Well I'm back pouring money into this car, by the time I'm done I could have probably bought a new one. As I'm sure most of you know, if you have worked on the C4's for any length time, GM has pretty much abandoned them as far as parts. I'm quickly learning also that they won't release the licensing to reproduce any of these, and as my local Dealership parts guy says, "They want you to buy a new one!"

At any rate, if any of you have had to rebuild your A/C system, here is a list of what is available for a 91.

A/C compressor, (Denso) readily available, $300-$500, depending on where you get them, and it should come with a clutch, although, not all do. Typical failure, front seal. Local A/C shop states they are a great compressor, but Denso won't sell the seal to anyone, and it is about a $20 part. I'm still investigating this part.

Evaporator, readily available, $210-$250.

Condenser, readily available, $150-$200.

Accumulator Dryer, readily available, $65-$75.

Hose, A/C main compressor, readily available, although limited supplies. $65-$70.

Hose, A/C accumulator to evaporator, unavailable anywhere.

Line, Evaporator to condenser, aluminum line, high pressure, unavailable anywhere.

My local A/C shop stated that they could make the lines that are unavailable, but they might not look exactly like what you have, although they would function like the factory pieces. So there you have it, hopefully I have saved you guys a few phone calls, God knows I have made enough of them......

 

reminds me to use my AC less and just roll the dang windows down. i dont know if there's much more of a "less glamorous" part of a sports car to sink cash into than the AC. cant really show that off too much...


thanks for the info,
CJ

 

Vette's went to R134 in '95 right?

Wonder how much of those parts are interchangeable with an '88 L98? (If any)

 

No problem, I hope nobody wants anything for Christmas this year.......... There are quite a few differences between years, so I don't make claims for any year other than my 91, which I now know all to intimately. I also have converted this to 134A, as R12 is about $90 a pound.

 

All of the above parts and prices can be found in a couple minutes on an auto parts store website (like kragen.com)

Hose unavailability for a 15 year old car is pretty common.

 

Not using the AC every so often is what takes the toll on the compressor because it does not get any oil circulated. Good idea to use the AC or defrost and energize the compressor once or twice a month at least.

Need parts? Call Jason at Vette2Vette. Guaranteed used parts and a great guy.

 

None of those lines have been available for any of the L98'S for some time (I think shortly after my high line was replaced under warranty 15 years ago!). I wouldn't be afraid to try used. Just be careful when you swap out an orifice as that's how that high side line gets damaged (NAPA does sell a repair kit). Also watch leaning on the Evaporator Outlet when you're working on it.