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Hi Guys, my next project is to repair/update my air conditioning system in my 77. I have rounded up most everything I need, But, I am looking for a Parallel Flow Condenser. I look on the net and find a variety of brands and prices. I must admit that funds are tight. So looking for advice on a decent quality replacement for a fair price.
I can fab up mounts if need be. doesn't have to be "Direct Fit". but would be good if stock lines will fit without dramas.
Here is what I did. Take a look and see if it help... and somebody in the thread mentions a direct fitting condenser for a 72.... might help you out for ideas.
I bought mine at Nostalgic air. I'm not sure if the stock lines would have worked or not since I made my own custom lines. If I had to do it all over again I would have just left the old serpentine one in and just replace the R4 compressor with a Sanden with adapters for the stock lines. The R4 compressor is the main problem with these old air conditioning systems.
Thanks for the reply's. I am defiantly going with the Parallel Flow Condenser. Everything I have read, (and I have read alot) confirms that with 134 the system will definitely run better and colder with the Parallel Flow Condenser.
To Carriljc, I looked on line at the one you got from Amazon. it is no longer available, However, I found this one at a fair price and they will ship to Australia.
What do you think about this one??
Looks good. Just ensure the end fittings hook up to the hoses. As long as it's empty you may want to consider installing a Trinary switch if you have an electric fan. It's a good time to do it.
You can buy individual parts from Vintage Air. They show several condensers of different sizes and configurations in their catalog. Can't tell you relative pricing.
Once again, Thanks for the replys. I had a quick look at Vintage air. about double the price of the universal ones.
as per the trinary switch. I guess I'll need to look into that a bit more. not totally certain, but just replaces the High/Low switch? Or does it need a different location?
My electric fans are run off my ECU, but are just set off of Engine temp. Not certain, but wouldn't it be easy to run a wire to the fan relay to kick on the fans when ever the air is turned on?
I put the Trinary Switch in the same location on mine. The universal condensers are really good deals. Mine came vacuum sealed and when I pulled the sealing caps I immediately heard the air rush in.
The Trinary Switch allows the electric fan(s) to cutout at speed when using a/c and you don't need them. On my system putting the a/c system in service would make the rad fan come on; that's ok, but a trinary switch allows the rad fan go off based on pressure within the system since travelling at speed would typically provide more than enough flow to support a/c operation. I hope that made sense....if not, just ask.
Here is a link for the part number and some setpoint data on the Trinary Switch that I installed. Once I knew the threads it was cake to pick one that seemed appropriate. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1597983197
Originally Posted by 4-vettes
Once again, Thanks for the replys. I had a quick look at Vintage air. about double the price of the universal ones.
as per the trinary switch. I guess I'll need to look into that a bit more. not totally certain, but just replaces the High/Low switch? Or does it need a different location?
My electric fans are run off my ECU, but are just set off of Engine temp. Not certain, but wouldn't it be easy to run a wire to the fan relay to kick on the fans when ever the air is turned on?
Hi Doc,
I have just put in an after market system in my BB. A tight squeeze.
Anyway, I got some of the parts from https://speedyairspares.com.au/
They are in Bundaburg & were reasonably priced.
Cheers
Andy
Thanks for that Andrew. I bookmarked there page, I'd never heard of them before. Had a quick look at there site. prices look very good for Australia. Unfortunately they don't list a condenser anywhere near as large as the stock corvette one. and the overwhelming consensus is to run as big of a condenser as you can squeeze in. I've decided to order the 26×16 unit from the states.
How is your aftermarket Air performing?
Hey Doc,
This is the unit I purchased from them. https://speedyairspares.com.au/produ...s-984-162.html
It was the largest I could fit in front of the radiator that I felt comfortable with.
It is Parallel Flow so very efficient.
The air con works very well. I have connected it to the original Ball vents.
Cheers
Glad to hear it works well. I'm switching over to a Sanden Compressor and going away from the VIR system to a more modern dryer. I converted over to 134 years ago. but was never happy with the results. (Factory air car). I believe I have everything I need ordered up at the moment, other than the line from the condenser to the dryer will need to be customized at the condenser end. We have a couple hydrologic line shops here in Cairns so I should be able to get an adaptor crimped on.
However, there is always that part one didn't expect in every project like this. So it's good to know about the Guy's in Bundy. Cheers Mate and thanks for the link.
Parallel Flow Condenser
