Recommended AC Condensers

Wobdog

a.k.a Mike
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The posts I saw on the forum are outdated so I wanted recommendations on replacing my condenser. This is the one I was going to purchase:

Want to keep the cost as low as I can
 
Others available and some are cheaper. I used a 16x20 but 14x18 works too. Buy some sheet metal straps from Ace in the hardware or building aisle to mount.



 
There was some discussion in the DYI thread about too big a condenser freezing the lines with the OE dash unit.

The 14 x 18 was the recommended choice no? I have to start gathering parts for this.
 
Have you checked this thread?

 
Thanks for sharing that old thread - great info. I'm figuring out how to reinstall AC in my E12 and it's helpful.
I recently did an AC retrofit in an E12 and the condensor that fit was as 14x20

On my E9 projects I use a 16x20
 
For my edification what are the advantages/disadvantages of condenser size. Seems like the forum is split on size, 16 X 20, 16 x18, 14 x20, 14 x 18
 
You need room on passenger side for the two hoses. All of them will be very efficient. I would use 14x 18 if I was doing it again. It will mounted on driver side with existing mount and with metal brackets you make on passenger side. I kept the original fan on the 2800 and it works fine.
 
We use:

A/C Condenser UAC CN 20016XC

with custom brackets. We love the fit. Plenty of room for the hoses. Routinely see 36* at the face plate.

We install Spal pusher fans with 320i temp senders in the radiator with a diode connected to the AC relay.
1,841 cfm - triple the original fan cfm.
Now you have superior cooling for the engine and AC system..

Never use Spal pusher fans with straight blades. The noise is horrible.
 
We use:

A/C Condenser UAC CN 20016XC

with custom brackets. We love the fit. Plenty of room for the hoses. Routinely see 36* at the face plate.

We install Spal pusher fans with 320i temp senders in the radiator with a diode connected to the AC relay.
1,841 cfm - triple the original fan cfm.
Now you have superior cooling for the engine and AC system..

Never use Spal pusher fans with straight blades. The noise is horrible.
Thanks Don. Even less on Amazon
 
Last edited:
Brackets….
 

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