Piecing together an A/C system

I used generic filter/driers on mine, with #6 O-ring fittings. One I had was strange because the thread was a different size than standard #6 nuts, so couldn't use it. Otherwise, consider the orientation of the in and out fittings. Some are 180 deg and some 90 deg. I mounted most in front of the radiator support. I also added a binary pressure switch, wired in-line with the AC clutch coil control (to gnd). The clutch signal comes from the knee-knocker box and could drive the clutch directly, but I use an underhood relay (one of 7 in 1990's Jeep box I used). Most filter/driers have a port to install a Pswitch (screw plug). Another idea is to add a temperature switch on the filter-drier to actuate an e-fan in front of the AC condenser. I used one for my M-B cars (mounts w/ integral screw).

I have read of the dessicant pouch inside a filter-drier degrade to send dessicant beads downstream. I don't know if just old or a cheap design. You would only know by cutting them apart, as many do in oil filter reviews. Perhaps some state they have a metal screen to avoid that risk. Re hose orientation, you can buy various Sanden heads (~20) on ebay for ~$20, with different fittings and orientations. Don't remember if for 5-bolt or (older 508) or 7-bolt (SD7), but recall the later. I did for my M-B to get a "GM Pad" on the proper side. You can also tilt a Sanden up to almost 90 deg. Most common for classic retrofitters is a rear head with #6 & #8 O-ring ports at the top. Might be able to get either "polarity". Sanden compressors are usually in the SD14 and SD15 body dimensions, and most brackets are made for that. Some use the SD13 "shorty" if they don't have clearance at the back. I think those are factory in a Honda Civic, so "should suffice" for an A-body. It's not like you are in the CA Central Valley (we hit record 47 C last September). I haven't seen a Sanden mounted below the alternator (right side) in either a slant-six or small-block V-8. Probably not enough room at the rear to the block. Most brackets set it above the intake manifold in V-8 or on the left side for a slant-six. See Bouchillon Performance Engineering for V-8 brackets. Don't know if you can still buy the slant-six brackets that a few vendors show. See that thread for info.