A/C Compressor question!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Waynesville/Fort Leonard Wood, MO MO
A/C Compressor question!
I am pondering the idea of actually getting my A/C working again! I have all of the parts (brackets etc) but when I search for compressors it lists two (2) different ones for my application. A6 W/5" pulley and A6 W/5-3/4" pulley? I can get the the 5" one cheaper than the 5-3/4" (by about $65) so what makes the differance and really which one is correct (will work)? Any help or "what you got on yours" will help. Thanks!...MAX :flag
Well I guess I will just buy the 5" if nobody has any comments!
http://home.earthlink.net/~mpmaxwells/_wsn/page2.html
[Modified by madmaxgt, 9:25 PM 6/12/2002]
Well I guess I will just buy the 5" if nobody has any comments!
http://home.earthlink.net/~mpmaxwells/_wsn/page2.html
[Modified by madmaxgt, 9:25 PM 6/12/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: A/C Compressor question! (madmaxgt)
I'm not sure which is the correct one but the 5 inch will turn the compressor faster than the 5 3/4 inch . Maybe the difference is based on the engines max rpm. On an engine that has the capability of winding higher you would want the compressor to go slower so you don't throw belts. Not much help but at least you got a response.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: A/C Compressor question! (madmaxgt)
The A6 is a big, heavy workhorse of a compressor. It's the same one used on most GM products in the early years. It also uses significant power to operate.
If you're interested in an upgrade, consider the GM R4 used on late C3s which is considerably lighter and uses less HP or a Saniden which is used on many street rods and reportedly uses even less HP.
I have an R4 on my 71 and it works fine with R134.
If you're interested in an upgrade, consider the GM R4 used on late C3s which is considerably lighter and uses less HP or a Saniden which is used on many street rods and reportedly uses even less HP.
I have an R4 on my 71 and it works fine with R134.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Waynesville/Fort Leonard Wood, MO MO
Re: A/C Compressor question! (madmaxgt)
I am interested in a Conversion/upgrade from an A6 to an R4 A/C Compressor! Does anyone have the "how to" on this? What parts or fabrication will I need? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: A/C Compressor question! (madmaxgt)
Changing to an R4 compressor is not an upgrade. The A6 is a much more reliable unit. As a matter of fact several corvette supply house's like Eckler's sell conversion kits to put A6's on where the R4 is. :nonod:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Waynesville/Fort Leonard Wood, MO MO
Re: A/C Compressor question! (silvervetteman)
Well now im really confused! I can by a new A6 and have A/C tomorrow, but I want to go the route of whatever is "best" I guess I need to post an opinion poll!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: A/C Compressor question! (madmaxgt)
They still make new A6 compressors. They may use a little more hp to turn them but they are very good reliable units. Jaguar's used them up into the 90's. Rolls Royce used them too!My 69 still has the original compressor and it works great even with R134a. Manufacturer's change things for many reasons... Cost, cost, and cost are a few that come to mind. :D
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 43
From: Plano TX
Re: A/C Compressor question! (silvervetteman)
My 80 has the A4. Steer clear if you want a reliable unit (no leaks or slinging oil on the hood). The A6 is a good unit, but as mentioned, it's big and heavy and also uses more power.
On my car I plan on going to one of the newer units like senden. I think vintage air might have the brackets, but shouldn't be too hard to fab. Not original though.
Dave
On my car I plan on going to one of the newer units like senden. I think vintage air might have the brackets, but shouldn't be too hard to fab. Not original though.
Dave
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: A/C Compressor question! (DaveL82)
The only type of compressors worth having are axiel type A6, Sanden, most of the rest of the imports.....anything like an R4 or any piston/crank type compressor is junk, don't last, made cheap, aluminum case with nylon piston rings, poor reed valves....I agree the A6 is heavy and in a vette you might want to go whole hog and update to a later serpentine belt drive system...save about 100 lbs weight off the car, another 100 lbs for the alumunum heads...
the new GM made R4 compressors are even worse than the old one's from rebuilders...certainly no better for the extra 100 bux or so.....
BTW, nothing runs as clunky and unsmooth as an R4, they just never run as smooth as an A6/similar design...never....in fact it's so bad most all R4 factory cars have a metal plate over the lower heater hose so the belt don't slap the hose and cut a hole in it....now the systems will appear normal, but the belt will slap this plate making an annoying sound....with every power stroke of the compressor....go figger....it's the slack side of the belt that's flapping around....tighten the living hell out of it...still does it and will again within short period of time....
GENE
the new GM made R4 compressors are even worse than the old one's from rebuilders...certainly no better for the extra 100 bux or so.....
BTW, nothing runs as clunky and unsmooth as an R4, they just never run as smooth as an A6/similar design...never....in fact it's so bad most all R4 factory cars have a metal plate over the lower heater hose so the belt don't slap the hose and cut a hole in it....now the systems will appear normal, but the belt will slap this plate making an annoying sound....with every power stroke of the compressor....go figger....it's the slack side of the belt that's flapping around....tighten the living hell out of it...still does it and will again within short period of time....
GENE
