air cond.

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denny

Master Mechanic
Feb 4, 2017
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my 81 malibu was a factory air car and the po removed all the stuff we used to remove as kids to get more power (compresser, condenser,brackets). looks like most everything else is still there. current engine has vortec heads and i remember reading that vortec heads will require different mounting brackets. can anybody confirm this and where is a good place to obtain these brackets? thanks
 

Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
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I don't think having Vortec heads is going to make any difference in brackets. The heads should have the same accessory holes.
 
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MadBrax

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Aug 5, 2018
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I'm in the same situation, PO removed all the engine bay equipment. The alternator on mine is mounted on the right side of the engine and I think that's the original compressor location. Any help with bracket sources or left side compressor configuration suggestions would be much appreciated.
 

melloelky

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Oct 22, 2017
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If i was looking for all the brackets and such i'd scout Craiglist or a junkyard or if you're on facebook marketplace to get it all the parts from one car.that way you can see it all assembled on the car and have an idea of what it's supposed to look like and maybe snap a picture or two as a reference later on.
 
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Wageslave

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Jan 25, 2017
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When I had a V-Belt setup on mine, the only real issue was the forward most intake manifold bolts on the drivers side head would not line up. I believe this was used for the lift hook and a support for the AC compressor. I was able to retain use of the compressor without the bracket installed.
 

Doug Chahoy

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Nov 21, 2016
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My 79 Elco had the compressor high on the drivers side above and tied in with the power steering. The alternator was high mount on the passenger side. I just took all mine off for a serpentine system. Probably saved 200lbs.
 

Wageslave

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Jan 25, 2017
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Agreed on the serpentine setup. I used an S10 Blazer setup on mine and it works quite well. Once you start trying to find a bunch of brackets for a 35+ year old vehicle, you may find it is cheaper and easier to just go to a pull-a-apart yard, and grab a whole accessory drive off of a newer car or truck.
 

Doug Chahoy

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Unless your trying to keep it original, what Wageslave said is the best way to go. I got a deal from a forum member on a Match system. Though nice they have a design flaw mounting the power steering. If I were to do it again, I'd be at pic a part looking for any later model V-8 or 4.3
 
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Wageslave

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Unless your trying to keep it original, what Wageslave said is the best way to go. I got a deal from a forum member on a Match system. Though nice they have a design flaw mounting the power steering. If I were to do it again, I'd be at pic a part looking for any later model V-8 or 4.3
Avoid full size truck setups if possible. They will have clearance issues with the power steering pump pulley and they are somewhat tall. 4.3 S10, Caprice, or F-Body setups would probably work though. You might convert to the newer accessories while you are at it, as they are easy to convert.
 

tc1959

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Dec 23, 2009
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F-Body set up works great. But I had to get a AC condenser that had the pipes on the passenger side and have a Camaro AC hose shortened.
 

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