Retrofitting Aircon to late 1998 Chim.

[ariddell]

Guys,
I've recently brought my Chimaera out to Australia with me when I emigrated and have spotted a slight flaw in my plan... Even though you can take the roof off it's not much use on hot days with the sun burning a hole in your bald patch and completely thermonuclear inside with the roof on and mine not being fitted with aircon. Obviously not something that was really an issue when i bought/was using it in the UK.

As a result i have started looking into having a system retrofitted out here and am hoping to source as many of the parts as possible to avoid the fitters having to do too much custom manufacturing. Obviously this isn't going to be hugely cost effective and i would have been better buying one with aircon fitted at the time but then i wasn't really thinking that far ahead at that point.

Question is, where did TVR source the parts from, I believe that the compressor is P38 Range Rover, does anyone know if this is on a standard Range Rover mounting or if it's a custom TVR modified part? Also does anyone know where the rest of the system is from?

Any info at all would be great.

Thanks

Al

[The AJP Griff]

There isn't anything sophisticated about the TVR a/c system,and as you rightly say,it's based around the rangerover/landrover stuff.If you try a breakers like Bell Hill or Douglas valley they might have all the parts you need.The good news is that your wiring loom will already have the main parts in place,which will save some hassle.The bad news is that it's still a dash out job,but if that doesn't deter you,then i'm sure you wont find it too much of a problem.The main components you will need are a modified heater box(might be able to modify the existing one?),compressor,receiver drier and condensor,expansion valve and evaporator,and a fuel cooler{which is used as the heat exchanger).I dont know if the chim already has the microswitch fitted to switch it on using the heater control knob,but as well as that there is only the pipework to connect the components together,and a relay.I 'think' thats about it really.
Since i learnt more about these a/c systems i've found out how simple the TVR set up is,and whilst i realise it is a bit of work to install,it certainly isn't beyond the scope of many diy familiar owners.I'm surprised more don't fit it,as it really works well when properly set up.Fitting a/c certainly isn't the black art that some might have you beleive,so go for it!

[ariddell]

Thanks, it's certainly not a job I'm planning on tackling myself but i have found an aircon specialist who sound pretty confident when it comes to getting it done.

Do you know if the compressor mount is the same as in the Range Rover? I've tracked down one from a breaker so that should make it way easier if it is. I'll try to find a Chimaera airbox/evaporator unit to do a straight swap and the electronics to tie into it can be custom made rather than having to find and retro fit all the original tvr bits.

Cheers

Al

[The AJP Griff]

ariddell said:

Do you know if the compressor mount is the same as in the Range Rover?

I would be very surprised if it wasn't,it's all std rover stuff.

[Cider Andy]

I compared them a year ago (Chimaera v. P38 Range Rover). The compressor is identical, although mounted in a different position to the TVR. I can't be certain but I think the mounting bracket was the same.

[Whizz65]

My 450 has air con fitted as standard so if you would like some pic's drop me a mail and I'll gladly take some so you can see how it all looks.

[Wingco]

A word of caution, I think that the heater box for an airconditioned 450 is different to one without. I know because I have been through this activity. If you try to use the exsisting heater box you will have trouble venting the condensed water.

[Cider Andy]

The compressor mounts straight on to the four bolt holes next to the alternator. In the picture below you might just be able to make out the fuel line connections to the fuel cooling jacket.


And in this picture you'll see the cabin air recirculation flap and its control motor to the left of the battery box. Incidentally this is the reason some owners can't put the ECU down the side of the battery box. You'll notice the box is tight up against the transmission tunnel and the recirculator motor is in the way on the other side.

[T1 PCS]

Hi Al

Did you achieve this in the end? What are the results like?

Thinking of taking my car out to Aus, with no air con, so wondered what it cost you. Thanks.

(also what it cost you to get the car out)

Cheers

Paul