LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

97 z28 ac plumbing resting on header pipe

Old Apr 25, 2021 | 12:55 PM
  #1  
cybern8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 57
97 z28 ac plumbing resting on header pipe

ok - so next challenge in putting my 383 into my 97 z28... finally got the ac lines hooked up, but one of the pipes that goes to the back of the compressor is resting directly on one of my long tube header pipes. pretty sure this is not a good thing. i can't see any solution for this (i live in tucson, az so deleting the ac is a non-starter) unless someone makes a modified ac pressure line rig with different pipe routing, the only solution i can see is cutting out about 1 inch from each side of the line near the flange and welding it back together, but i'm not sure if the welds will hold up with the line pressure.

i can't be the first person to run into this. who has an answer for me?
Old Apr 25, 2021 | 01:01 PM
  #2  
cybern8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 57
Re: 97 z28 ac plumbing resting on header pipe

i did find this thread in another forum (hope i'm not breaking any rules by posting a link to another forum here), but still looking for the right answer...

https://ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt4-m...e-ac-line.html
Old Apr 27, 2021 | 11:45 PM
  #3  
ACE1252's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,068
From: Kernersville, NC
Re: 97 z28 ac plumbing resting on header pipe

Got a picture of it? I had no clearance problems with my headers and the AC system.
Old Apr 28, 2021 | 03:22 AM
  #4  
Gtpguy's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 860
From: Seattle
Re: 97 z28 ac plumbing resting on header pipe

My 94 did the same thing. I got a set of long tubes and it was resting on the A/C pipe. I couldn't even get the front header bolt in and it wasn't sitting flush. I took the header to a shop and had them make a slip fit primary. It was hideous. I sold them shortly after, never ran them. I could not get that last bolt in. But I bought a set of Chinesium (speed daddy?) for my 93. A video on YT, mentioned a close fit to the ac line.

I'd dent the primary honestly. And wrap the ac line with a piece of header wrap

Old Apr 28, 2021 | 01:56 PM
  #5  
cybern8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 57
Re: 97 z28 ac plumbing resting on header pipe

here's a couple of pics. wish i'd dealt with this while i had the entire engine and K-member out of the car, but 20-20 hindsight etc. etc. -- i think i am going to try and do some gentle bending of the a/c line to try and
create at least .25-.50" clearance and wrap that section with some insulation.


from underneath through the motor mount opening

different vantage point
Old Apr 28, 2021 | 09:38 PM
  #6  
ACE1252's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,068
From: Kernersville, NC
Re: 97 z28 ac plumbing resting on header pipe

What brand headers are they? I hate to say it, but looks like poor header design. I've got Kooks on my '96 Z28. Just checked the clearance on them and there is at least 3/4" between the #2 primary and the AC line on the back of the compressor.

Last edited by ACE1252; May 3, 2021 at 10:01 PM.
Old May 3, 2021 | 11:25 AM
  #7  
cybern8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 57
Re: 97 z28 ac plumbing resting on header pipe

i bought the stainless steel ebay kooks knock-offs. i'm actually really happy with them other than this minor issue. i went ahead and removed the ac manifold from the compressor and was able to bend it enough to create a 1/2" gap, and i also insulated it.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
henryz28
General 1967-2002 F-Body Tech
1
Mar 1, 2009 12:25 AM
94sinister
LT1 Based Engine Tech
4
Apr 9, 2005 10:47 AM
mavricki18
LS1 Based Engine Tech
3
Oct 15, 2004 09:28 PM
Mr.Whitey
LT1 Based Engine Tech
2
Feb 7, 2004 11:06 AM
$hawn
LT1 Based Engine Tech
5
Oct 18, 2003 10:18 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:23 PM.