Understanding A/C Compressors for LS Swaps

When doing an LS or LT swap, choosing the correct A/C compressor can be confusing. Different vehicles used different styles of compressors over the years, and the bracket you’ll need depends on both the compressor and engine setup. This guide will help identify what came on factory vehicles and what options ICT Billet offers to make it all work together.

Sanden Compressors (Aftermarket / Universal)

• Sanden 508 – 5-Piston
  Most popular compressor, since it has been used for so many years on a ton of different factory and aftermarket applications. Common in hot rods and retrofit setups.


• Sanden 709 – Standard 7-Piston
  Same case as Sanden 508. Higher cooling capacity since it has 7 pistons. Newer design is smooth and efficient.


• Sanden 7176 – Smallest & Most Compact
  7-piston compressor with a slim body design. Great for tight engine bays or custom swaps needing extra clearance.

Factory GM Compressors

• GM R4 (1988–1995 Trucks)
  Found on early TBI and Vortec engines, such as GM full-size trucks, S10, and cars. There is some benefit to keeping this compressor style if that is the compressor that came in your swap vehicle, so that you don’t have to make a custom A/C line set.
  Note: 1989–1992 Camaro R4 uses a larger pulley to slow the compressor rpm.


• HT6 (1996–1998 Trucks)
  These compressors were not known for reliability, due to their stacked ring case, which is prone to leaking. These compressors have side-mount holes, which make it less common to find aftermarket mounting brackets for them and the larger case size can cause issues. However, we make a couple options to retain this compressor in your swap so you do not have to make custom air conditioning hoses, which makes installation simpler. The 6-piston compressor was an improvement over the earlier R4 designs.


• Denso 10S (1999+ Trucks, LS-Based Engines)
  These compressors came from the factory on LS truck engines. Very common and reliable. It has a compact 10-cylinder scroll compressor.

Choosing the Right Compressor for Your Swap

• OEM Style Swaps:
  Keep it factory-correct using Denso 10S (’99+), HT6 (’96–’98), or R4 (’88–’95). Great for restoring factory A/C function and using OEM lines that save valuable time.


• Aftermarket / Custom Builds:
  Use Sanden compressors for cleaner, more compact setups. Perfect for street rods, restomods, and Vintage Air kits with ICT Billet brackets.

ICT Billet Brackets and Mounting Options

• Low-mount truck-style and high-mount car-style brackets
• Options for Sanden 508 / 709 / 7176, Denso 10S, HT6, and R4 compressors
• Works with factory truck spacing, F-body spacing, or Corvette spacing setups
• All brackets are CNC machined in Wichita, Kansas from billet aluminum

Pro Tips

• The Sanden 7176 offers the best fit where clearance is tight.
• We also offer a complete line of A/C fittings, line kits, and complete line of Vintage Air systems to make your swap a breeze. Give us a call today to find a system for your vehicle model.