Air Conditioning system

[San Diego GTR]

I just returned from a visit to a shop here in town that has a 20+ year history of servicing automotive A/C systems and found something out that is interesting and noteworthy to future builders. This system when operating in an optimal way should only expect to reduce the ambient air temperature 25º. For those of you in cooler climates, that might not be an issue, but for those of us in warm climates, it reinforces the argument for insulating as much of the hot stuff in the cabin as possible. For example, if it is 105º outside temp, then you can only hope the A/C system will bring it down to 85º. Now, no doubt, 85º is better than 105º but it would still be pretty hot and uncomfortable. I thought this would be a helpful tip to future builders that find themselves in hotter climates.
Paul

[crafty]

was insulation the main issue?

did they recommend any other improvements?

[San Diego GTR]

Crafty,
Yes they did and I can't believe I didn't mention it in my first post. They said that the location of the condenser and the lack of direct air flowing over the entire surface is also a contributor to unwanted heat building up in the system causing the pressure to rise and thus compressor to work harder than necessary and therefore being less efficient than possible. He suggested that moving the condenser or otherwise creating more airflow over it, would greatly improve the systems efficiency. I was wondering about something over the outside vent that would encourage airflow into the engine bay and over the condenser.

Anyone have any ideas?

Paul

[clynos1]

How about ReVerie Side Scoops. I have just fitted them during my Can Am Build, they look great and provide extra forced air through the AC Rad. and Oil Cooler Rad.
See my recent V8 UCA update thread for pictures
David

[San Diego GTR]

David,
Those look great. I sent you an email.
Thanks,
Paul

[donkeasy]

A bigger/larger fan on the condensor
should do the trick of more flow.