81 upgrade AC system
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
81 upgrade AC system
hi guys ,, looking to replace the AC system to upgraded one but there is any suggestions .. the companies that i heard about them are "Vintage Air" and "Classic auto air" ....
corvette 1981 350 engine
please advice !!
corvette 1981 350 engine
please advice !!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 86
From: Rotonda FL
1) to replace current hoses with barrier hoses (R134a molecules are smaller than the previous R12 and will penetrate your current hose
2) to completely flush out your current system because R134a is not compatible with that used in your current system.
3) change your condenser (in front of your radiator) to a multipath model (I used one from Nostalgic Air - see my write-up on my install into a 77 for details)
4) change your compressor to a Sanden 508 - you will need a new mount (Allen Groves or equivalent - do a search)
5) replace your existing orifice tube with a smaller one (as I recall, a #22 from a Ford)
6) almost certainly clean out the debris from your heater and evaporator box. After 30+ years, debris has a way of collecting there and obstructing airflow through the cores.
If you do all of this, your 'upgraded' stock AC system will freeze you out of your 81.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Both of the companies you mention specialize in 76 and older Vettes because 78 and newer already have a modern cycling HVAC system. If you wish to 'upgrade' and change to R134a refrigerant, you will need
1) to replace current hoses with barrier hoses (R134a molecules are smaller than the previous R12 and will penetrate your current hose
2) to completely flush out your current system because R134a is not compatible with that used in your current system.
3) change your condenser (in front of your radiator) to a multipath model (I used one from Nostalgic Air - see my write-up on my install into a 77 for details)
4) change your compressor to a Sanden 508 - you will need a new mount (Allen Groves or equivalent - do a search)
5) replace your existing orifice tube with a smaller one (as I recall, a #22 from a Ford)
6) almost certainly clean out the debris from your heater and evaporator box. After 30+ years, debris has a way of collecting there and obstructing airflow through the cores.
If you do all of this, your 'upgraded' stock AC system will freeze you out of your 81.
1) to replace current hoses with barrier hoses (R134a molecules are smaller than the previous R12 and will penetrate your current hose
2) to completely flush out your current system because R134a is not compatible with that used in your current system.
3) change your condenser (in front of your radiator) to a multipath model (I used one from Nostalgic Air - see my write-up on my install into a 77 for details)
4) change your compressor to a Sanden 508 - you will need a new mount (Allen Groves or equivalent - do a search)
5) replace your existing orifice tube with a smaller one (as I recall, a #22 from a Ford)
6) almost certainly clean out the debris from your heater and evaporator box. After 30+ years, debris has a way of collecting there and obstructing airflow through the cores.
If you do all of this, your 'upgraded' stock AC system will freeze you out of your 81.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I just upgraded to the Classic Auto Air Sanden compressor kit. Fantastic kit and support from the vendor.
It's been in the 100s here lately and my air conditioning is working great!
My car is an '81 also.
It's been in the 100s here lately and my air conditioning is working great!
My car is an '81 also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
.
About $900 but I bought the parallel flow condensor too for about $300.
Here is a link to their catalog...http://www.classicautoair.com/
About $900 but I bought the parallel flow condensor too for about $300.
Here is a link to their catalog...http://www.classicautoair.com/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
.
About $900 but I bought the parallel flow condensor too for about $300.
Here is a link to their catalog...http://www.classicautoair.com/
About $900 but I bought the parallel flow condensor too for about $300.
Here is a link to their catalog...http://www.classicautoair.com/
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
i checked it but i didn't find any kit for corvette in their website , did you change the whole system or only the compressor !!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 86
From: Rotonda FL
Vintage air into 77-82 corvette
I have installed a vintage air unit into my 77. Here is a link to my write up.https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/2970440-vintage-air-ac-installed-in-a-77-a.html
This contains photos and info on the condenser I used. with a little fabrication, I was able to use the stock condenser mounting system/brackets.
In this write up I indicated that I did not know whether this install would work on 78 and up. Since that time I have seen threads in another forum demonstrating that it is possible, with roughly the same mods I describe. PM me if you want more info.
This contains photos and info on the condenser I used. with a little fabrication, I was able to use the stock condenser mounting system/brackets.
In this write up I indicated that I did not know whether this install would work on 78 and up. Since that time I have seen threads in another forum demonstrating that it is possible, with roughly the same mods I describe. PM me if you want more info.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 86
From: Rotonda FL
After clicking on the link previously supplied, look on the right side of the page where it says "FACTORY AIR OPTIONS FOR YOUR CORVETTE". Click compressor upgrade kit. Below this is an addition that adds a multipath condenser.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
[QUOTE=Rotonda;1590637621]After clicking on the link previously supplied, look on the right side of the page where it says "FACTORY AIR OPTIONS FOR YOUR CORVETTE". Click compressor upgrade kit. Below this is an addition that adds a multipath condenser.[/QU0TE]
There are kits for the Corvette. I used their whole system with parallel flow condensor and Sanden compressor. If you don't see the kits give them a call at the Florida location.
They don't show a kit for the '81 but the only difference is you have to make up two hose ends. Call Rick he helped me out.
http://www.classicautoair.com/Corvet..._Chevy_AC.html
There are kits for the Corvette. I used their whole system with parallel flow condensor and Sanden compressor. If you don't see the kits give them a call at the Florida location.
They don't show a kit for the '81 but the only difference is you have to make up two hose ends. Call Rick he helped me out.
http://www.classicautoair.com/Corvet..._Chevy_AC.html
Last edited by Street Rat; Oct 6, 2015 at 07:20 AM.
