Air Conditioning question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: salisbury nc
Air Conditioning question
1979 c3 - no longer stock.
I need to replace several components for the a/c.
compressor-condensor-dryer-hoses- pehaps the heater core
I thought of going with an aftermarket kit like hot rod air. http://www.hotrodair.com/corvette.htm
Has any one used them or does anyone has a better suggestion?
The car is presently just a rolling chassis lots of flexibility. Would prefer a straight fit, as to minimize work.
thank you in advance for your comments
I need to replace several components for the a/c.
compressor-condensor-dryer-hoses- pehaps the heater core
I thought of going with an aftermarket kit like hot rod air. http://www.hotrodair.com/corvette.htm
Has any one used them or does anyone has a better suggestion?
The car is presently just a rolling chassis lots of flexibility. Would prefer a straight fit, as to minimize work.
thank you in advance for your comments
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the original stock A/C system -- including the R12 refrigerant. I should know. I live in South Texas, my car has glass t-tops and a rebuilt stock A/C system. This afternoon -- in 100 degree heat -- I had to turn the system DOWN because it was getting too cold in the car.
Any respectable A/C shop can fix your system. It's nothing more than off-the-shelf GM components!
Any respectable A/C shop can fix your system. It's nothing more than off-the-shelf GM components!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: salisbury nc
I would like a sanden compressor. They are more efficient then the old compressor that has failed. (internal mechanical failure).
I believe since the system has been open to the atmostphere for over a year that humidity has penetrated the system and do not want to deal with future issues.
I believe since the system has been open to the atmostphere for over a year that humidity has penetrated the system and do not want to deal with future issues.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 0
From: Mobile AL
St. Jude Donor '05
I would definitely go with a more efficient compressor. Go here
http://www.refrigerantsales.com/
to find what type of refrigerant to use.
http://www.refrigerantsales.com/
to find what type of refrigerant to use.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by page62
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the original stock A/C system -- including the R12 refrigerant. I should know. I live in South Texas, my car has glass t-tops and a rebuilt stock A/C system. This afternoon -- in 100 degree heat -- I had to turn the system DOWN because it was getting too cold in the car.
Any respectable A/C shop can fix your system. It's nothing more than off-the-shelf GM components!
Any respectable A/C shop can fix your system. It's nothing more than off-the-shelf GM components!
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
I am running a hot rod air setup of my own design using a compressor similiar to Mark's OHSIXX though w/ the hoses on the right away from the headers & to the side w/ 1 turn each. If your condensor & evap. are good they will work w/ a different compressor. Chrome & polishing did not make the design requirements again.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I purchased the air conditioing system from hot rod air over 1 yr ago & installed it myself. If you are fairly mechanical and take your time it's pretty easy. I iinstalled it in my 68 convertible with a 454HO (500HP) that puts out alot of heat. This system works fine in a C3 as the system incorporates the heater in the same unit. Hot Rod Air answered my questions & I've not had any problems so far. I also us a 7 blade flex fan, 16" spal electric fan (puller) with a switch on the dash, use this in traffic & 2- 7" spal puller fans mounted facing down next to the headers to pull the heat out of the engine ( I run these all the time). With the air on I run 180 to 190 in 90 degree weather.
Good Luck
Alan
Good Luck
Alan
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by L88-68
I also us a 7 blade flex fan, 16" spal electric fan (puller) with a switch on the dash, use this in traffic & 2- 7" spal puller fans mounted facing down next to the headers to pull the heat out of the engine ( I run these all the time). With the air on I run 180 to 190 in 90 degree weather.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by mayberg
Didn't get them.
So, you have these fans blowing down to the bottom of the car evacuating the hot air from the area on the sides of the engine compartment. In the summer, do you notice your engine temps climbing if these are not on? Do you consider them effective?
I was giving some thought to some passive venting through the top of the hood as an effective cooling strategy. It would require cutting some cooling slots in the hood over the top of both headers - preferably without touching the cowl induction.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Yes they do keep the temp down. On a warm day the air coming out the bottom is hotter than your hand can stand. I also have the L88 hood so I pull in cool air from the windshield. When I got the car 3 yrs ago it was to hot to drive..had headers ,side pipes & a 600hp 427. The new 454HO runs cooler, but still puts out the heat. I insulated the interior ...but the air made the difference & made it run hotter. So I looked for a solution & it seems to work
Alan
Alan