A/C or Boost?
NJCIVICWAGON1
Council Member
I need you guys input and opinion. I was driving my wagon last week. It was scorching hot outside. Sweating my ass off with my leather interior. I miss my air conditioning. I like the power that my wagon puts out now but I always wanted boost in my wagon. My dream is to have a sick a custom turbo set up with a huge intercooler in the front. Some of my friends say F the AC just boost it. Some say put the AC back on. I don't know if it's possible to do both. I know that I could just get another car that has both those options like an EVO or STI but Im talking to my wagon community now. You guys are probably the only ones that appreciate the wagons more than anyone else. What you guys think?
Comments
AC...no
boost...no(?)
Its possible to have both but it will require some additional work/expense.
The first thing to address is the room. Most kits don't allow AC simply because space is limited.
So you make room...
- Relocate the AC condensor fan to in front of the condensor, pusher style.
- Get a half width radiator like 92-95 Civic(auto) radiator.
- Get a replacement front crossmember. Jimfab, Z10, Full Race, L-Con etc etc. Not only does it improve traction, it makes a ton of room.
Put your A/C back, uncharged, just for fitment reference.
I see that you have a B-swap. I used the Hasport A/C adaptor and it works great. I recently read about another company that makes them but can't recall the name.
Some stock kits can be adapted to fit in this new found space. I would recommend at least talking to John Ward (screen name: Composimo) at ICON(linked). He specializes in custom setups and has built some wicked manifolds/downpipes to fit in some interesting spaces. He can make this work.
A non specific point to consider is heat management...with the proximity of the turbo to the A/C compressor and lines, its a really good idea to plan on some insulation, heat shielding and such. Whether its ceramic coatings, thermal wraps, or whatever...it often gets overlooked until after the fact, when the A/C doesn't work real well.
So...I don't think you have to make the "A/C or boost" choice. Unless you're just looking for an excuse/rationalization to get into a WRX STi. It's a mighty temptation and I wouldn't think any less of the man who succumbs to that vice.
Do it man, keep that wagon its sick.
Hey Davens thanks for the info. You led me to the right direction. I can now start preparing for my set up in the future. I was looking at that ICON website. Wow. They do some sick work. Too bad they're not close to me. Well, I'll keep ya'll posted on the process.
Thanks, I'm also considering that option. I'm doing some homework on both. Most people prefer turbo better. We'll see. Thanks for the input.