Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

I am building a K20 coninversion in a Fiat X1/9 for a customer who has to retain AC. Do the hybrid vehicles have electric compressors? If so, where might I go to try to buy one?

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

oh damn I have no idea about that but please post the build.

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

I think all the new hybrids use an electric ac compressor. They are primarily belt drivin, but when motor is at idle stop it uses an electric motor to keep it turning. Honda has them but they are not cheap. Good luck with this build, I want more info and pictures!

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

i found this write up on that swap into a fiat.
http://www.midwest-x19.com/FiatX19Acura_files/frame.htm

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

The problem with electric compressors is they need "high voltage" to run, there is no advantage to using an electric compressor, why not just use the compressor for the K20 engine?94

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

That is the company I am working for. The link above refers to the first K20 build. I am relatively new to the company (about 2.5 months) and this is my first K20 swap. I inherited a botched project from their then-current fab guy. I became the fab guy and started over. The previous two builds were well executed by another fab guy who did a good job, but I have a different way of doing things from what is pictured above.

Absolutely positively cannot use the K20 compressor or the Fiat unit--NO space for them. If I have to go engine-driven, I have to find something teeny-tiny (about the size of an alternator) to mount in a non-factory location. The K20 compressor would have to occupy the space of the leading pick-up point for the right rear control arm--can't do without that!

I'll try to put up some pics of the project. :)

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

Then I would find your Cooling Depot, [Four Seasons] retailer in your area... http://www.4s.com/ROOT-Home1/Content.aspx and ask them for the smallest compressor they have. 94

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

Here is an idea. Snag a compressor and an electric motor. Fab a pulley and just drive the belt with the motor.

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

didn't some of the really tiny cars such as the geo metro have really small compressors?

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

your going to need a compressor that is sized to pump the proper amount of refrigerant through the evap and condensor, just throwing in any compressor my not work properly. compressors and the other a/c componets are sized in accordance to the space size and load of what your trying to cool.

Re: Electric AC Compressors: true?
 

This is in a Fiat X1/9, probably less volume in pass. compartment then a Honda Del Sol or S2000, so the smallest automotive compressor OP can find will work just fine.

OP, you may want to look at Panasonic compressors, they make some pretty small compressors. 94