multiple questions about mods and ac system

[tips000]

ok so today i removed my ac belt and it seems to have made a big difference in how my car runs (i think the compressor was locking up and the ac didnt work anyway). i have done some searching and i have a few questions. ill start with my ac questions.

1. can i remove the condensor without removing the radiator first?
2. is everything pretty straight forward? 4 bolts on the compressor, 2 on the condensor?
3. do i need any tools other than a ratchet and maybe an extension?

now i also have some questions about some upgrades.

1. is the stock snorkle really that restrictive? will it make a noticeable difference with a smooth metal one?
2. has anyone had experience with the ebay "high flow cats"? and willl this one bolt directly on? High Performance Air Flow Cat Catalytic Converter Pipe - eBay (item 220762433044 end time Apr-29-11 18:24:21 PDT)
3. how many o2 sensors do i have on my 95 tsi? and is this the right one? Discount Body Parts - 1995 eagle talon oxygen_sensor usos-1000 - 1995 Eagle Talon

4. has anyone ordered from discountbodyparts.com?

 

[ktgurl87]

The only questions I can personally answer are the ones I have personal experience with. So.. here we go.

For the condenser, yes you have to take the radiator out because you have to puh the condenser towards the engine to get it out. You have to wiggle it kind of too, it doesn't go just straight in.
I only used sockets and a ratchet when I was doing the hubby's GST. I don't believe I used any "specialty" tools, if I remember correctly.
And as far as the stock intake... yes it really is that restrictive. The air actually gets "caught up" in all the ridges... or atleast that's basically how it was explained to me. Put a smooth pipe on the GST and it's almost like a new-ish car

I hope I helped a little. Hopefully someone else can chime in on your other questions.

 

[tips000]

The only questions I can personally answer are the ones I have personal experience with. So.. here we go.

For the condenser, yes you have to take the radiator out because you have to puh the condenser towards the engine to get it out. You have to wiggle it kind of too, it doesn't go just straight in.
I only used sockets and a ratchet when I was doing the hubby's GST. I don't believe I used any "specialty" tools, if I remember correctly.
And as far as the stock intake... yes it really is that restrictive. The air actually gets "caught up" in all the ridges... or atleast that's basically how it was explained to me. Put a smooth pipe on the GST and it's almost like a new-ish car

I hope I helped a little. Hopefully someone else can chime in on your other questions.

thanks alot you did help, to remove the radiator what do i have to do? can i get it out of the way without losing antifreeze? or do all the hoses need to come off too?

 

[ktgurl87]

You are going to lose antifreeze. The hoses have to come off, then the 2 brackets on either side holding the radiator in place. I'm assuming you still have a mostly stock setup, so your cooler lines may still be attached to the bottom of the rad also. Just unbolt those, no worries about fluids there. They're just bolted to the rad to keep them from dangling around. That should do it. Then unbolt your condenser from the rad support (the bolts near the rad brackets) and then disconnect it from the do-flobby right there near the power steering reservoir. I am at a total loss for what I am talking about. But you'll see where the lines go to. Then you should be able to push it right out. Push from the bottom first, then the top. You'll see fairly quickly how it's going to come out.

 

[tips000]

You are going to lose antifreeze. The hoses have to come off, then the 2 brackets on either side holding the radiator in place. I'm assuming you still have a mostly stock setup, so your cooler lines may still be attached to the bottom of the rad also. Just unbolt those, no worries about fluids there. They're just bolted to the rad to keep them from dangling around. That should do it. Then unbolt your condenser from the rad support (the bolts near the rad brackets) and then disconnect it from the do-flobby right there near the power steering reservoir. I am at a total loss for what I am talking about. But you'll see where the lines go to. Then you should be able to push it right out. Push from the bottom first, then the top. You'll see fairly quickly how it's going to come out.

ok and when i lose the antifreeze do i have to worry about air in the system or just top it off and call it good?

also still waiting to hear answers to my other stuff.

thanks again

 

[ktgurl87]

When you are ready to fill it back up again, fill the reservoir or by the rad cap, and let it run for a little bit. The system should "burp" itself.

 

[tips000]

ok thank you. still want my other questions answered though !