Factory ac vs aftermarket

[kglowacky]

well down here in Houston we need ac so I am deciding on getting my org. ac unit working or installing a aftermarket unit. Any one out there with a aftermarket unit they think will keep an 1978 c10 cool in 100 degrees plus outside temp.

[CSHADES]

If everything is intact i would get the original system working. i dont like aftermarket air because most or all of them are not fresh air systems. i have done some updated cars that we used the original stuff at the firewall/interior side and replaced the hoses, condensor and compressor with more modern parts.

[Wgesnerjr]

FWIW
To key to my success in keeping cool in 100+ degree heat was INSULATION. I sprayed my floor and firewall with Lizardskin, inside and out, Then carpet over that as well as carpet on lower doors, used foam behind the door panels and installed a mouse hair headliner. Only thing I haven't done is tinted windows. (maybe next spring)

The stock A/C unit is being used with a small Sanden compressor mounted low on the LS motor that uses a mechanical heavy duty clutch fan. Also found a parallel condenser at NAPA. (didn't make any difference from the '85-R12 one) All new seals at each duct joint and at the vents. New Drier and Orifice tube. Vacuumed down and filled with the cans from Advance Auto myself after several "professional" attempts.

My truck is very cool and does a great job keeping up in Atlanta heat, especially on MAX. Sitting in traffic (an Atlanta pastime) it will warm up the A/C output some. But unless your in a huge (30 min +) jam, it will barely be noticed. If I sit for too long, I bump it up to neutral and rev up to 1500 rpm for a min or two. Its not modern car cold, but does a decent enough job to keep the wife quiet.

I'm thinking of changing over to an electric fan but still trying to find the motivation to undertake.

Hope this helps.

[kglowacky]

On this build I replaced the condenser with one out of a 2000 Camaro, new sanden compressor, electric fans for my LS1 and new factory evap. and new factory heater core, all new custom hoses and a new factor dryer. I am to the point where my plan is to try charging the system and see what happens. Got a good mechanic that will help with the start up.

[44th Miss Inf]

Newer designed condensor, GMT400 blower (88-98 more airflow), get low pressure switch set to 18-20psi, and an aux fan from a 454 truck.

Seems to work well in south Mississippi.

[kglowacky]

first I heard of changing the blower motor. Will keep this in mind if I need more airflow. I did replace blower motor in restoration process. Maybe they upgraded me/ LOL. will set pressure switch at 18-20. thanks

[44th Miss Inf]

Originally Posted by kglowacky

first I heard of changing the blower motor. Will keep this in mind if I need more airflow. I did replace blower motor in restoration process. Maybe they upgraded me/ LOL. will set pressure switch at 18-20. thanks

One think i didn’t note, the 18-20 psi on low pressure switch for R134. Also, I think they make orifice tubes now metered for 134

[kglowacky]

already installed the 134 orfice tube.

[44th Miss Inf]

Here is the 454 condenser fan. GM used a sensor to turn it on at 220-230 degrees, but when I find my notes, I’ll post the pn to a Dodge one that will turn it on at 180-190, if you are interested.

[kglowacky]

I am running dual factory fans out of a dodge that work perfect so I am going with it will cool when ac on. If not I will look into these. Thanks

[truckin 79]

I would definately stick with stock AC and maybe just upgrade the compressor to a Sanden. I have been trying to piece together a old AC for my truck that came without it and it has been a pain to keep trying mock things up to make it work. Luckily in CO it hardly ever gets 100 and humid, good luck