VapoLS Mod results

[Gray Mole]

So I just did a mod for someone, wanted the upgraded compressor and regass to 402a.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the LS evap, it's not bad so I figured it should be all right, and the mount on the LS is quite nice.



original...



And redone...

Replaced the Danfoss 8.5 stock compressor with a NL11F and added the desuperheat coil for the 402a. Doing a good job, I spaced the coil for best airflow through it. New filter as well of course.

I also changed the pipework just a little to allow for easier charging, and make it less likely to slug back to the compressor.

Replaced the braiding which was a little rough, and put on blue heatshrink.



Definitely a full charge, she's just barely not returning liquid, but should hold a very high load.

I was really hoping to get the variable load tester on, but the PSU is giving me grief, and I didn't want this guy to have to wait, so just used the 150w tester for reference until I get that sorted out.



No load temps after the mod, it's charged heavy so the unloaded temp isn't as low but the vapo evap isn't as efficient as the Chilly's so I figured a good flooded out head will give the best loaded temps.



And that's as warm as she got. For the first 15mins it was around -44 to -45, and then slowly came down to about the -41 mark after a couple hours.

So not bad, I'm more impressed with the vapo evap than I thought I would be really. It's only 5 degrees or so off what the best chilly mods on mach are doing for me and that's not bad at all.

So it's all packed up and will get sent back tomorrow, hope he's happy with it, I sure am cos I enjoyed working with the LS

Gray

 

[UltimatePCFan]

Looks like a great improvment mate - well done, looks like a good job, just out of interest are you soem kind of HVAC engineer? Or just do this as a hobby.

 

[Gray Mole]

LOL both I think

I'm from the Automotive side of things, but I got my certifications back when R12 was around, so had to get the gas handling stuff back then.

These days you don't need it for Auto Aircon work anymore though really I think they should have to. I hope that changes when they update the rules in '07.

But yeah, this is my fun. I don't bench much anymore, just tend to play with phase all the time.

I'm thinking seriously about getting all the upgrade courses for the flammable refrigerants now to play with Ethylene and such for high end cascading but we'll see.

Glad you like it though, it's great to see the results people get when you do the stuff for 'em. That's the best part for me

Gray

 

[UltimatePCFan]

Yeh, looks great, and is a credit to your fine work. I'd like to get into this stuff someday, probably not as a profession, but as yourself more of a hobby. Ive never really dabbled with Phase before, i know the basic workings but nothing more.

Another problem would be money, they arnt really cheap are they!!

 

[Gray Mole]

Nope.

The vac pump I have is around 2-300 quid new.

The guages, recovery kit, etc etc I hate to think about the money I've spent, though my wife is happy to remind me on a regular basis

takes a long time to learn everything too, but eventually you get it all.

But if you just want a nice system, it's well worth it to get someone else to do it. I used to love benching and miss it sometimes too, and it was the fact I couldn't get a cascade here in the UK that prompted me to get into building phase stuff really. Now I don't even use the one I made 8)

Ah well

Cheers

Gray

 

[UltimatePCFan]

Yeh, its all good fun if you have the money. Oh well, hopefully one day! LOL.

 

[boardy]

Looking really good mate as I said on the phone I still don't know how u get those damn bends so tight with no kinks, I'm using stupid elbow joints atm

Just got back inside from doing my first build today, been out there all day today, first came problems then came oh lovely lovely.....holding vac

I'll post pics later.

Boardy

 

[Master_G]

Do you have to run the fans at 100% with that mod?

I have to say threads like this really tempt me to get my LS modded, especially with your constantly great work Gray.

G

 

[Gray Mole]

Hey MasterG Congrats on your birthday again

The unit can be tuned at any fan speed doing this mod, but really when it comes to 402a you have to accept some extra fan noise.

The reason you can get away with more on the original Vapo compressor is that it's designed for higher pressure so will take a little more abuse in terms of heat from the R507.

The replacement is better and more powerful but as it's a 134a compressor it does have it's limitations. If I could find a suitable compressor that would fit in there you'd be set, but it seems like most of the 404/507 rated compressors in 1/3 horsepower are just a little too big for the Vapo chassis.

But to be honest, if I were looking for improved results, but very quiet operation, I'd be looking at the larger compressor with a 404a regass, which would be perhaps 5c warmer, but still 10-15c colder load temps than stock and allow for very silent fan operation. The compressor is the biggest difference on this mod, 402a is just being used to squeeze every little bit of cold out of it that i can

Gray