North American Turbocoupe Organization



Alternate AC Compressor
Rod K Offline
Senior Member
#1
Has anyone replaced the HR AC compressor with a Sanden or something similar?  I know Hose Wizard sold a kit for this but they are out of business.  It would appear that a custom bracket and hoses would be needed but has anyone done this?

I can make hoses if I had a bracket.
Rod Kiser, '88TC, 5 speed, 5 lug, Cobra 13" front brakes, Mark VII 11 1/4" rear disc brakes, PiMP'n, Bullit wheels, ATR 3" exhaust, Aluminum driveshaft, EDIS, 60 LB injectors, gutted upper & ported lower. NATO Member
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anasazi4st Offline
Senior Member
#2
(08-07-2021, 03:07 PM)Rod K Wrote: Has anyone replaced the HR AC compressor with a Sanden or something similar?  I know Hose Wizard sold a kit for this but they are out of business.  It would appear that a custom bracket and hoses would be needed but has anyone done this?

I can make hoses if I had a bracket.

Twice I have considered this. In the mid 2000s I visited an a/c shop that was selling either the FS-6 or the 6P-148—I can’t recall which—and necessary hardware. (According to Ford’s shop manual the FS-6 was for the 5.0 engine and the 6p-148 was for the 3.8). His parts book told him that it was for my TC, and I recall we argued a bit over that. After many measurements and much consideration I decided not to go ahead with it. I couldn’t see how I could get all that to fit inside the engine compartment without serious modifications (it is definitely NOT a bolt-on replacement).

In 2013 I was back at the same juncture, looking to make that decision again. I still had the notes, photos and information from before, but (thankfully, as it happened) I no longer had access to that compressor. I researched and read whatever I could find on the HR980, even acquiring the rare tools to replace the seal and components within its “snout” (where the magnetic clutch and pulley attach).

(I actually even cut open an HR980—not a fun or easy task at it is 1/4” to 5/16” thick steel. But I have photos and I know how it works.)

I have 2 reconditioned ones in my garage, vacuumed out with new seals and properly oiled. The Ester oil reacts poorly with air, so the solution seems to be—store them without air, i.e. the contents in a vacuum.
Another proud dues-paying member.

1987 Turbo Coupe w/T5OD, 8.8 axle, grey smoke; most options. Got it in 1991 with 41K miles: 3 turbos, 2 heater cores, 3 T5OD full rebuilds, 6 clutches, 1 head gasket, 2 Teves II ABS units, etc. later....
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EricCoolCats Offline
Member
#3
Glad to see I'm not the only one in this position. Even though I have a 3.8L V6 with the HR980, the issue is exactly the same. I am likely going over to the FS6-style.

If you or anyone else is interested, I have a NOS HR980 compressor that I *think* may be for a 4-cylinder application. It also has bolt-on threads for the lines, not the snap ring-type, and the double V-groove pulley. If it will help someone I can definitely part with it.
Eric - COOL CATS
The 1983-88 Mercury Cougar
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pjfigel Offline
Junior Member
#4
(08-26-2021, 07:52 PM)EricCoolCats Wrote: Glad to see I'm not the only one in this position. Even though I have a 3.8L V6 with the HR980, the issue is exactly the same. I am likely going over to the FS6-style.

If you or anyone else is interested, I have a NOS HR980 compressor that I *think* may be for a 4-cylinder application. It also has bolt-on threads for the lines, not the snap ring-type, and the double V-groove pulley. If it will help someone I can definitely part with it.

I have an '88 2.3L Turbo and I need a new compressor HR 980. Is yours new & how much do you want for it?
Thanks Paul
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EricCoolCats Offline
Member
#5
(10-19-2021, 12:19 AM)pjfigel Wrote:
(08-26-2021, 07:52 PM)EricCoolCats Wrote: Glad to see I'm not the only one in this position. Even though I have a 3.8L V6 with the HR980, the issue is exactly the same. I am likely going over to the FS6-style.

If you or anyone else is interested, I have a NOS HR980 compressor that I *think* may be for a 4-cylinder application. It also has bolt-on threads for the lines, not the snap ring-type, and the double V-groove pulley. If it will help someone I can definitely part with it.

I have an '88 2.3L Turbo and I need a new compressor HR 980. Is yours new & how much do you want for it?
Thanks Paul

Paul, check your PMs.
Eric - COOL CATS
The 1983-88 Mercury Cougar
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Rod K Offline
Senior Member
#6
Has anyone found another compressor and brackets to work on the 2.3 TC's?
Rod Kiser, '88TC, 5 speed, 5 lug, Cobra 13" front brakes, Mark VII 11 1/4" rear disc brakes, PiMP'n, Bullit wheels, ATR 3" exhaust, Aluminum driveshaft, EDIS, 60 LB injectors, gutted upper & ported lower. NATO Member
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88Slowbird Offline
Member
#7
(05-03-2022, 12:47 PM)Rod K Wrote: Has anyone found another compressor and brackets to work on the 2.3 TC's?

the 87-93 2.3 mustang A/C compressor and bracket will fit but you have to modify one of the lines to clear the turbo
1985 SVO: Pro 5.0 Shifter, Boport valve springs, Manual boost controller, AEM wideband
1985 TC 5 Speed
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Rod K Offline
Senior Member
#8
Thanks for the information
Rod Kiser, '88TC, 5 speed, 5 lug, Cobra 13" front brakes, Mark VII 11 1/4" rear disc brakes, PiMP'n, Bullit wheels, ATR 3" exhaust, Aluminum driveshaft, EDIS, 60 LB injectors, gutted upper & ported lower. NATO Member
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