P/S, A/C, wipers and ABS will it all fit?

[AnthonyS]

So I've been doing a lot of reading lately and more planning before finally pulling the trigger and making the order. My order ETA is still around November, but I've been keeping track of things I want need and cost as well. My planned build is totally 35K already with a lowly 300hp EFI 302 and T5 transmission. Boy do options add up fast.

I live in TX and honestly it's hot here and I'm not a spring chicken anymore. My wife also enjoys cool air. I would love to take the car on something like the Hot Rod Power Tour someday too. I have a friend that has done it many times and his lessons about no A/C were hard learned.

So has anyone built a Roadster with A/C, P/S and ABS? Most of the A/C setups I've seen didn't include P/S and had the A/C compressor located where the P/S pump is on a stock Ford small block. Anyone using a P/S pump and A/C comp in the relatively stock locations of the Ford 5.0? Does it all fit with stock '87-'93 bracketry?

My donor is a '94, but I can easily switch to the '87-'93 brackets and timing cover. I can source them locally quite easily too.

I also assume that having A/C means no glove box now too. Is this correct?

I'm also starting to come to the conclusion that installing all of this extra stuff A/C, P/S, wipers, ABS, etc. is what will really increase build time. I am planning on adding the soft top or a hard top at some point as well so the A/C will help a lot in that case.

Thanks for any guidance or inputs. All of the tips gleaned so far have been very helpful.

And if later on I switch to a 351W based engine for more power will it all still fit?

My plan is to get the car built with all the accessories and options I want and then build an engine with more power after I have a year or two experience driving it.

[CraigS]

Not sure about the abs but AC and wipers were on my MkI. I had the system that Whitby now sells. Mine had the bracket for the compressor mounted to the front of the driver side head. Mine was the optional bracket that hung a PS pump from a 99 Explorer below the compressor. RE: 351. Ask Whitby about compatibility w/ a 351 and it's taller deck. If it will work, go w/ a 351 from the start. To swap later from 302 to 351 you would need new headers and intake manifold so better to go 351 initially. A 351 w/ 9.5 or 10:1 pistons and an Edelbrock top end kit is about 400hp and is a mild engine so easy to drive. You could do the 351 w/ just the pistons and cam w/ the stock heads first and then all you need to do is swap heads later. See the 2092 kit here
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/mc/power-packages/top-end-kits.shtml

[Martin]

It does all fit. I had to put my ac unit in the trunk, traction control behind the dash, power steering pump at the front etc.

It's tight...

Martin

[MPTech]

My donor is a '94, but I can easily switch to the '87-'93 brackets and timing cover.

I'd double check this, I thought the 94 / 95 were slightly different and incompatible. I can't say first-hand, but that's what I remembered reading.
(I'm running a '93, per advice given on the forums)

[143point9]

For your PS, you could consider Fast Freddie's EHPS kit. No worries about engine brackets with his system.

Jim

[2bking]

It does fit. I have the coyote with PS, ABS, and AC. There's no room for the glove box but you can make a fake door there if you want the look and use the cubby hole behind the seats for extra room.

[DaleG]

Same as 2bking, though I was able to fit Alex's 1" deep glove box in (using the Vintage Air AC/Heater/Defroster from Mike). While the glove box is shallow, it is a nice place to hide the AC/Heat control knobs; I pre-set the controls for the weather and use an "on/off" switch on the dash to activate. Got the idea from bansheekev over on the other forum.

[AnthonyS]

After further investigation, I see a few options for component arrangement on the front of the engine. The '87-'93 style with the A/C compressor high on the driver's side. With this installation does the A/C compressor clear the hood? The '94-'95 style with the P/S high mounted and the A/C compressor mid mounted below it. I worry the A/C lines and the headers will have a battle with this installation. Is there room to run the A/C lines outside the engine compartment between the fender liner and body? I doubt it, but I can't tell from photos.

The other options are March pulley kits which are expensive, but beautiful machined and polished aluminum. I can get a high side driver's side mounted A/C or have the A/C mid mounted on the passenger side and not have to worry about the steering column over there. Since the A/C unit mounts on the passenger side firewall, this would be good for shorter hoses. Anyone done it like this? I could probably work with one of our vendors to get custom length A/C hoses for this install.

I know using either of the stock setups I'm ditching the smog pump since I'm ditching the EGR and thermactor air injection etc. Those were band aids in the first place.