Factory AC replacements.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 16
From: GA
Factory AC replacements.
Does anyone have info on running a newer style AC Compressor on a 1970 Factory Air car? I know Vintage Air has a complete system but would like to keep everything stock except the compressor.
Thx
Buddy
Thx
Buddy
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 2
From: Plumas Lake CA
Which evaporator
Markdtn,
Are you using a 78-82 style evaporator setup with the C4 compressor? What kind of high pressure switch are you using? Is yours a cycling system? How did you control the engine fan? Any details you can pass along would be greatly appreciated.
I'm putting together a TPI ('90 speed density with Camaro ECM) ZZ4 combo for my '70 (originally a factory air car, has most of the stock AC unit except compressor and lines). I have a C4 serpentine setup with a 96 Nippodenso compressor/lines/condensor I'd like to use.
Are you using a 78-82 style evaporator setup with the C4 compressor? What kind of high pressure switch are you using? Is yours a cycling system? How did you control the engine fan? Any details you can pass along would be greatly appreciated.
I'm putting together a TPI ('90 speed density with Camaro ECM) ZZ4 combo for my '70 (originally a factory air car, has most of the stock AC unit except compressor and lines). I have a C4 serpentine setup with a 96 Nippodenso compressor/lines/condensor I'd like to use.
Last edited by 1mpalss; Mar 18, 2010 at 02:05 AM. Reason: tech error
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Markdtn,
Are you using a 78-82 style evaporator setup with the C4 compressor? What kind of high pressure switch are you using? Is yours a cycling system? How did you control the engine fan? Any details you can pass along would be greatly appreciated.
I'm putting together a TPI ('90 speed density with Camaro ECM) ZZ4 combo for my '70 (originally a factory air car, has most of the stock AC unit except compressor). I have a C4 serpentine setup with a 94 Nippodenso compressor/lines/condensor I'd like to use.
Are you using a 78-82 style evaporator setup with the C4 compressor? What kind of high pressure switch are you using? Is yours a cycling system? How did you control the engine fan? Any details you can pass along would be greatly appreciated.
I'm putting together a TPI ('90 speed density with Camaro ECM) ZZ4 combo for my '70 (originally a factory air car, has most of the stock AC unit except compressor). I have a C4 serpentine setup with a 94 Nippodenso compressor/lines/condensor I'd like to use.
I ended up making custom lines. If you search my username and TPI conversion, you should find my tips on the conversion.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
I have no knowledge on their quality.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I just got an email from Ecklers about a new A6 compressor they now sell. Aparently someone has tooled it in aluminium and it's much lighter, maybe they also re-engineered the front seal so it doesn't weep oil like the old ones do by design. I have no knowledge on their quality.
I have no knowledge on their quality.Last edited by Paul L; Jan 12, 2009 at 12:58 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 2
From: Plumas Lake CA
96 Condensor
I started fabbing-up the condensor assembly from a '96 C4. It is about the right size but the lines need to be bent to fit the C3 radiator core support. The condensor frame is screwed to some 1" flat aluminum strips. These strips bolt at the top and bottom in the original mounting holes. I haven't checked for hood clearance yet but I think it will be fine. I'm going to try to use the '96 compressor (with '90 C4 serpentine drive) and lines to the max extent possible. I'm also using my original AC box and the late C3 evaporator/drier assembly. I'll try to get some pics with the wife's camera and try posting them.
I'm doing this along with my engine/tranny swap and suspension rebuild. I should have it done by May 2009 - wait, is it July already!
I'm doing this along with my engine/tranny swap and suspension rebuild. I should have it done by May 2009 - wait, is it July already!
Last edited by 1mpalss; Jul 22, 2009 at 11:59 PM. Reason: Typo
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Consider the Sanden. Mark, OHSIXX has the Sanden on a 72 & is happy w/ it. The first one I noticed w/ the Sanden.
