1990-1995 ZR-1 AC Condensers

[-=Jeff=-]

I would have tweaked the tubes as needed on the new condenser, Which I believe I had to do when I fixed my AC 8 years ago

[Locobob]

So did anyone ever find a good source for the correct early style condenser? mine has sprung a leak.

[XfireZ51]

Bob,

The condensers from AZ and the like do not have provision for the oil cooler mounting that ZR-1s had. Those condensers are built for base C4s. I had asked Haibeck who they used for a source on condensers. Sounded like they have used Spectra condensers which are the AZ ones. I think Ecklers and CC may have ZR specific condensers but we are looking at $3-400.
The 94-5 condensers are 134a specific and won’t fit the 90-93 oil cooler.

[jss06c6]

Hey Dominic,

Do you think there's a way to modify the '94-95 condenser to accept the '91 oil cooler?

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[jss06c6]

Alternative might be to build new oil cooler lines and install two coolers on fabricated bracket(s) in a new location?

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[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by jss06c6

Hey Dominic,

Do you think there's a way to modify the '94-95 condenser to accept the '91 oil cooler?

Sent from my XT1585 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app

Steve,

The 94 condenser is wider and a bit thicker than the 90-93 condenser. I am sure there would be a way to fab some small brackets which could make up for the difference in width. The oil cooler will bolt on to one side of the condenser. Not sure if oil cooler on 94-95 cars is wider or perhaps there is an adapter for the oil cooler to the condenser for those years. Not sure how that affects the shroud again given that the 94 condenser is also thicker cross section, undoubtedly to make up for lower efficiency of 134a.
I got fortunate and found a 90 condenser that held vacuum.

[WVZR-1]

Originally Posted by jss06c6

Hey Dominic,

Do you think there's a way to modify the '94-95 condenser to accept the '91 oil cooler?

I believe it's more important to understand the difference in the '94+ METRIC inlet threads vs the earlier condenser.

[jss06c6]

Originally Posted by WVZR-1

I believe it's more important to understand the difference in the '94+ METRIC inlet threads vs the earlier condenser.

Understood. My son is a master fabricator.. I may have have a go at some mods to see if I can use the '94-95 condenser with my '91..

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[Locobob]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

Bob,

The condensers from AZ and the like do not have provision for the oil cooler mounting that ZR-1s had. Those condensers are built for base C4s. I had asked Haibeck who they used for a source on condensers. Sounded like they have used Spectra condensers which are the AZ ones. I think Ecklers and CC may have ZR specific condensers but we are looking at $3-400.
The 94-5 condensers are 134a specific and won’t fit the 90-93 oil cooler.

I haven't pulled the shroud off to look yet but I would think rigging up something to attach to the oil cooler wouldn't be too hard.

[Locobob]

Originally Posted by jss06c6

Alternative might be to build new oil cooler lines and install two coolers on fabricated bracket(s) in a new location?

Sent from my XT1585 using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app

I was actually kicking around relocating the oil cooler to the rear of the car using an aftermarket unit. This would move some weight rearward and also free up some radiator clutter for better air flow. I was thinking it could mount to the rear crossmember and utilize under car airflow. The downsides I see to this are: a lot of extra hose to route, how that extra distance might effect pressure, managing heat from the hoses and cooler itself.