12v AC Compressor Conversion

Here’s my part list for installing the 12v Electric AC Compressor. This setup is universal but you will have to figure out what specific fittings will work on your car.

Required Mods

High Output Alternator https://js-alternators.c…
– The AC compressor calls for about 50 amps and so I would advise you to get a high output alternator that is at least 50 amps more than your stock one.
– My stock alternator was rated for 100amps, I upgraded to a 250amp alternator (K Series) because I have electric power steering and other devices

Big Three Upgrade (1/0 gauge charging system) https://youtu.be/gnmXKjm…
– You must upgrade your charging system along with upgrading the alternator otherwise the 12v Compressor will not have enough power to run.
– OFC wire is highly recommended https://amzn.to/45d8dZz

Part List

12v Electric Compressor https://amzn.to/4lu8kot
– This is the 12v Electric AC Compressor I’m using
– rated at 600 watts (about 50amps)

POE 68 Oil https://amzn.to/41uc95S
– The compressor uses POE oil, you must not use PAG oil
– You can flush the PAG oil from your AC system but its recommended that you at least replace your Receiver Dryer

AC Hoses & Fitting Kit (Standard) https://amzn.to/45K5IOt
– These fittings will NOT work if you have a Honda or other imports that use metric fittings.
– IF you do not use this kit, you will NEED to source #10, #8, and #6 AC size hoses
– This kit uses standard fittings
– perfect for domestic vehicles like Ford, Chevrolet, etc.

Metric Fittings https://coldhose.com/col…
– You’ll need to measure your AC ports using a digital caliper in mm
– You’ll need to find the thread pitch by using a thread pitch gauge, mine were 1.5 pitch for Honda
– My evaporator fittings were M24x1.5 and M16x1.5 but not all Hondas will be the same.
– My Receiver Dryer fitting was also M16x1.5

Standard Fittings https://vintageair.com/b…
– If you’re working on Hotrods or domestics in the US, you’ll want to source your fittings here
– you can use these new E-Z Clip fittings in case you don’t want to invest in a headlock crimp tool https://youtu.be/QV3zE3Z…

100amp relay https://amzn.to/4mBMrVd
– You will need this relay to control when to turn on and off your AC Compressor

100 amp fuse (optional) https://amzn.to/4lr8exX
– For safety, install this before the 100 amp relay

Female Spade Crimp Terminal (optional) https://amzn.to/45vsisS
– Used to give power and ground to the relay

Condenser Fan https://amzn.to/4magBPo
– Use any universal fan you’d like
– The compressor will not kick on without a fan hooked up

Fan mounts https://amzn.to/3UU3buS
– Use this to easily mount your can onto the radiator or condenser

8 gauge OFC wire https://amzn.to/40ZCoRv
– The Compressor Kit comes with 8 gauge wire but you’ll most likely need to extend them.
– I highly recommend using OFC, not CCA wire.

Compressor Fittings (A) with service ports https://amzn.to/3J9EDvu
– These are perfect if you want 90 degree fittings at the compressor
– I couldn’t find 90 degree fittings (with service ports) that would fit my evaporator (firewall ports) so these were perfect for my application

Compressor Fittings (B) for standard threaded fittings https://amzn.to/4fxqHY4
– I only needed one of these fittings to allow me to mount a hose to the condenser
– If the compressor fittings mentioned previously does NOT fit your setup, you will need to use this on the compressor (and the third one for the condenser) but it uses standard threaded fittings. (It will still work on import cars using metric because you’ll simply source a standard fitting for these ports or use the ones in the Hose & Fitting kit)

Tools

Hydraulic A/C Hose Crimper Kit https://amzn.to/4lpJRRk
– You will need this to create the beadlock hoses
– OR you can take the hoses to a local shop that can crimp the fittings to the hoses for you

Notes

Hoses
– #10 hose –  evap (low) to compressor
– #8 hose – is for compressor to condenser
– #6 hose – condenser/dryer to Evap (high)