Removing aircon - what happens at the heater matrix?

[roseytvr]

I am in the process of removing the aircon from my griff. I understand how the aircon works and what I need to remove accept what happens at the heater matrix. Do I just remove all the aircon components and leave the matrix as it is or do I need to change the matrix and replumb the cooling system?
Thanks
Ian

[scotty_d]

The air con system and heater system are separate so you you should not have to disturb the cars coolant system at all when taking the air con out other than to get the condenser past the radiator if it is set up that way .

[rigga]

Condenser is indeed fitted in front of the coolant rad on a griff, but as said otherwise should be no need to touch the coolant system at all if removing the aircon

[roseytvr]

Thanks Guys

I have the condensor out and have taken away all the pipework except the pipe from the receiver/dryer to the heating matrix and the pipe from the heat exchanger to the heating matrix. I would like to remove both pipes so presumably undo them from the matrix and leave the matrix as is?

Cheers

[Digger]

I hope the OP doesn't mind me asking this, but I was wondering how efficient the aircon is in a Griff? I only ask as mine (awaiting collection) doesn't have it.

Is it a worthwhile addition?

[roseytvr]

OP doent mind at all. As with all things TVR if you service the aircon and keep everything working I found it very efficent, particularly on hot wet days with the roof on in traffic. I should image it would also be very usefull on continental trips when its 30+ degrees and your stuck in the middle of Rome!! That said I am happy loosing it to fit a JE xover induction system so out its going to come!!

[Digger]

Excellent news!

Which begs the question as to whether you'd consider selling the aircon system or might you be keeping it. Unfortunately I have no idea as to how complex it might be to retrofit!? More research required!

Could well be a right faff and overly expensive. I shall have a word with the dealer!

[roseytvr]

roseytvr said:

Thanks Guys

I have the condensor out and have taken away all the pipework except the pipe from the receiver/dryer to the heating matrix and the pipe from the heat exchanger to the heating matrix. I would like to remove both pipes so presumably undo them from the matrix and leave the matrix as is?

Cheers

A picture makes iit much easier to describe!! the two offending pipes - the bottom one coming from the left goes to the heat exchanger via a big hole in the inner wing. The top one going off the right goes to the condensor. Can I just unbolt them fom the heater matrix and remove them without it effecting the standard heating system? I guess so but could do with confirmation from anyone who knows more than than I !!!!

[roseytvr]

Digger said:

Excellent news!

Which begs the question as to whether you'd consider selling the aircon system or might you be keeping it. Unfortunately I have no idea as to how complex it might be to retrofit!? More research required!

Could well be a right faff and overly expensive. I shall have a word with the dealer!

Sorry mate but all things coming off get stored in case I need originality in the dim and distant future. Quite possible a right f******g game fitting it as you would have to cut away bodywork, change fueling, a new heating matrix etc. I am told you can retro fit kit car aircon quite easily but I have never done it

[Digger]

No worries. Keep me in mind should you change your mind as parts are tricky to get hold of. I'll give Str8six a call tomorrow to find out how much of a faff it might be.

Cheers again.

[Loach1]

roseytvr said:

Can I just unbolt them fom the heater matrix and remove them without it effecting the standard heating system? I guess so but could do with confirmation from anyone who knows more than than I !!!!

Yes, just unbolt. The evaporator is very similar to a heater matrix, and since you have deleted the other parts, the refrigerant has gone.

[roseytvr]

Thanks, pipes off tomorrow then

[MPoxon]

How is the car coming along Ian?

[roseytvr]

MPoxon said:

How is the car coming along Ian?

Hi Matthew

To be honest I am moving towards clinically depressed!! I have everything at home - the engine, manifolds, recored rad, oil cooler, stainless steel pipes, silcone bling etc, etc and I cant do a f***ing thing!!!

Suffering from "whilst Im in there" syndrome i removed all the heat mat material, sanded down all the engine bay and front chassis etc then the snow came and its just too cold to paint! End result easter has been and gone, Snetterton T/D will soon be on us and the long term forecast may mean I cant make progress until May!!

It looks a bit warmer over the week end and I have gas space heaters to hand so I may see how warm I can get it tomorrow and Sunday. Once its painted It should only take a day or so to get it all in and drop it round to JED to get it running right before I go off to mapping. Would really like to be doing Chatsworth but will have to see how it goes.

[MPoxon]

roseytvr said:

Hi Matthew

To be honest I am moving towards clinically depressed!! I have everything at home - the engine, manifolds, recored rad, oil cooler, stainless steel pipes, silcone bling etc, etc and I cant do a f***ing thing!!!

Suffering from "whilst Im in there" syndrome i removed all the heat mat material, sanded down all the engine bay and front chassis etc then the snow came and its just too cold to paint! End result easter has been and gone, Snetterton T/D will soon be on us and the long term forecast may mean I cant make progress until May!!

It looks a bit warmer over the week end and I have gas space heaters to hand so I may see how warm I can get it tomorrow and Sunday. Once its painted It should only take a day or so to get it all in and drop it round to JED to get it running right before I go off to mapping. Would really like to be doing Chatsworth but will have to see how it goes.

Oh no you will have the body off chassis off next!

It must be a tough decision to make as there are so many bits that could be tidied up while the engine is out that you know if you leave then later down the line you wish you had had done when you had the chance. The flip side of the coin is that you probably don't want it to turn into a never ending rebuild where you never get to drive the bloody thing!

I was chatting to Mark Adams yesterday while I was having mine mapped and he was saying about how good the JE crossover manifolds are. He was also suggesting that if I sold my current healthy 500 engine as is complete it would probably offset a large chunk off of a new engine such as the a nice JE 5.1 with cross over manifolds.

I would be very interested to see how the install looks underneath in a TVR and also what it sounds like. If it has that same epic induction roar as the weber carb'd V8s I may be straight down to JE with my cheque book.

[roseytvr]

Hi Matthew

To say I am eager to fit it and start it up with the ACT performance manifold set up is an understatement for sure!! I also have decat pipes to decide which sound I prefer. I will be about at the meets and track days this year - gladly give you a spin.

Progress today - metal ready on the chassis so its a POR15 day tomorrow with any luck. If I can get all the painting done this week I should be able to start the install next weekend
Cheers
Ian

[MPoxon]

roseytvr said:

Hi Matthew

To say I am eager to fit it and start it up with the ACT performance manifold set up is an understatement for sure!! I also have decat pipes to decide which sound I prefer. I will be about at the meets and track days this year - gladly give you a spin.

Progress today - metal ready on the chassis so its a POR15 day tomorrow with any luck. If I can get all the painting done this week I should be able to start the install next weekend
Cheers
Ian

Hi Ian,

I have a very similar exhaust setup to you ACT manifolds and Cherry bomb back box. I would recommend it without the cats the sound is immense and the it not too much on long run. Here is a vid of mine...
http://youtu.be/LYKd_k3E8uk

What I would very much like is an induction sound similar to those old Rover V8's running on carbs. If the JE throttle body setup sounds anything like Andy's old race Griff running on downdraft carbs I will saving my pennies for one of these systems.
http://youtu.be/mNcvdPUvKdg

I will certainly take you up on that kind offer, I am very interested to see how yours turns out. Good luck with the install and I will hopefully catch up with you at one of the meets this year.

Matthew