My a/c system is empty of all refrigerant. It was that way when I bought the car.

I pressurized the a/c system to 100 psi with dry N2. The system lost substantial pressure over 24 hours. I repressurized and searched for leaks using Big Blu on all accessible hoses and joints.

No leaks found.

The leak therefore must be in the hoses along the firewall in the front of the engine or in the compressor seals themselves. (It could be the evaporator itself, but I expect leaks there are unlikely.)

Rather than replacing the a/c compressor or try to replace those hoses along the firewall, I am contemplating buying an electric a/c compressor and putting it in the front of the car somewhere thereby eliminating all the hoses (and compressor) running to the back of the car.

(I couldn't find any threads on anyone else doing this.) (Please post links if they exist.) (And feel free to titch-titch my search effort.)

I expect I would need to increase the amperage of the alternator. At first look, I think an electric a/c compressor uses about 120w (10 amps).

Does a stock alternator in a 1987 Fiero GT (6-cyl, 5-sp manual) have spare capacity? What IS the amperage of the stock alternator?

Are there standard higher amperage alternators that fit? I read about yoga moves required to get the stock alternator out. How hard is it?

[This message has been edited by Brian A (edited 09-07-2024).]

quote Originally posted by Brian A: Does a stock alternator in a 1987 Fiero GT (6-cyl, 5-sp manual) have spare capacity? What IS the amperage of the stock alternator? Are there standard higher amperage alternators that fit? I read about yoga moves required to get the stock alternator out.

It is likely a 94 (ish) amp alternator, look up the RPO codes list and compare to the sticker on the frunk, drivers inner fender, and most people are stretched pretty thin, especially at idle, with the stock alternator.

You can get the cs130 alternator from the 88 Fiero v6 on Rock auto, fairly cheap, 105 amps, and what is important, it is much more efficient, it runs cooler, and makes more amps at idle then the si (original). As for removing it, is the car manual or auto, if auto, I've heard it's a chore, requiring wheel removal, and maybe disconnecting some ball joints. If it's manual, it's doable with one person without removing anything else at all, although it is easier with 2 people (1 up top to guide, support, and start the bolts, one below to get it up to where it goes) so the alternator doesn't fall on your face (don't ask me how I know haha). The cs130 alternator will need a wiring adapter (Rodney Dickman) and the use of the 88 heat shield on the exhaust manifold, modification of the 85-87 alternator heat shield (what I did until it randomly fell off somewhere), or making your own out of sheet metal or some other cars heat shielding modified to fit (what I have now)

[This message has been edited by 1985 Fiero GT (edited 09-07-2024).]

Electric A/C compressor conversion? by Christine
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...130314-2-113940.html

Electric A/C Compressor - and mounting it to the frame or cradle? by Trinten
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...110502-2-103891.html

electrically driven AC compressor by michfiero
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...110502-2-107662.html


------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 09-07-2024).]

You would be the first.

quote Originally posted by 1985 Fiero GT: It is likely a 94 (ish) amp alternator, look up the RPO codes list and compare to the sticker on the frunk, drivers inner fender, and most people are stretched pretty thin, especially at idle, with the stock alternator. You can get the cs130 alternator from the 88 Fiero v6 on Rock auto, fairly cheap, 105 amps, and what is important, it is much more efficient, it runs cooler, and makes more amps at idle then the si (original). As for removing it, is the car manual or auto, if auto, I've heard it's a chore, requiring wheel removal, and maybe disconnecting some ball joints. If it's manual, it's doable with one person without removing anything else at all, although it is easier with 2 people (1 up top to guide, support, and start the bolts, one below to get it up to where it goes) so the alternator doesn't fall on your face (don't ask me how I know haha). The cs130 alternator will need a wiring adapter (Rodney Dickman) and the use of the 88 heat shield on the exhaust manifold, modification of the 85-87 alternator heat shield (what I did until it randomly fell off somewhere), or making your own out of sheet metal or some other cars heat shielding modified to fit (what I have now)

I think I may have been incorrect in my understanding of the amperage (power) required to run an electric a/c compressor. It may be more like 60 amps.

If so, it might be best to mount a second dedicated alternator where the a/c pulley drive compressor was.

I just need to learn more about what is possible before I start scheming.

[This message has been edited by Brian A (edited 09-08-2024).]

I was planning for 30 years to move to a small town in NorCal (Weaverville) The summers are HOT (95-110*) so was going to add A/C to my non-A/C Fiero...and to eliminate all the hosing and other crap was definitely planning on using an electric-powered compressor.

Sadly, I can't do the move due to having contracted Lupus from a stomach acid medicine- can't be in the sun. (Stay away from Pepcid/Prilosec/Etc...if you have stomach acid issues, take Tums/Maalox/etc that ABSORBS the acid)