Binnie77

Ok, the ozone layer has been depleted a little farther today as my main A/C compressor line cracked open and released the freon. This system is the early '77 one with the VIR unit. Late '77 they replaced the VIR with a receiver/dryer. They also changed the evaporator. Anyway, it is time for me to move on to a 134 or other refrigerant system. Is there a vendor out there that sells a complete kit to make a changeover? I would like to get rid of the VIR unit as well. I am looking for everything between the condenser and evaporator. I am not sure if the evaporator I have will work with the newer receiver/dryer or not. I don't want to have to replace it unless I have to. What have you early '77 guys done with your systems?

TimAT

Check out Classic Auto Air. I got one of their complete systems for what it was going to cost to change the evaporator, VIR, and heater core. I went to them on another person's recommendation- I've seen his system and it blows way cold air- and lots of it.

Binnie77

I was looking into that but they don't make any Corvette kits beyond 1976

TimAT

I talked to them about that- the difference is the control head. they said that the cables may need to be shortened a bit but all the other things will fit. Just a little fab work for the control head.

Binnie77

Anyone using one of these?

Corvette Air Conditioning VIR Eliminator Kit,1973-1977 Early

Rotonda

This conversion kit is put together by oldairproducts.com

RRROBB

I am using the eliminator kit and it works well. Kinda tight to install tho

Binnie77

Robb...what are using for refrigerant? What other changes did you make?

mrvette

My only comment is that the carb engines tend to not react too well with the compressor cycling on and off all the time, the idle speed changes too much PIA to listen to much less drive in traffic....IMO, I"d find a way to keep it more or less stock or go for the expansion/POA valve set up like my stockish '72 retained, with the '88 up L98 serp drive/compressor....course I have DPFI on it, so the engine idle is controlled via computer but I really don't think it would react well fast enough with compressor cycling anyway....

You know, if you were running a Pontiac 455 with 550 ft lbs at idle, that compressor would not be noticed one bit upon turning on/off....like several cars in the past....but a typical SBC at idle just don't have the torque to take it without varying idle speed all over the map....

Peterbuilt

My R 12 system still works but when it fails would this conversion work? http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/zwed...c/retrofit.htm