0ski_dwn_it

Hey guys,
This is the big weekend. I will be tearing my motor down for the installation of 190 AFR heads, 1.6 RR, 219 Cam, Accell Base, and topped off with a SuperRam. I have never done this on my ca before and was just looking for some words of wisdom. One thing that comes to mind is: Do I have to do anything with the A/C unit. I would hate to loose the gases in there. Let me know anything I should look out for or do while I am in there. I plan on learning as I go. Should be an experience. Thanks.

Nathan Plemons

If you are going to do the cam you will most likely have to purge the A/C system, I had to.

scorp508

I'm not positive if the condensor can stay in there to swap the cam. I know the radiator has to come out. Your best bet might be to go to somebody today who does AC recharging and ask them to hold your charge for you. Most places will do this for a small amount of $$ for being on the machine.

Just make sure you have a couple sets of gaskets for the superram, I am told they are easy to tear.

0ski_dwn_it

That is what I was afraid of. My brother owns a car dealership and they have a machine out there. I will give them a call and see if they can keep it for me. Thanks..anything else?

0ski_dwn_it

One other quick thing..the A/C unit is RW134 and not 12 right?

Marcho Polo

unless it's been converted, it should be R12. They didn't start going with 134a from the factory until '93 or '94 I think.

art91

I've heard the Superram is a bear to install, and there are tips to make it easier, such as notching the lower plenum bolts so they can be turned with a screwdriver from above. I think Beachbum's site has some, and I did a Google search last week, and found other install tips.

Good luck, and keep us posted! Happy T-Day!

JonM

By law its supposed to have a label on it, if it was upgraded to 134. However, the guy that is going to evacuate it for you has a meter to tell what it is 134 or 12.

scorp508

An '89 is definitely R12 from the factory. That crap is expensive, like $50/lb now. I have to get mine recharged. And NO I'm not converting. :)


*edit*

Make sure you have plenty of engine assembly greases/fluids ready before you start. Take lots of pictures so that you know where the vacuum lines go when you reinstall. Label EVERYTHING. If in doubt, LABEL IT TWICE.


[Modified by scorp508, 12:01 PM 11/21/2001]

Vic'89

I hope you will give us some updates as the project unfolds.

Thanks

Vic

0ski_dwn_it

That really stinks if it is R12....man I wish it were the 134. He said that he could get me a conversion kit, but did not know how much it would run. Perhaps someone here could give me an idea. I will check to see if I can do the mods without disconnection it. Has anyone been able to remove the necessary items with loosing the gases? I am at work and was planning on starting tonight...The only thing I can see being in the way of everything is the radiator. All my smog stuff has already been deleted. Keep em coming. I will keep you all posted as often as important items arise. Man am I pumped up about this!! The only bad thing is I have to wait all winter to drive it :cry Later guys..

scorp508

I wouldn't use one of those $35 conversion kits. A "real" conversion requires a R134a condensor, compressor, o-rings, oil.

Marcho Polo

yup, when I did my '85, I got the $35 kit, but I also bought a new compressor, accumulator, o-rings, orifice valve..... was a couple hundred bucks easy when I was done, and that's with me doing all the work. Worked great though.

0ski_dwn_it

Well, If I need to change all that, then chances are I will not have an A/C unit this summer :eek: I never use the thing anyways. Just on occasions. Its usually crappy weather here in PA. I guess I will have to cross that bridge when I get to it. Thanks guys.

ZylaRace

Why convert it? If it works, store it then recharge it. It is not a big deal, you just need to do it. R12 is a more efficient chiller, it will cost you less $ in gasoline.

I'm not sure if the condensor is inthe way or not. I have often wondered the same thing. One thingis for sure, you don't want to be bending any of that AC hardline stuff. You could play it safe, and save yourself a lot of hassel if you remove it as well.

JonM

If you wanted to convert ...
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2000/July/ac/airpg1.asp

0ski_dwn_it

Thanks Jon,
I think I am going to try to work around the A/C unit. Its going to be a PITA but I think I might be able to pull it off. I can't believe that no one else has had this problem. Please chime in if you have been through this. Thanks