked avalons you could pillage.

[Rhyno]

Hi guys,

FYI there is now a AC tech thread up and running if you want more info.

Do not use a smaller Condensor - you will only get problems. In the AC thread the UZ comes with one of the largest displacement compressors, and should have at least the same sized condensor, or slightly bigger.

Perhaps do some googling, ebay had SFA. Best bet is get a brand new one designed for your car. Z2TT might be able to help you out, he seems to have some good contacts.

If worse comes to worse, how much smaller is the other one and it what way (height/length)? Is it thicker?

Hope this helps mate

[mullett]

Yeah, a brand new correct one would be ideal, but is probably out of the question. Only generic ones on eBay are commodore/falcon ones, and are probably too big

[Rhyno]

I reckon google will be your best friend

[CrUZida]

I looked at fitting a larger one to my Z10 (slightlydifferent to the A61 in this aspect, but close enough), however the condensor mounts inside the radiator support panel cutout (snuggly too I might add), so if you were to get a bigger one, you'd have to mount it outside the cutout, and therefore sections of it wouldn't be in the airflow, and thus pointless.

[mullett]

Yeah, id be perfectly happy with a stock one, if I go larger itll have to sit infront of the cutout...

[CrUZida]

You should have let me know the other day when you were over.
I had one lying around that I have since thrown out.

[Rhyno]

I looked at fitting a larger one to my Z10 (slightlydifferent to the A61 in this aspect, but close enough), however the condensor mounts inside the radiator support panel cutout (snuggly too I might add), so if you were to get a bigger one, you'd have to mount it outside the cutout, and therefore sections of it wouldn't be in the airflow, and thus pointless.

Hi Cruzida,

Sorry to disagree but I do. Yes the condensor will have sections that will be less efficent, however, you will still regect heat from those sections even though they do not have ample air flow.

Take for example, a domestic fridge/freezer: some designs have plates in them, and no fan to assist cooling the space, just the difference in temperture between the evaporator and the space being cooled.

So there is some benefit, however not as much compared to a condensor that is the right size, but thicker. Just wanted to point that out

Kind Regards,

Ryan

[Sciflyer]

Hey dude i have the entire A/C system from a UZZ31 sitting in my shed, welcome to have a look at it to see if its a goer

Come to think of it, i probably have two entire systems... man i need to get rid of some shit!

[mullett]

Well, I'm sure some of it will come in handy! Are the lines intact?

[matty12]

Pics at all? or even diminsions?? I can have a look through my catalogues to see whats around.

[Sciflyer]

Well, I'm sure some of it will come in handy! Are the lines intact?

Not sure, lines usually end up getting bent/kinked or just take up too much space so no guarantees there, but i have everything else

[CrUZida]

Sorry to disagree but I do. Yes the condensor will have sections that will be less efficent, however, you will still regect heat from those sections even though they do not have ample air flow.

Allow me to clarify a wee bit. The benefit gained by fitting a slightly larger one (we would only be talking 2" at the most), are (IMO) negated by the extreme extra effort in fitting it (finding the space which doesn't exist, brackets, custom lines, etc etc)

[Z2TT]

Hi,

Now with putting a larger compressor, i'm not sure of the affects that creates on the rest of the system for one that was designed for one with smaller displacement, but from what Cruzida has mentioned he hasn't had any negative effects with his A/C with his 1uz conversion on the Z10 which would have probably the same system as the a61.

So I'd just simply go for a new condenser, one that is designed for the car. I'm pretty sure auto a/c part distributors would be able to have a listing for the A61. This way it will be a simple bolt in. If it doesn't have an electric fan on it, consider putting one to help with the cooling.