A/C retrofit complete

[bagged74]

since the stock compressor would not clear the valve covers on my Blazer I decided to go a little different route. I ordered alan grove ac and alternator brackets. This allowed me to move the alternator to the drivers side and the compressor to the passengers side. This makes alot more sense to me since all the ac stuff is on this side. The brackets fit nice after some slight modifications(grinding) to clear my headers, and a little trimming on the p/s pump bracket.

The 134a seems to cool fairly well, all in all im happy with it. There are some fittings that are hard to find, but if you search long enough they can be found. If anyone is interested in swapping to this style of compressor I will gladly list the different fittings that you need so that you dont have to try and figure it out and make multiple trips to the parts store like I did.

[xavier296]

Looks good, I want to put a/c back into my 73, would appreciate a parts list, with approximate prices if possible. Thanks.

[jermasaurus]

That is one sweet lookin blazer of yours!! Working a/c is always a plus

[texas-topper]

I would also be interested in the parts list to do this. What brand of compressor is that you went with? It sure is a clean install.

[bagged74]

I used Alan Grove part #s 123R abd 223L for the brackets. They are around $85 each. I used a sanden SD5(or 508) compressor, these can be found for around $200 for the plain finish, but are available in polished or chrome.

The fittings you will need are:
#12 fitting to #10 hose-straight( accumulator end)
#10 fitting to #10 hose-90 degree( compressor end)
#10 hose from compressor to accumulator.

#8 fitting to #8 hose-straight( condensor end)
#8 fitting to #8 hose-90 degree( compressor end)
#8 hose from compressor to condensor

If you do not have the factory line from the condensor to the evaperator, like me, You will also need:
#6 fitting to #6 hose-straight with service port( condensor end)
#8 fitting to #6 hose-straight( evaperator end)
#6 hose from condensor to evaperator

The fittings are not cheap they are going to be between $4 to $10 each, be prepared to spend $100 bucks for fittings and hose and to get them crimped. If you do not have a crimper to crimp them with I recommend buying the fittings and hoses and take them home and mock them up, cut them to length, mark the fittings and the hose to be sure that you end up with your fittings clocked in the right direction. Then take them back and have them crimped.

Dont forget to replace the orifice tube and O-rings as well.

[Malo83]

Nice
That's the way GM should have done it.

[bigblock79]

nice job

[Slonaker]

That's what i'll do the next time my compressor goes out. The factory setup, with all the noise it makes and the horsepower it eats, isn't a good choice.

Slonaker

[C&C Chevy]

Killer setup!

Just curious on why you went with the bigger compressor rather than the smaller R4 type? Are they more effecient? I have absolutely no clue about AC stuff, so just trying to learn some things.. I have the small compressor, but my AC hasn't worked in years. I'm wanting to do a total rehaul with r134, replacing everything. Thanks for the breakdown, will keep this thread saved!

[bagged74]

Originally Posted by C&C Chevy

Killer setup!

Just curious on why you went with the bigger compressor rather than the smaller R4 type? Are they more effecient?

Im not sure what smaller compressor you are talking about. The Sanden compressors are pretty small.

[C&C Chevy]

Originally Posted by bagged74

Im not sure what smaller compressor you are talking about. The Sanden compressors are pretty small.

This is the one I have. From what I've read this is thr R4 type, and was stock on the 80's trucks. The one you used looks bigger.

[bagged74]

That style compressor would not work with the tall valve cover that I have onmy blazer because of how the lines attach to the back. The aftermarket brackets also would not fit that style compressor.

[GWEE]

does this setup cool better then the stock a/c.

[bagged74]

Originally Posted by GWEE

does this setup cool better then the stock a/c.

I dont think I would say that it works "better", but it is just as good.

[C&C Chevy]

I'm guessing the sanden compressors are known for their quality. I know their are some compressors to stay away from and some say the R4's are horrible. A new ac delco R4 unit runs about $250 so if the 508's are reliable, I may go that route.

[454HO]

Looks great! I'm glad the AG brackets and Sanden compressor worked out for you. My BB will have the same type arrangement, the only thing I am doing different is changing the stock tube and fin condensor to a more efficient parallel flow condenser. The one I have is the 19.5"x30.5".