R134a Will it cool a 79?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 128
From: Rhine Georgia
R134a Will it cool a 79?
Hi everyone, I was in the parts store buying parts for my AC fix. (Compressor, Orifice tube, Dryer) all new going with R134a. Another customer who happens to be a mechanic said that it wouldn't cool and I would be better off rolling windows down. This sounds like BS to me. I live in South Georgia and would like to hear how well other southern vetts AC cools. I've already bypassed heater core and installed insulation over the transmission. This is my first vette and I've owned it less than a month so I have no idea what to expect from a AC. 79 L48 stock 350. Thanks all
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
It will cool, but it will also take longer to cool down. I swapped one of our cars (not a Vette) from R12, and while it does take a little longer to get cold out of the vents, it still blows 40 - 50 degree air when it's in excess of 100 outside.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: McHenry Illinois
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 128
From: Rhine Georgia
Update: Scheduled at AC shop for Monday. They said 1 day in and out. So I'll post back and let everyone know how hot my wife is....I mean if its cool enough inside to make my wife happy. 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 128
From: Rhine Georgia
Compressor, Receiver Drier and evaporator tube orifice are the only new parts. As for flushing the system I'm sure they will do whats needed. Shop has a good rep and AC repairs are their main service. I will ask about flushing when I drop off car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 128
From: Rhine Georgia
Update 2: Picked up car. AC cooled interior at max with fan on high but never got cold. I was comfortable but had to keep fan on High. Seems like air flow at vents is weak. High equals #2 setting in my suv so I'm gotta look at my duct work for cracks or holes. When I got home I noticed new compressor had a rattle and took car back to shop. Turns out I have a bad compressor. Compressor #2 is being installed and will pickup car tomorrow. I will update tomorrow same bat time same bat channel.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 586
Likes: 26
From: Orange Park FLORIDA
Update 2: Picked up car. AC cooled interior at max with fan on high but never got cold. I was comfortable but had to keep fan on High. Seems like air flow at vents is weak. High equals #2 setting in my suv so I'm gotta look at my duct work for cracks or holes. When I got home I noticed new compressor had a rattle and took car back to shop. Turns out I have a bad compressor. Compressor #2 is being installed and will pickup car tomorrow. I will update tomorrow same bat time same bat channel.
Last edited by JagNorb; Jun 23, 2014 at 04:07 PM. Reason: additional info
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
I remember reading that a larger "squirrel cage" with improved blades was the reason for the air flow improvements.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
You are correct, C4 blower motor and wheel are the upgrade but you must fab a spacer to make the longer wheel fit.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Yes, Norb, did it years ago my spacer is out of 3/4 plywood, and lifts the motor/fan back off the duct a bit.....it would be NICER to modify the ductwork, but to do that need remove from the car....too much mess, but I got a goodly amount of airflow increase.....NOW....
to do this right, we really need to cut the right fender liner out of there, and so remove the blower assy, and vacuum out the leaves and crap from the pressure side of the evaporator coil....huge PIA, and unlikely to be done by any HVAC shop.....
and so when doing that, I noted that stupid air flapper on the wall, it's the valve that makes outside air or inside air when combined with the one under the right side kick panel.....recirc vs outside.....
MY car has been sealed up, but it's a convertible....plenty enough outside air even with top UP.....so the outside/wiper valley door is sealed shut, and the inside door removed......it's always on recirc....
I have an '88-91 compressor, new valves and stock evap, and condenser.....puts out 50f air on 100f ambient at 100% humidity.....should see the **** pattern down the drive.....regular flood zone.....
to do this right, we really need to cut the right fender liner out of there, and so remove the blower assy, and vacuum out the leaves and crap from the pressure side of the evaporator coil....huge PIA, and unlikely to be done by any HVAC shop.....
and so when doing that, I noted that stupid air flapper on the wall, it's the valve that makes outside air or inside air when combined with the one under the right side kick panel.....recirc vs outside.....
MY car has been sealed up, but it's a convertible....plenty enough outside air even with top UP.....so the outside/wiper valley door is sealed shut, and the inside door removed......it's always on recirc....
I have an '88-91 compressor, new valves and stock evap, and condenser.....puts out 50f air on 100f ambient at 100% humidity.....should see the **** pattern down the drive.....regular flood zone.....