Author Topic: E36 318is condenser in E30 318is? (Read 4644 times)

longtallsally · « **on:** July 05, 2010, 04:28:38 PM »

My goal is to find a condenser designed to be used with R134a as I've done the conversion and it's still not as cool as I'd like.

I'm wanting a serpentine or parallel flow design one as those seem to be the best for R134a.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2010, 09:25:53 PM »

Maybe this could do the trick?

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQBMWQQM3QQACIQQA-fs-C_CondenserQQ19881991QQP34640S.html

Let us know if you go for it...

jscribble · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2010, 10:16:38 PM »

Also interested. Let us know what you end up doing. fr12 is in mine as a long term temporary solution (until something fails)

longtallsally · « **Reply #3 on:** July 06, 2010, 02:11:17 AM »

Quote from: DesktopDave;94305

Maybe this could do the trick?

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQBMWQQM3QQACIQQA-fs-C_CondenserQQ19881991QQP34640S.html

Let us know if you go for it...

Yeah I found that company and was looking around. The nice part is that it looks like a direct bolt in and that price is simply dirt cheap.

So the bigger question then becomes, which is better? Serpentine or parallel flow? Also, what are the dimensions of the OEM condenser and how much larger can I get in there and how much benefit will I see?

Oh yeah, I should add that I've already done the conversion (flushed all lines and components, new compressor, exp valve, rec/dryer, O rings ALL around) and had a shop pull the vacuum and recharge. I've got barely sufficient cooling in 85+ F humid weather and it struggles a bit at idle. My goal is to get it better performing. I'm going to do the high speed fan bit- when I have some time- for the idle, but am looking for an overall performance improvement as well.

jscribble · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2010, 08:33:36 AM »

I hit mine with freeze12, and it is slightly weak at idle, but once I got my efan working, it's sufficient in 90+ F temps. Freeze12 is mostly r134a. I'm surprised you are not getting adequate results. The only problem I have is my seats don't breathe at all.

I really have no clue as to what compressors would be best though. Way out of my league.

longtallsally · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2010, 04:03:16 PM »

Actually asking about condensers...

I've got a brand new (not reman) compressor in mine that I put in late last year.

But I think I may have a line on a course of action. It's not exactly plug and play, but a guy on E30tech is doing a conversion to a parallel flow condenser (as near as I understand, the reason new R134a systems are darn near as cold as old R12 systems). Also, as Dave noted, there are a couple serpentine style ones out there that are in fact direct plug and play and not very pricey.

Here is the E30tech thread:
http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92614&page=9

Once he gets some pics up, I'm definitely going to look into doing it. I drove my wife's E46 and the difference is enough to make even a few degree temp change worth it. Plus, if the cost is not very high, then it is definitely worth it.

jscribble · « **Reply #6 on:** July 06, 2010, 06:13:44 PM »

Good info. I regularly follow what you are up to.

longtallsally · « **Reply #7 on:** July 06, 2010, 11:42:10 PM »

Nice of you to say. I try to add to the community as I've learned so much through sites like this. I've still got a long way to go, but I've had good progress lately...

This dude is pretty nuts to get his AC junk sorted, so it should be a quick turnaround.

Mine is cold, but not frigid like my last E30- that I also converted to R134a and I'd like to get it to where it's just as cold.