R4 Compressor Remanufactured vs Brand new

ELCaminoGuy2

Has anyone had any experience with the Remanufactured R4 compressors that fits on an 86 El Camino? I have had a few people tell me I would not be satisfied with rebuilding my original. I have found both remanufactured and brand new at the parts houses. Suggestions or comments on this from all the El Camino owners?

Thanks,
Eddie

acauth1 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2004 9:35 pm Post subject:

For one, the R4 is generally not a good canidate for a rebuild, aka "boat anchor" also, the one that would have come original on the 86 is a "heavy weight" R4 with the massive clutch assembly. The newer ones are "light weight" and as the name implies, are lighter. The difference in price is worth the extra bucks for, if nothing else, longivity. I replace a hundred or so R4's every summer and never offer rebuilts as an option, mainly because I don't want the customer coming back with a failed or rattling compresser in a few weeks... been there done that. Also, if you are considering converting the system to 134a, you'll want a new vs. rebuilt.
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