A/C Condenser Question -- How MUCH Does SIZE Matter????
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
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A/C Condenser Question -- How MUCH Does SIZE Matter????
My OE condenser has a small leak in the lower RH corner, so I decided to replace it. After doing a lot of research, I discovered many (if not actually all) of the aftermarket condensers are smaller...and not by a little, by a lot! The most notable dimension is the core thickness...the original core sits at 1.25" and the replacements are .75" thick. The core width and heights have been downsized on the new replacement units as well...
Believing that these new smaller condenser wouldn't be as efficient, I found one I thought was correct from RockAuto.com PRO 7014020 with the correct dimensions...and it even looks to be constructed like the original.
SO I bought it...and what shows up? The new "downsized" version....swell. In fact, the new one I received is the same size as the Spectra Premium listed below the Pro unit in the link above.
So my question is: Will this unit perform as efficiently as the original, or should I send it back? RockAuto already said they would accept it back on their dime since the catalog shows a different size unit than the one I received.
Here is a comparison of OE (TOP 2 pics) vs. Aftermarket unit I received. Notice a difference???? Think size matters?????
Believing that these new smaller condenser wouldn't be as efficient, I found one I thought was correct from RockAuto.com PRO 7014020 with the correct dimensions...and it even looks to be constructed like the original.
SO I bought it...and what shows up? The new "downsized" version....swell. In fact, the new one I received is the same size as the Spectra Premium listed below the Pro unit in the link above.
So my question is: Will this unit perform as efficiently as the original, or should I send it back? RockAuto already said they would accept it back on their dime since the catalog shows a different size unit than the one I received.
Here is a comparison of OE (TOP 2 pics) vs. Aftermarket unit I received. Notice a difference???? Think size matters?????
Last edited by Red86Z51; Aug 5, 2014 at 08:31 PM. Reason: Pic Comparison Added....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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I believe that nearly "ALL" the condensers you'll find today will be the parallel type like you've received. I understand performance is equal to and the only deficiency to the newer is flushing the system after a catastrophic failure. I doubt that you can find the older "tube and fin" anywhere unless you found some NOS stuff and I'm sure it would be expensive. Are all of the components along with this condenser "NEW"?
There are arguments that the newer parallel is more efficient but I certainly can't say for sure. There are like anything else "premium parallel" and then I believe there's only a "single tube" serpentine construction and I don't know that from just "stock images" you can tell the difference. What brand? Call their customer service and see if it's just serpentine or a parallel flow.
There are arguments that the newer parallel is more efficient but I certainly can't say for sure. There are like anything else "premium parallel" and then I believe there's only a "single tube" serpentine construction and I don't know that from just "stock images" you can tell the difference. What brand? Call their customer service and see if it's just serpentine or a parallel flow.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Aug 5, 2014 at 10:38 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,423
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From: Magnolia Tx
Those micro-channel coils are the replacement of the future. They hold less refrigerant
and manufacturers claim better heat transfer. I suspect they are MUCH cheaper to build
so the manufacturers are all gaga for them.
and manufacturers claim better heat transfer. I suspect they are MUCH cheaper to build
so the manufacturers are all gaga for them.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,583
Likes: 504
From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Thanks for the replies. This new one is a parallel unit. I did some more research on the different types of condensers: OE tube and fin, serpentine, 6mm piccolo, and parallel. What I've learned is that what I received (the parallel) is the most efficient. Next in line is the 6mm piccolo, then serpentine, with tube and fin bringing up the tail being the least efficient.
So...I decided to keep this unit, took a little time this morning and popped the new one in. The whole job was under 2 hours start to finish. As of charge and run time, running outside air through the evap core, I'm getting center vent temps in the low 30's. Outside air temp is 80, and pressures are running at 28 on the low side and 270 on the high side at 1600 rpm.
I'm happy!
So...I decided to keep this unit, took a little time this morning and popped the new one in. The whole job was under 2 hours start to finish. As of charge and run time, running outside air through the evap core, I'm getting center vent temps in the low 30's. Outside air temp is 80, and pressures are running at 28 on the low side and 270 on the high side at 1600 rpm.
I'm happy!
