A/C options

[Pdxguy]

Looking at purchasing an A/C unit. Actually, replacing the original Clardy that I purchased but never installed and ended up selling. Two options for new units I see are D-Technic which seems to be a Hurricane heater and A/C combo that replaces the heater box. Other option is Ice-Air, I believe the new iteration of the original Clardy unit. 

 

The Hurricane option eliminates fresh air, but also is advertised as minimizing gas smell in the cabin as it isn't pulling from right next to the engine. I am installing side drafts so I understand, the gas smell is part of it with the traditional heater box. 

 

Ice-Air is a proven unit, just difficult to find out what the specifications are for the individual components from the company. Sanden clone or original, size and type of condenser, fan strength (CFU) etc. I have sent messages and he refers me to the installation instructions which lack any specifications. 

 

Any thoughts of the likelihood of minimizing gas smell vs loss of fresh air?

 

Thanks,

Dennis

[Mike Self]

I'd think twice about giving up any fresh airflow other than opening windows...particularly if you're driving in damp conditions, you'll want heated outside air to prevent fogging your glass on the inside when you're on "recirculate" rather than "fresh" setting.  

 

WRT gas fumes coming in through the heater:  so long as the heater plenum chamber seals are all in good shape:  the hood seal, the two side seals and especially the "duck lips"/ "elephant trunks"  (drains), you shouldn't have any fumes coming through the heater.  

 

More than a few folks on the FAQ have installed ICE units and they seem to be happy with'em.  My old Frigiking chugs along with a replacement rotary compressor, but I rarely use it as it's just not that effective, especially in city traffic.  

 

mike

[M3M3]

there is no inherent "gas smell" from sidedrafts.

 

source of 99% of gas smell in 2002's is issues back in the fuel tank/trunk area, not the engine compt.

[M3M3]

and of course the best A/C for a 2002 is to......buy an E30 to drive in the hot time of year...

[chargin]

The ICEAC kit is a complete bolt in including all electricals, I've installed 3 with good success (Not a pro, I do my own stunts)

 

 

Kooglewerks Face added: 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 15, 2023 by chargin

[Einspritz]

So what's wrong with gas smell?

[fastricky]

ICE AIR is a great choice. I have a Fridgiking unit with updated components and it works well in NYC heat. Either way, very worthwhile! 

[Themis]

I have also bit the bullet and purchased the ICEAC kit. It is very complete, and generally good quality (at least as good as the original Clardy). It's very cold (much colder than my 2018 VW GTI). No strange smells after 3 years of operation.

[0257]

5 hours ago, chargin said:

The ICEAC kit is a complete bolt in including all electricals, I've installed 3 with good success (Not a pro, I do my own stunts)

 

 

Kooglewerks Face added: 

 

 

 

 

 

+1

[conkitchen]

Don't flame me, just trying to offer this if it helps.  

 

 

[Pdxguy]

Appreciate the input and photos all.

 

Is there anything the Icear unit does not include? Compressor bracket, face plate, anything I will need to source?

 

my car is at the body shop now, about to go to paint ( for three months..:)  Is there a template I can give to the body guy to know where the lines go through before he starts paint?

 

thanks,

Dennis

 

[Mike Self]

16 hours ago, M3M3M3 said:

and of course the best A/C for a 2002 is to......buy an E30 to drive in the hot time of year...

+1  the best solution.  The A/C on my 318is functions just like the one in almost any American car 😉...

[0257]

9 hours ago, Pdxguy said:

Appreciate the input and photos all.

 

Is there anything the Icear unit does not include? Compressor bracket, face plate, anything I will need to source?

 

my car is at the body shop now, about to go to paint ( for three months..:)  Is there a template I can give to the body guy to know where the lines go through before he starts paint?

 

thanks,

Dennis

 

The unit includes everything you need, though I found that the console faceplate provided with the kit was not configured right for my desired accessories.  So I bought a faceplate from Kooglewerks that was more to my liking and worked with that:As to drilling holes, as I recall you kind of have to “place-fit” hoses and lines as you go.  There’s no slack at the firewall — placement must be pretty precise for the kit hoses to work, so you want your evaporator box/blower mocked up in place so you can see where the lines must exit.  Careful not to drill into a brake line or something else you’ll regret! And at the front apron your placement of the dryer bottle may be guided by where existing stuff is.  My bay was pretty clean… If I were in your situation, I’d just keep some paint or clearcoat handy, drill holes using one of the conical bits you get from Horrible Freight, dab on the paint around the bare metal edges of the hole and not worry about it.  The cut edges are either under carpet or covered by grommets anyway.  

 

Also, the ICE instructions are challenging enough for the dedicated owner paranoid about getting it wrong; I’d hate to see them in the hands of a hungover paint pro.  

[chargin]

10 hours ago, Pdxguy said:

there anything the Icear unit does not include? Compressor bracket, face plate, anything I will need to source?

 

Really everything is included just like in the late 70's, that being said YES there are some things you may want to change.

 

As above the Kooglewerks face plate adds 2 Gauges, I also added a USB charger to the passenger side, another thing I like is a manual over ride switch to turn on the electric front fan while in traffic with the AC off. 

Also I wasn't a fan of the hose routing. 

 

I added a Bulkhead fitting and relocated the charge ports, my latest install was not on an M10 but I would do the same Hose changes anyway with the thinner more flexible AC hose with the hold down clamps as well 

 

How ICEAC envisions the Hose routing also note the lower charge ports: 

 

Bulkhead fitting:

 

My Hose redirect with new charge ports:

 

With a Denso Compressor:

 

 

Full install on M10 here:

 

 

Edited March 15, 2023 by chargin

[0257]

1 hour ago, chargin said:

 

Really everything is included just like in the late 70's, that being said YES there are some things you may want to change.

 

As above the Kooglewerks face plate adds 2 Gauges, I also added a USB charger to the passenger side, another thing I like is a manual over ride switch to turn on the electric front fan while in traffic with the AC off. 

Also I wasn't a fan of the hose routing. 

 

I added a Bulkhead fitting and relocated the charge ports, my latest install was not on an M10 but I would do the same Hose changes anyway with the thinner more flexible AC hose with the hold down clamps as well 

 

How ICEAC envisions the Hose routing also note the lower charge ports: 

 

Bulkhead fitting:

 

My Hose redirect with new charge ports:

 

With a Denso Compressor:

 

 

Full install on M10 here:

 

 

I approve of this message.🙋🏼‍♂️