upgrade ac compressor

[davids]

wondering what sanden compressor to look for to replace my york . 1971 280sl with fridgeking a/c. was told I can get  acnother compressor that will have less drag and half the size of original. can anyone help?

[George Des]

that would be the Sanden 508. A 505 would also work but not sure they are available anymore. These come in both R12 and R134A models and you will need an interface bracket to mount it if you are going to use your original compressor bracket. The size of these compressors will allow you to eliminate the big stock compressor bracket and replace it with a smaller top mount as used on some of the sedans. If you do a search, you should be able to find a post by Joe Alexander that shows what these mounts look like. Hope this helps.

George Desiderio

[davids]

thx for info

[ja17]

Here is a picture of a conversion. The compressor moves to the top and the alternator returns to its original location below. The AC bracket is small and compact and does not cover the entire front of the engine as before.

[Raymond]

If you don't want to change the location of the alternator, a York to Sanden adapter bolts to the existing mount.  It takse some longer bolts and spacers to get the belts to line up.  I bought the spacers at Lowes.  I had the advantage of having the engine out at the time.  Otherwise, working on the Frigi-King and the monster mounting bracket is a pain.  Once the Sanden is in place it's somwhat easier. 

I think the Mercedes mount was designed by a former tank builder who thought it should be rocket proof.