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My engine is now out and I will be installing my new 406 and the new front suspension very soon.
What I want to know is what should I check in the engine bay that is related to heating and A/C before the engine is reinstalled. I will have a new compressor but intend to use all the rest of the stock heating an A/C components.
What should I replace / renew in the engine bay while the engine is out?
What year C3 do you have?
Are you going to run R-12 or converting to R-134a?
While the motor is out, I would make sure your heater core, blower motor and evaporator are sound and clean, seal up any old seals that may let heat in and replace all the hoses just on principal.
Elm
I would make sure your heater core, blower motor and evaporator are sound and clean, seal up any old seals that may let heat in and replace all the hoses just on principal.
Elm
Great advice. It is a 77 with A/C and I plan to convert to 134a. Any info on how to test these parts would be appreciated. Any other advice on things to replace in the engine bay?
Great advice. It is a 77 with A/C and I plan to convert to 134a. Any info on how to test these parts would be appreciated. Any other advice on things to replace in the engine bay?
Thanks
Depending on how much work you want to make for yourself (and I'm sure others out here have perhaps easier methods) I personally would remove the evaporator and heater core and have them flushed and tested at a local radiator shop. I'd prefer to do the work now and make sure it's 100% instead of guessing and having a problem when everything is back together.
Elm
Early 77's were equipped with a VIR (valve in receiver) system as were earlier vettes. Later 77's were equipped with a more modern style orifice system. If you have a later system and are converting to 134a, most people advise converting to a smaller orifice tube for improved performance. A search will get you the details. If you have the VIR system and are converting to 134a, a change to an aftermarket VIR eliminator kit is usual. I understand that the expansion valve in the receiver (the large can that looks like an accumulator) are not especially compatible with either 134a ot the lubricant required by 134a.
I have a classic air unit in a 75. Leaves you with a bunch of extra room in the engine bay. Works better and it was all new to switch to 134.
I was thinking about a Vintage Air system but I was told that there were issues with the ducting behind the dash and that they did not work with the original control unit. I believe that the control unit and the ducting changed in 1977.
How does Classic Air handle these issues? Is there a modern system that does not require extensive fabrication?
It really opens up the engine bay but there is some work to get it right. Not big work just messing with it. The original controls function. The air box cover plate had a couple bolt holes off just a little bit.
It really opens up the engine bay but there is some work to get it right. Not big work just messing with it. The original controls function. The air box cover plate had a couple bolt holes off just a little bit.
Any pictures? Do they have installation instructions for a 77?
I believe you would need to get the controllers from Vintage Air. Otherwise, installation should be the same. If I am wrong, someone please correct me.