apparently there are a rediculous amount of manufacturers for these things. i want to buy one new, and i want to make sure it lasts. any suggestions on which brand i should go with? are they all pretty much the same? these are the part numbers:

ACDelco 15-20729, 15-20746, 15-21218
CarQuest / NAPA 254374, 274296
Compressor Works 620746
Delphi CS0132
Denso 471-9175
Discount AC Parts: 60-00986RC, 60-00986NA, 60-00986NC
Frigette 204-1148, 204-1514
Four Seasons 67277, 68277
General Motors 1137007, 1137008, 1137026, 1137031
Proliance 2690, 2690N
Spectra Premium 0667277, 0668277
Visteon 000672, 010330, 11400

 

need to buy one of these asap. TTT

 

I'm very interested in the answer to this as well since its starting to warm up around here.

 

Those are not all manufacturers. In fact most are not.

I didn't research all of those on your list, but based on what little I did, it is apparent that one or two are offshore (probably Chinese made) copies of the compressors used by GM (and other companies). There appear to be several "Me too, me too" oufits trying to get your money and I would stay away ("Discount AC Parts" was one in particular) from them.

The first thing you need to decide is, do you want to go rebuilt or new?

If you go rebuilt, there are a cazillion (scientific term ) rebuilders out there and quality can vary all over the place. The obvious big advantage to rebuilt is price. The trick is to buy from a reputable rebuilder (some of them prefer the term "remanufactured" as it is better for marketing) that can/will stand behind the product if there is a problem and from whom you can get a replacement fairly easily. Btw, rule of thumb: If the ad for an item doesn't specify rebuilt or "reman" but has a "core" charge, it's rebuilt. So, "core charge" will tell you right away it's rebuilt.

If you go new, there is a better likelihood there will not be problems with the quality of a rebuilder's choice of internal parts, since you will be the first to use it. There seem to be (again, probably Chinese) manufacturers out there that are copying the OEM manufacturers' parts, but personally I would stay away.

Based on your list, I would recommend:

ACDelco - New or rebuilt
NAPA - rebuilt (good reputation on warranties and many locations)
Delphi - new (if you have a source)
Denso - new(if you have a source)
GM - new (get prices from Gene @ GM Partswarehouse or Bob @ Fichtner Chev 1-800-234-5284)
Visteon - new (if you have a source)
Four Seasons - new or rebuilt

I'm somewhat impressed by "Compressor Works' website and catalog setup. They claim to be selling new items, but I can't tell the source (offshore or domestic). If I were to guess, I'd say offshore but I may be wrong. They are located in Dallas. You can always call them or e-mail them for that info. If you do go with them for "new", I would suggest taking advantage of their "Standard AC Kit" package (part #690844) which includes accumulator (drier) and orifice tube, because ANY compressor you buy will have ZERO warranty unless you also install a new orifice tube AND accumulator/drier. I don't think CW sells direct so you may need to check with them for where you can buy their products.

Personally, considering the work and $$ involved, I prefer new.

HTH

 

Thank you for the great information!

 

I just put a "DiscoutACParts" compressor on my daughter's Jeep. Knew it was likely chinese but the original Chrysler units weren't lasting anyhow (Apparently OEM was made in Singapore). Not sure how long it will last but am guessing as long as OEM. My original Pontiac and Chevrolet Suburban compressors went early as well several years ago. Personally on the Vette I would only do OEM and not role the dice on an offshort unit, but the Jeep is easy to get at so it was worth the risk but I also knew the risk going in.

 

thanks for the info!

 

Btw, FWIW my OEM '99 compressor is still going strong after 162K+ miles and 11 years and I live in a ummm, "warm climate" (lest there be anyone thinking "he must not use his A/C much").

I attribute part of that longevity to having installed ICE 32 a number of years ago. There are several other products that do the same thing, but the biggest thing it does is reduce the internal friction of the compressor, thereby increasing it's life and also increasing it's efficiency. Come time to replace my compressor, I will use it again.

 

Well, I saved the OEM Jeep compressor for a home rebuild but the basement flooded in this recent monsoon and the compressor ended up in the garbage

 

Purchase a new compressor. I would go Delco or Delphi.

 

the compressor is fine. the clutch bearing went out, and the compressor needs to be removed to replace the bearing. eventually the compressor would have gone out, so decided i would buy a new compressor. its a pretty big job to replace it, and i wont want to do again any time soon.

 

I don't blame you a bit for not wanting to do again. Be sure to include the orifice tube and accumulator in your budget in order to protect your compressor warranty.

 

Dont forget ICE32 and the correct compressor oil and new O rings. AC work is FUN!

 

Also do not forget to attach a vacum to your new system before adding new oils and gases to make sure the lines were totally clean and dry. Now you have a clean start to complete the system replacement that includes all new o rings.

 

Update:

You can buy the Compressor Works (620746) AC compressor at Autozone for $271. In upstate NY at least.