I want to put an aftermarket A/C system in my 71 Challenger Convert. Originally a 318 A/C car. I am going to put a 440 6-pack in it. Does anyone have any experience with these all in one systems? I would like to hide the compressor under the engine. Is there any such systems out there?

Steve

I'm in the process of getting the A/C working on mine now.One option I'm looking at is using some custom hoses and the factory compressor with duracool refrigerant.Option #2. I called classic auto air and sent them some photos of the engine compartment. Mine is a 318 factory air car with a 66 Newport 383(had factory air)engine and brackets,alternator lowered 10", with a home brewed turbo set-up. Needless to say none of the original hoses come close to fitting/clearing everything. Ron @ classic said they could make up a "firewall forward" kit for it. I don't know about mounting the compressor in a low/hidden location. You'll have to ask them about that.Stay tuned and I'll let you know what they come up with.

It's hard to tell my 1970 440-6 Shaker hood car has A/C when looking under the hood or inside the car, unless you know what your looking for.

Bouchillion for the pump and under alternator mounting bracket. You have to run an electric fuel pump. I did reroute the fan belts from their design to increase the amount of contact on the compressor pulley. I also upgraded the alternator from the one shown here.

Nostalgic air for the reciever/dryer & largest multi-pass condensor that fits in front of the entire radiator opening. Lines sourced locally from an A/C supply shop. I used black lines to keep them hidden. Cut them to fit, marked them for index them and then took them down to be crimped.

Inside the car, Vintage Air Gen IV Sure Fit is the only real choice.

I looked at the Bouchillion kit - looked nice, but expensive. I made a plate that attached to the mechanical fuel pump holes ( I also kept the blocking plate to seal the hole) and welded a set of the universal brackets onto the plate. The main benefit (aside from cost) was that I could put a full size compressor in, not the "Shorty" that Bouchillion sells. I attached a second bracket from the other side of the compressor ears to the motor mount to triangulate everything for a solid mount. With the longer compressor, I had to move the alternator forward and actually run the alternator off the second compressor pulley. If you can fabricate the compressor mount, changing the alternator isn't hard.

Good Luck

I cannot speak specifically on an e-body, 440, or hidden a/c.
I can speak of adding a/c to a convertible living in texas.

I used the classic auto air system in a 65 coronet convertible.
The system functions well, cooling pretty well based on air temp differences. 30 degrees as I recall last time I checked.

With the top up, windows up, in 100 degree weather, it keeps me from sweating, but just barely. It never kept me cool.

with the top down, you don't even feel a cool breeze.

This is probably the worst money I ever spent.

If I take the car out, I want the top down.
IF it is too hot for that, I don't drive it.

you may have different motivation for driving yours, but wanted to give you an opinion.

It is not the same as a modern car, and even those don't move enough air with the windows open. I checked, incase it was just a bad system thinking it wasn't moving as much air.
not having on old a/c system to try, I can only go by memory thinking the original a/c I had in a 66 blew colder air and moved more of it, but memory is a tricky thing. for all I know it was just as bad.

I did this same conversion in 2005. I mounted mine up top so I could use stock fuel pump and vapor separater. Those items were important to me for reliable operation without vapor lock in hot weather.
I hate electric fuel pumps for the street.
I used all new stuff under the hood from Bouchillon. Used all the stock stuff inside the car. It works fine with plenty of air movement. I rebuilt my stock AC/heat box with new heater core and evaporator and gaskets. I have heard the replacement AC boxes may move less air?
I have 2 cars done like this and drove my BLACK 340 car over the weekend and it sure was nice having AC when it's hot and humid outside. I doubt that I could get the wife to go with me without it.