ALL NEW A/C - need help...

Black 3 Car · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:14 pm Post subject: ALL NEW A/C - need help...

Rebuild for new 350 is underway for my '87 El Camino, and I'm wanting to go with all new A/C components. Do I just head to NAPA (etc.) and tell 'em what I'm doing? Or are there better alternatives? It's been over 100 degrees for two weeks straight where I live,(this is very normal), I need this to be done right the first time. Thanks for any help!!!

toms84ss · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 12:55 pm Post subject:

Yes, you can go to the parts store and order all the parts you need. Or, you could go with an aftermarket kit that uses a Sanden compressor and have new lines fabbed up. You'll need to decide if your going to use R12 or R134 freon. If you go R134 you may consider an R134 condensor upgrade. I'm guessing you live along the Colorado River somewhere. Why do you live in that heat? Another option is getting a later model 88-92 Camaro/Firebird serpentine conversion. Makes for a tidy under hood set up.

Black 3 Car · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:51 pm Post subject:

Thanks for reply, Tom!
I will switch over to R134 system. Is the Sanden kit the way to go? I am planning new compressor, condensor, etc... Can you estimate a dollar amount for having new lines made? I live in SE corner of New Mexico.

toms84ss · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 8:42 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't say the Sanden unit is the way to go. It's just another option if you dont like the R4 compressor. Its probably easiest to just replace what you have now. That way there is no fabricating to deal with. Factory stuff always seems to fit best. Man, my geography is way off. Figured you were down along the river for sure. Guess its hot in lots of places in the southwest.

lsrx101 · Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008 1:32 am Post subject:

I will add to the vote for the Sanden compressor.
In the temps that you see, the R-4 is just an expensive repair waiting to happen, IMHO, unless you replace your existing compressor with a new unit and service the rest of the system 100% . Commonly available (chain parts store) Reman R-4s have a dismal track record in the American Southwest. NAPA may do better for you.

The big problem with R134a conversions in general is airflow over the condenser at idle and low speeds. The condenser has to remove a lot more heat with no more airflow.
Adding a parallel flow condenser is a good call if you decide on R134a, but you will have to fabricate hoses to match along with fabricating the mounting. It may be better to add airflow over your existing condenser with an auxillary, high volume electric fan.
Your 87 has a pretty good serpentine condenser. Adding a Ford Windstar 2 fan unit or a Ford Crown Vic fan and removing the mechanical fan would be much less hassle in my opinion.

Another good option is staying with R12. Due to tremendously decreased demand these days, R12 can be had for about $10-12/lb. If you service your system correctly, that ~$40 investment will stay with you for 5-6 years like it did when the car was new. R134a is about $8-9 for a 12 oz can. Close, within a few pennies. .
I bring many of those those ideas to the table from folks in the MVAC business in your general area (AMA in Pheonix), not from my personal experience here in Cleveland. (except for the R-12 refrigerant observations).
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rhimmel · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:17 pm Post subject:

For whatever it might be worth, I sell A/C parts for a living. Should you be in need of anything, I am more than willing to assist you any way I can. I hate to make this sound like a sales plug, but helping a fellow El Camino owner is why we are all here. I might be able to save you a buck or two, who knows...
My business hours are from 8a-5p m-f eastern time.
email: winston@coolingpartssoutheast.com
tele: 336-765-1334

Let me know if I can help.

-Rob
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Rhimmel
'81 El Camino