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Just bought an 03 Enthusiast and previous owner removed the condensor and put a Z1 oil cooler. But I think I need AC on a daily for the summer. So I'm looking into putting the AC system back in the car, and I'm wondering if I'd be able to run both the Z1 Oil cooler and a AC condensor. Will an OEM replacement work, is there an aftermarket one that would work, or do I have to just bite the bullet and pull the Oil cooler out of the car for it?
Just bought an 03 Enthusiast and previous owner removed the condensor and put a Z1 oil cooler. But I think I need AC on a daily for the summer. So I'm looking into putting the AC system back in the car, and I'm wondering if I'd be able to run both the Z1 Oil cooler and a AC condensor. Will an OEM replacement work, is there an aftermarket one that would work, or do I have to just bite the bullet and pull the Oil cooler out of the car for it?
No idea what size your oil cooler is but in general, people run oil coolers with A/C, rad all the time. Depending on the size of the one in your car, it may require a bit of finaggling with the hose routing and such but should be an easy to-do.
You will, of course, need to check for all the other components - compressor, dryer, evap'r, lines, etc - and make sure it all still works. If the compressor has been inoperative for some time (or removed), good chance it'll need a refresh of seals (or complete replacement with a reman or other known units) along with all your o-rings, along with fresh R134. Easy job if you have all the original parts, a little more difficult and $$$ if you're starting from nothing.
I never quite get why people remove A/C systems unless it's a track-only car. But, having done that myself (once) waaaaaaaay back in the days of dinosaurs and regretting every minute colors my feelings on A/C removal.
No idea what size your oil cooler is but in general, people run oil coolers with A/C, rad all the time. Depending on the size of the one in your car, it may require a bit of finaggling with the hose routing and such but should be an easy to-do.
You will, of course, need to check for all the other components - compressor, dryer, evap'r, lines, etc - and make sure it all still works. If the compressor has been inoperative for some time (or removed), good chance it'll need a refresh of seals (or complete replacement with a reman or other known units) along with all your o-rings, along with fresh R134. Easy job if you have all the original parts, a little more difficult and $$$ if you're starting from nothing.
I never quite get why people remove A/C systems unless it's a track-only car. But, having done that myself (once) waaaaaaaay back in the days of dinosaurs and regretting every minute colors my feelings on A/C removal.
Yeah guy before me just loved to work on cars, so he put north of 10K of parts into it, but did everything 80%. So I'm stuck having to put the AC compressor he left in a Rubbermaid tub back onto the car. Wasn't lucky enough for him to leave the condensor on the car... or keep it at all seemingly. No idea why... that's kinda why I was wondering if it was even possible to have both
Was planning on putting the system back together and having a shop look it over and recharge it properly.
Last edited by Skyraider0; Jun 11, 2025 at 08:16 PM.
I hope the lines were at least capped off. If debris got into those, the compressor is likely to fail quickly after getting the system back together & running. I hope you got a good price for it. Aftermarket parts/modifications rarely yield increased value.
Good Luck!
-Icer
No idea what size your oil cooler is but in general, people run oil coolers with A/C, rad all the time. Depending on the size of the one in your car, it may require a bit of finaggling with the hose routing and such but should be an easy to-do.
No idea what size your oil cooler is but in general, people run oil coolers with A/C, rad all the time. Depending on the size of the one in your car, it may require a bit of finaggling with the hose routing and such but should be an easy to-do.
Can I run Oil Cooler and AC Condensor?
