Will use this post to say hi to everyone. I just purchased my second car and my first Magna, TR Executive 5sp w/ 2.6. The car itself was a great deal, is fantastic to drive and has a tick over 200 000kms on the clock.

Sadly the vehicle must be one of the few Magna's in existence that was not factory fitted with air conditioning, and indeed still does not have air-con. What parts are needed to add air conditioning at this late date? Could I also get some idea as to costs involved?

Given the mileage on the vehicle, what mechanical problems am I likely to encounter in the near future? It has had a logbook service up to (but not including) 200 000kms.

Cheers.

welcome to the AMC mate

welcome to AMC, as for the aircon im not 100% sure but i would imagine something in the order of a few hundred at least... Mechanically wise, timing chain, pumps, maybe a clutch depending...Hope all goes well

Cheers,
Adz

hi mate, how it going.

a quick rundown off the top of my head to put AC
engine loom
AC compressor
all AC lines, condensor and canister
the inside heater box maybe
the controller on the centre console

easily looking between $300-$500 if you do it yourself. + the cost of regassing

as for mechanical issues,

at 200,000 you might encounter the following;
timing chain
oil pump
all belts
water pump
hydraulic lifters

you'll probably have leaks here and there which is kinda normal for a car this age unless its been overly meticulously maintained.

all the best mate

welcome to the club

Thanks for the warm welcome. Had a look under the hood today, has a rattle coming from the belts when cold-starting. The water pump belt is fraying and I can see fibres coming off it, so I guess that needs replacing asap air-con will just have to wait. Yes it does have some oil stains around the tappet cover but no drips on the garage floor overnight so its' not a bad leak at any rate.

Also when starting it in the morning I get a puff of oilsmoke, thats valve seals?

Thanks for the warm welcome. Had a look under the hood today, has a rattle coming from the belts when cold-starting. The water pump belt is fraying and I can see fibres coming off it, so I guess that needs replacing asap air-con will just have to wait. Yes it does have some oil stains around the tappet cover but no drips on the garage floor overnight so its' not a bad leak at any rate.

Also when starting it in the morning I get a puff of oilsmoke, thats valve seals?

1) rattle from 'belts' on startup is in fact the conter balance shaft chain. This is caused by the oil pump building oil pressure to tension the chain. this isnt 'normal' operation but is not dangerous for the engine/chain. What is dangerous however, is if the chain is rattling when at normal operating temperature on idle. This means one of the following
a) Chain has stretched to its maximum permissable level and is due for change
b) Hydraulic tensioner has reached its maximum travel and a tightening of the tensioning guide is in order
c) The oil pump is not providing the correct oil pressure, often caused by too thin an oil for the engine age.

2) if the water pump belt is frayed, it is recommended that it's changed. it can snap and cause problems with overheating. (which you probably already know)

3) The oilsmoke puff at startup is most probably Valve Stem seals. If there is smoke after a period of idling but not continuous while revving/driving, then it is also due to valve stem seals.
click here for rundown on changing VSS's (http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1118037&postcount=5)