Putting the Blue Block clone into this 77 and was wondering if Buick had a bracket for the 455 that would mount this style compressor. Thanks in advance
I searched Google and could not find a picture of a late model Buick Big Block with a radial AC compressor (it is the radial one, right?). How hard would it be to convert it to the axial (A6) type?
It is the radial compressor. I have several of the A6 but at this point do not know if the lines will line up correctly. Figure I'll attach all the accessories while the engine is still on the stand then lower it into the car as a unit
The 84/5 GNs and all the NA 231 V6s used that compressor. The brackets should bolt up to the 455 and I *think* if you're using the long nose water pump, the pulleys *should* line up. I'd have to dig around, but I might have a set of brackets somewhere that might work. The GNs had a slightly different bracket than the NA cars, but i might have both kinds here.
Didnt really pay much attn to which pump I put on there. Just grabbed something off the shelf I knew was good. Perhaps you can tell from the photo.
Briz gets first crack here, if he passes I'd be interested in the brackets. I've got an AC swap happening over here and I wanted to use an R4 compressor.
I dug around and the NA bracket I had is unusable(cut up) and I'm missing pieces for the GN bracket(removed compressor 20 yrs ago and cleaned up garage and moved stuff around since then). I know the GN specific bracket relocates either the alternator or the ac compressor to make room for the turbo uppipe compared to the NA bracket. I believe it relocates it higher, which is probably not a good thing, since the 455 is a taller block. Check over on the Turbo Buick forum. Someone may have the brackets over there from the NA motor.
No problem. At least you have an idea of where to look now. If you do happen to find a mount that is GN specific, make sure that it isn't from the 86/7 model years...those were serpentine belt compressors and were a different compressor style, those won't work at all. 84/5 GNs and the pre 87 NA 3.8 V6s were all v-belt. I don't know what the late 70s 350 Buicks used for ac compressors? Maybe PM Sean? Maybe they're the same as the V6s.
Assuming here "NA" means normally aspirated. Do have a pile of BOP brackets, got from a guy that used to do a lot of BOP restorations, have identified some, but not all. PM if interested, can lay them out and send cell phone pictures.
Thanks Bub. I've mounted the A6 to the engine and if I can make the lines work will go that route. Really dont know if the system will hold pressure as it was flat when I pulled the 350 out. Might be just for looks.
If Briz is good, I am looking for the same bracket. It's an odd looking bracket, but i think i can make it work..
Bump @Briz If your still looking for this bracket Briz I was able to find one easily searching for a 3.8 on Facebook marketplace. Lots of complete engines being pulled and listed from regals for LS swaps. There were a lot of complete takeouts within a reasonable distance for me, and I'm out in the sticks. It took a couple of tries to find a seller who wanted to sell the bracket separately.
Thanks guys. I ended up using a early big car bracket and a A6 compressor. It fits the car but dont yet know how the lines will connect. New problem and this might be related... I set the complete engine and trans in the car yesterday, So far it looks like everything is gonna fit with the exception of the power steering. Again, used a early pump and bracket off a Electra 225. Pump is in but is nearly sitting on top of the connections of the steering gear box. I may be able to tweak the lines some and make it work but thinking I'll need to raise the pump a few inches. anyone know if the A body brackets mount the pump higher ? Still have the Olds pump and brackets.
I went through this with my Apollo with the 430 swap. With the normal big car brackets the PS pump was hitting the steering box. I had to reuse the original PS bracket that came with the 350 Apollo. I didn't want to use it as it had the AIR pump bracket that I wasn't using so I wanted a cleaner look. The original bracket lifted the pump up a few inches to clear the box.
On the same thought as the AC stuff...how about finding the V6 PS pump brackets? Don't know how different they are, though? Should bolt right up. Just throwing it out there. I can look again and see if I might have an extra bracket.
