There seems to be a 1st design and a 2nd design of the V7 compressor for the Corvette. The 1st design uses a white orifice tube and the 2nd design uses a white and yellow tube. Rockauto shows both to be the correct part for the same price. Anyone know what the difference is and which one I should get for a 99?

w/ V7 Compressor; 1st Design; w/ White Orifice Tube

w/ V7 Compressor; 2nd Design; w/ White and Yellow Orifice Tube

 

From my research, the compressor is the same from 97-04, AC Delco 15-20746 (Amaz $243). Pick up both orifice tubes at your local Napa for $2 a piece and return the one you don't use.
I just replaced the compressor, accumulator and orifice tube in our 99. It took the 1st design white orifice.

 

The compressors are the same for all years (89018958) but in order to preserve the warranty I think it's a requirement that, in addition to the drier/accumulator being replaced, the OT also has to be replaced.

With that in mind, there was a running production change made in 1999, as to the physical location of the OT in the liquid line, hence the "early" or "late" reference (or "1st design/2nd design) I've seen noted in some parts listings, including GM. It seems here that the descriptors "white" or "white/yellow" is being used merely as a convenient way to assist in getting the correct OT. I've never seen a breakdown by production date OR VIN, so either the location or the color (in this case) indicates the correct one needed. Personally, I would get both and return the incorrect one if you're not sure whether you have the early or late production version.

"white" (referred to by GM as "1st design" - part # 52477004 or AC Delco 15-5151)


"white/yellow" ("2nd design" GM part # 03033879 or AC Delco 15-5612)


Although they both operate in the same manner, and at first glance they may appear to be the same, they are not. The locating ears, or "tabs", is the main difference I think. The liquid line on the car is a two-piece design, and one is mounted in the "front" section of the liquid line tubing, and the other in the rear section of tubing.

The question of which CCOT to buy, ONLY applies to the 1999 model year.

HTH

 

Thanks guys That explains a lot. Just the info I needed. I'll pick up both to make sure I have the right one.

 

LoneStar, that was a great explanation.

 

It was outstanding! I remember when I posted thinking it would be days or maybe never before i got an answer.

 

Thanks guys, glad to help.

BigGun I would thoroughly recommend that come time to charge the system, install some ICE 32 in your first can and then charge the rest of the way with refrigerant (and oil if needed). ICE 32 is some good stuff and not "snake oil". I've got close to 200,000 miles on my compressor and the system has never been opened. I did add a 1/2 can (~) of refrigerant about a year ago just to help with the temps as things are starting to show their age and although the system cools pretty well, it doesn't have quite the "crispness" (for lack of a better word) to the cold air as a new system. I'll probably be replacing things by the end of this summer. Btw, mine's a '99.

 

Sorry for reviving this thread, but...

I have a '99 FRC that was manufactured in Jan 1999. No cold air, so an evacuation, fill with die shows the compressor is leaking at the rear housing seal. So I am going to buy a complete kit and install the parts myself to try and save some $600 labor cost.

Is there any way of knowing which orifice tube (early White or later White/Yellow) is in the line before you open the system up? Or if you happen to own a '99 do you just flip a coin buy the one complete kits with the compressor, drier and orifice tube and them buy the "other" orifice tube just encase you got it wrong?

 

I just bought both as they were cheap. Have you read the description of the removal and install. It isn't what I would call an easy job. I paid a shop to do it. I don't remember what it was but a lot less than 600.00. You need a shop with experience in auto hvac.

 

Thanks, yes since the orifice tubes are cheap, I will most likely just buy both to be safe.

The other reason I want to do the labor (other than I enjoy working on cars) is that I also want to install a fabricated aluminum radiator. So I figure it would make sense to only open the coolant system once since you have to remove the water pump to get at the a/c compressor. I have seen where you can get at the compressor without removing the water pump, but that seems to be a lot of extra work and with long tube headers already on the car, I am not sure how feasible that option will be.

 

I just went through this. I cleaned and resealed compressor with new gaskets and a new bearing while it was apart. Bought 2 orfice tubes, less than $1 at rockauto, receiver/dryer and more oil. All good now and back to being cold.