Vortech V2 re-install issue: a/c condenser line
 

Alright guys, here's one for you. Our G35 came with a shop installed V2. Recently I've had to pull it out to send it to Vortech to have the shaft seals replaced. While I'm waiting for it to return, I've been cleaning the engine compartment and checking the alignment of the intercooler piping from the intercooler to the throttle body. Here is the issue, damn a/c condenser high pressure line is in the way:

Attachment 199259

When I pulled it apart to remove the V2 compresser, the rubber portion of the condenser line was sandwiched between the up pipe (not shown in the above photo) and the a/c compressor. The a/c compressor pulley was wearing a groove in the up pipe and it was only going to be a matter of time before the a/c line would wear a hole in it.

So what's going on here? Bent a/c condenser line? Wrong a/c condenser line? How is this supposed to work? The Vortech install instructions don't show the a/c condenser line to be in the way.

A couple more photos:

Attachment 199260

Attachment 199261

From looking at OEM Infiniti microfiche online, it seems like the a/c condenser line is the correct one for the '04 coupe:

Attachment 199262

--Sk

The rough cast up-pipe from the intercooler to the throttle body pipe was installed incorrectly. You're supposed to push that thick A/C line inward towards the motor, leaving enough clearance so it doesn't hit the A/C compressor pulley (I ended up using wire ties and some spare silicon hose to secure it). Don't smash it against the frame rail as was done previously. Just bend it (carefully) enough so that it can go around the pipe.

Don't worry about whether that A/C line looks weird. I noticed when I installed my kit that the routing of that line varied from year to year (it also varied G35 vs. 350z).

Now that I look at photo 4-e in the install document (page 5), I see what you are saying:

http://www.vortechsuperchargers.com/images/50.pdf

I'll give that a go.....

:biggthumpup:

--Sk

bigc hit it on the nose. Gl w/the install :)

I'll work on it today after work and see what I can come up with.

--Sk

Spoke with Vortech today and they suggested the same thing. Going to swing by and pick up a tubing bender on the way home and give it a go.

:cool:

Finally got a tubing bender I could fit down in there and re-routed the a/c condenser line. Ugh, what a PITA! At least having the a/c line routed correctly will increase the reliability of the a/c now that the line isn't pinched against the frame. I'll post up some pics shortly of my final routing.

You ever get those pics? I had my line burst just recently, what a pain in the @ss! I need to get a new line because no A/C in this summer heat has been brutal.

I've been waiting for the Vortech compressor to come back from Vortech Service. It's on it's way and should be here tomorrow.

:JAMIN:

I'll be putting all the intercooler piping together tomorrow so I'll snap those photos and post them up then.

Finally got the pics uploaded.....here is the routing I chose for the a/c condenser line:

Attachment 198031

Attachment 198032