I replaced the R4 compressor with a ND 6P (8.2 C.I. & similiar to Sanden 508 8.4 C.I.) which uses less HP & works great. Compressor, custom brackets & hoses to stock A/C system w/ R12.
http://ganeys.home.sprynet.com/77ACs.JPG
PS Most A6s are 12.6 c.i. except for Corvette & Corvair which used 10.8 c.i. models. R4 is about 10 c.i. & was also used in El Dorados, etc.
I replaced the R4 compressor with a ND 6P (8.2 C.I. & similiar to Sanden 508 8.4 C.I.) which uses less HP & works great. Compressor, custom brackets & hoses to stock A/C system w/ R12.
http://ganeys.home.sprynet.com/77ACs.JPG
PS Most A6s are 12.6 c.i. except for Corvette & Corvair which used 10.8 c.i. models. R4 is about 10 c.i. & was also used in El Dorados, etc.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 2
From: Plumas Lake CA
A/C experts chime in please
Evaporator box and evaporator from late 77 Vette combined with 70 blower box:
96 Vette Nippodenso compressor using 90 Vette serpentine drive assembly:
Old high speed blower relay, low speed resistor, low pressure and A/C connectors. Bubba has been busy!:
Now I have to determine the wiring required to make this setup work. I have a tan wire from the A/C controller in the car that runs to a low? pressure switch, then sends the signal out the green wire to the compressor clutch. The compressor clutch connector also has a black wire for ground.
The 96 compressor has a gray wire (light green in my picture because I'm using a pigtail from a different application) and a dark green wire:
I think the gray (lgt green in my case) is a ground of some sort and the dark green is the signal wire telling the compressor to come on. The drk green also tells the ECM the compressor is on. I think I need to get a high pressure switch from a C4 to provide the command signal for the compressor clutch to engage. My 70's tan wire will come into the C4 switch and the green wire will go to the compressor clutch -also tie that signal wire to my ECM (I think the ECM adjusts the idle and sends a fan-on signal to an electric fan when A/C is "on"). Any A/C experts out there to clarify/verify my theories?
96 Vette Nippodenso compressor using 90 Vette serpentine drive assembly:
Old high speed blower relay, low speed resistor, low pressure and A/C connectors. Bubba has been busy!:
Now I have to determine the wiring required to make this setup work. I have a tan wire from the A/C controller in the car that runs to a low? pressure switch, then sends the signal out the green wire to the compressor clutch. The compressor clutch connector also has a black wire for ground.
The 96 compressor has a gray wire (light green in my picture because I'm using a pigtail from a different application) and a dark green wire:
I think the gray (lgt green in my case) is a ground of some sort and the dark green is the signal wire telling the compressor to come on. The drk green also tells the ECM the compressor is on. I think I need to get a high pressure switch from a C4 to provide the command signal for the compressor clutch to engage. My 70's tan wire will come into the C4 switch and the green wire will go to the compressor clutch -also tie that signal wire to my ECM (I think the ECM adjusts the idle and sends a fan-on signal to an electric fan when A/C is "on"). Any A/C experts out there to clarify/verify my theories?
Last edited by 1mpalss; Mar 18, 2010 at 11:49 PM. Reason: additional info
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
I had a local corvette shop rebuild my AC system. All new parts, and the A6 compressor looks just like the original. Except it's new. I was able to get all new replacement parts, non 'reman' for my '76 with no problem.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma CA
I have a Sanden compresor with Alan Grove brackets on my '73. Changed to an acumulator evaporator from an '82. Then added a crossflow condensor with custom hard lines I made. Had a local sshop make the other lines. Changed the blower motor out to a C4 type. Added dual fans from a Ford Focus. One fan always on, the other controlled by a variabale thermostat. Charged with 134.
The system will put out 40 degree cold.
I tried it first without the new condensor, electric fans and C4 blower. It did not get below 60 degrees then.
Once the complete setup was done it's great but prior to that it was asweat box.
The system will put out 40 degree cold.
I tried it first without the new condensor, electric fans and C4 blower. It did not get below 60 degrees then.
Once the complete setup was done it's great but prior to that it was asweat box.
70, 78, 82, a6, c3, compressor, condensor, conversion, core, corvette, crossflow, evaporator, r4, replacement, tpi
