Which Sanden Compressor?! r-134a

[changyeamoon]

1990 BMW 325i E30 M20B25

Hello. I have read many threads about a r-134a conversion. Almost all the threads never seem to want to mention or link the compressor, bracket, or condenser they are using!

Anyway I have noticed Sanden 508 compressor being mentioned more than not. I would like to purchase one but do not know which model/version to buy? Am I correct to say that is does not matter which one to get as long as the style is 508?

This is the one I am looking at. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/vta-04808-vua
I see ebay listing $100 cheaper and claim it is the same. I do not trust ebay with these kinds of purchases, but would like to know if you bought from ebay.

Also can anyone link me to the correct conversion bracket!!

[ELVA164]

I used the 508. The bracket isn't made anymore, unfortunately. You'd have to find a used one or make one yourself.

[changyeamoon]

I used the 508. The bracket isn't made anymore, unfortunately. You'd have to find a used one or make one yourself.

I understand everyone used 508 but there seems to be different sub-models. which one did you use? or do you have a P/N

- - - Updated - - -

I used the 508. The bracket isn't made anymore, unfortunately. You'd have to find a used one or make one yourself.

Also what can i search to make sure i but the right used bracket?

[ELVA164]

Pretty sure it was this one: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/vta-04808-vua

No idea about the bracket, my car came with one in a bag.

[changyeamoon]

Pretty sure it was this one: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/vta-04808-vua

No idea about the bracket, my car came with one in a bag.

hahah what do you mean in a bag? It came with the compressor?! Do you happen to have a picture of the bracket? Maybe I can find one similar to it

[ELVA164]

When I bought my E30 it had been used and abused, and the compressor was taken off. The guy bought an old, used Sanden and a mounting bracket for the car but never installed them. They were in Ziploc bags.

[Jeffnhiscars]

I got one of the last M20 mounting kits made by APG and it was for a Seltec compressor. As Elva said, The bracket is the challenge. 508 refers to the spacing on the mounts but there are a number of other compressor variables such as aluminum or steel hose connectors (you want them to match your hose fittings) and pulleys. A good replacement compressor is $200 as long as you can mount it. Upgraded hoses will cost more depending on if you can find them or have to have them made (I did a combo of both).

you should still be able to get a pf condenser off Amazon for under $100, don't forget to change the expansion valve and drier and jump the fan resistor so it's always on high regardless whether you use a stock or replacement fan

[changyeamoon]

Yeah the bracket was definitely a challenge. I don't have tensioning capabilities.. How did you get around that? and I replaced EVERYTHING !

and jump the fan resistor so it's always on high regardless whether you use a stock or replacement fan

Are there any down sides to doing this?

[Jeffnhiscars]

A little more noise at idle. Just remember tomup the low speed fuse to the same as the high speed fuse. The wires are both .75 so no issue carrying the load.