After Market Air Con in a 350i

[keynsham]

What do you think the chances are of getting this to fit in a wedge?

https://www.carbuilder.com/products/universal-air-...

[andrew_r]

I suppose it depends where you want to fit it!

I've just installed aftermarket air con on my Chimaera, and a must-have requirement for me was to fit it somewhere inside the dash so it's hidden. Some people have installed units in the boot or the flat area behind the seats, but I didn't want to do this. I looked into this very unit but it wasn't the right shape to fit behind my dash.

Andrew.

[keynsham]

andrew_r said:

I suppose it depends where you want to fit it!

I've just installed aftermarket air con on my Chimaera, and a must-have requirement for me was to fit it somewhere inside the dash so it's hidden. Some people have installed units in the boot or the flat area behind the seats, but I didn't want to do this. I looked into this very unit but it wasn't the right shape to fit behind my dash.

Andrew.

What unit did you use in the end? Was it a difficult job? I am keen for it to be 'seemless' too but it won't be easy!!

[BlueWedgy]

This guy has butchered a 350i.
He (I say he) has installed AC / heater? perhaps you could drop him a comment?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ6gNBbt0zg&li...

[andrew_r]

My aim was to fit the biggest and most powerful unit possible inside the dash, I went with the Siroco Austral Performer (aircon only, got rid of heating - but a dual unit is available too): https://www.t7design.co.uk/siroco-7kw-austral-perf...

Here’s my thread on my install. I’m further along but haven’t updated the thread yet; it’s all in now and just need to install the condenser and drier in the engine bay: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I’ve enjoyed the process but it’s been really hard work as space is very limited inside the TVR dash. I didn’t want to replicate the original Chimaera system as the ducting and vent locations are poorly chosen and the pipework leaky, which is why I took the opportunity to redesign the dash layout and use modern components.

It’s not a cheap project, but for me it’s been worth the cost and hassle!

Andrew.

[Wedg1e]

BlueWedgy said:

This guy has butchered a 350i.
He (I say he) has installed AC / heater? perhaps you could drop him a comment?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ6gNBbt0zg&li...

I haven't got an account, but can someone tell him that the unidentified bits of angled carpet fit on the floor under the front edge of the seats and his halfshafts should be mounted to the diff. with Philidas stiff nuts, not Nylocs...

[N8W8]

There’s someone here in the Netherlands who owns a left-hand-drive 350i with factory-fitted air conditioning. I can ask him for a set of detailed photos if that would be helpful.

[keynsham]

N8W8 said:

There s someone here in the Netherlands who owns a left-hand-drive 350i with factory-fitted air conditioning. I can ask him for a set of detailed photos if that would be helpful.

That would be incredibly helpful!