Ministry of Defender HVAC upgrade

Mirra said:

Hoping that we can revive this thread. So many questions and with the near $200 hourly shop rate, I want to have an specific installation plan or may tackle it myself. For those of us who do not want to install a puma dash or MUD console- are there any pictures of routing additional vents that you guys can post up? In their YouTube video, MOD states that the condensor fan is NOT needed? Really? Here is the screen shot of that video showing finished installation. As always, thx for the tips.

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I'm still finishing up my install. Couple things I've learned from a cascading chain of off book DIY's required for my unique circumstance:

• if you use a high capacity intercooler for a TDI, the compressor will need to go in front of the brace bars. that will require an AC grill type if you have a regular, non-AC version
• I had to fabricate condenser supports to mount the condenser in front of the brace bars
• I have an ARB deluxe bumper, and the AC Grill is about 1/4" too wide to fit with the ARB as is. I had to shave the bottom sides of mine.
• With my ARB bumper and the AC Grill, the factory plastic grill fin assembly doesn't fit. I replaced with a flat stainless version.

the last things I have to do is mount the drier, cut and crimp the hoses (I have the tool kit) and then have the system vacuumed and charged.

I still love the system just as a heater. Will report on AC performance and any further mods next spring

Sexy set up!

That's alot of intercooler! How does it do in the S. Florida heat?

Overlander said:

That's alot of intercooler! How does it do in the S. Florida heat?

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Hi there, To be honest it's getting better. In the evening its fantastic no matter the temp outside. On really hot days. It makes the cabin comfortable where only my back is sweating against the seat.
With every increase in insulation the temp gets better. Last one was Dynamat on the floor and wheel tubs, then Noico 1/4", then carpet on the entire rear tub.
I'm thinking I will take it to the initial shop to get the AC checked for the correct freon amount.
Will test out the heater when winter comes to south Florida... which I think is on or about Feb 20th between 4 and 7am. LOL

Ozzie said:

Hi there, To be honest it's getting better. In the evening its fantastic no matter the temp outside. On really hot days. It makes the cabin comfortable where only my back is sweating against the seat.
With every increase in insulation the temp gets better. Last one was Dynamat on the floor and wheel tubs, then Noico 1/4", then carpet on the entire rear tub.
I'm thinking I will take it to the initial shop to get the AC checked for the correct freon amount.
Will test out the heater when winter comes to south Florida... which I think is on or about Feb 20th between 4 and 7am. LOL

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Great. any advice on routing the AC hoses? I still have to cut, crimp and install mine

Overlander said:

I'm still finishing up my install. Couple things I've learned from a cascading chain of off book DIY's required for my unique circumstance:

• if you use a high capacity intercooler for a TDI, the compressor will need to go in front of the brace bars. that will require an AC grill type if you have a regular, non-AC versión

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What intercooler are you running that doesn’t allow for mounting the condenser behind the brace bars? Full width or the larger version that fits in the stock location?
Im strongly considering this kit but I do not want to run the AC nose. Thanks for the info!

D90user said:

What intercooler are you running that doesn’t allow for mounting the condenser behind the brace bars? Full width or the larger version that fits in the stock location?
Im strongly considering this kit but I do not want to run the AC nose. Thanks for the info!

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I have the double core from Rovers North that fits in same side position as stock. Not sure you can fit that condenser behind the bars with a full width either.

Overlander said:

I have the double core from Rovers North that fits in same side position as stock. Not sure you can fit that condenser behind the bars with a full width either.

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Damn- that is exactly what I was afraid of. I assume its impossible with a full width (doesn't apply to me) but I was hoping the RN setup would still accommodate. Thanks for the info

Overlander said:

Great. any advice on routing the AC hoses? I still have to cut, crimp and install mine

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Hi there. I will get you a bunch of pictures right when I get back from work early next week. I have a LHD, and the hoses cone out of the engine side box under the RIght side wing, they both travel forward and one of them heads out under the coolant reservoir to the Dryer Bottle that was placed on the inside of the right side frame rail like I have seen on many mid 90"s stock 300 tdi's, then forward and thru a space between the XL Rad Frame to get to the condenser ...the other continues forward then turns thru a hole in the forward inner wing and connects to the condenser.
This is just from memory. I'll update with pics next week.

Ozzie

Follow up to my first post on this topic. I just finished charging my AC this past weekend. Thunderstorms all night here in Charlotte, and woke up to 60F and 95% humidity. Pulled out of driveway on carpool duty, clicked the heater on low and windshield immediately went to completely fogged/zero visibility. I then turned on the AC compressor, and within a minute the windshield was completely defogged. While I have not had a good chance to test the AC against summer conditions, I am thoroughly impressed and convinced that the MoD HVAC is a great solution for fogged glass. So far, no regrets and not looking back.

Overlander said:

Follow up to my first post on this topic. I just finished charging my AC this past weekend. Thunderstorms all night here in Charlotte, and woke up to 60F and 95% humidity. Pulled out of driveway on carpool duty, clicked the heater on low and windshield immediately went to completely fogged/zero visibility. I then turned on the AC compressor, and within a minute the windshield was completely defogged. While I have not had a good chance to test the AC against summer conditions, I am thoroughly impressed and convinced that the MoD HVAC is a great solution for fogged glass. So far, no regrets and not looking back.

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I look forward to hearing how the MoD setup works in Charlotte as it starts to get warmer. What are you using for the dash? ideally I want to avoid installing a Puma dash and want to retain the original vents. Thanks

Prowl said:

I look forward to hearing how the MoD setup works in Charlotte as it starts to get warmer. What are you using for the dash? ideally I want to avoid installing a Puma dash and want to retain the original vents. Thanks

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The original dash vents. I will probably add another couple vents however.