A6 AC Compressor upgrade options

[Joe69C10]

I've been doing quite a bit of research and see I have several options. I obviously want the AC to be cold and work well, but I also don't want to spend unnecessary $$ doing it.

Here are the 3 options I have found and anyone can chime in and tell me if they have done them, or which one would be the best.

1.) Replacement bolt in style compressor that uses OEM brackets. Keeps stock location. $345.00
http://www.oldairproducts.com/catalo...25678606e23d2b

2.) Sanden SD5 kit like this one: $499

http://www.ebay.com/itm/73-76-Chevy-...ce0efa&vxp=mtr

3.) Sanden 508 compressor and Billet Specialties bracket kit. Approx $139 for the billet kit and another $150 for the compressor.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bs...make/chevrolet

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-8390-SAN...3089b0&vxp=mtr

The more I keep looking and thinking about it the more i confuse myself. lol

[hatzie]

Go serpentine with GM parts (88-98 T400 CK chassis) and use the stock compressor from those trucks with square-T400 hybrid hoses (be sure to get the compressor hoses for the fittings). 96+ will have R134 parts. You get the higher output AD or CS alternator mount in the bargain too.

[Joe69C10]

Originally Posted by hatzie

Go serpentine with GM parts (88-98 T400 CK chassis) and use the stock compressor from those trucks with square-T400 hybrid hoses (be sure to get the compressor hoses for the fittings). 96+ will have R134 parts. You get the higher output AD or CS alternator mount in the bargain too.

Thats an option I have not thought of... Where is the best place for me to get the parts? Junkyard? Serpintine set up would be nice...

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

In my area the junkyard is littered with gmt400's, and it is almost cheaper to buy the whole engine with accessories. Then just the accessories.

I like the TBI version better then the Vortec as it makes valve cover removal easier.

[t5noel]

I am converting my 1974 GMC C1500 to serpentine as part of a complete renovation. Do be careful of the year model you get the parts from. I got mine from a 1999 Suburban and the passenger side bolt holes don't match up. I had to get a bracket made to hold it in place. Also check your heads to see if all the holes for the serpentine bracket are drilled. There are some threads here about drilling them if you have to. Best of luck!

[Joe69C10]

Well, for simplicity reasons I went with the bolt in replacement. Got it locally for $290. It's about 15 lbs lighter than the stock compressor, bolts right in, and is supposed to use less HP, and cool better. Waiting on a ac line to be redone, then I should have cold air!

Here is a pic showing the weight difference.




Posted via Mobile Device

[Skunksmash]

I always wondered if you could help your gas mileage by getting a more modern, more efficient AC compressor in place. Say something off a 2011 or a 2012 truck. AC compressors have improved a good bit since the 80s.

[hatzie]

The old Harrison A6 is built like a tank and uses fuel like one too...

[HOTFUN]

Registered User

Joe69C10's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Ocala,FL
Posts: 63

Re: A6 AC Compressor upgrade options
Well, for simplicity reasons I went with the bolt in replacement. Got it locally for $290. It's about 15 lbs lighter than the stock compressor, bolts right in, and is supposed to use less HP, and cool better. Waiting on a ac line to be redone, then I should have cold air!

So what brand did you buy and can it be ordered off line from your local store?

Thanks, Mark

[8lugnutz]

Originally Posted by HOTFUN

So what brand did you buy and can it be ordered off line from your local store?

Thanks, Mark

Not trying to revive an old thread, but I found an Everco brand A6 compressor yesterday at an Autozone for $129.

Everco A/C A6 Compressor

[Katrina/10]

Originally Posted by 8lugnutz

Not trying to revive an old thread, but I found an Everco brand A6 compressor yesterday at an Autozone for $129.

Everco A/C A6 Compressor

That's what I would buy if I just wanted my A/C to work. I'm glad to know they are still available at a reasonable price, I'm running two vehicles with A6 compressors.

[rebootit]

Biggest issue is the use of 134 in compressors and systems never designed for it. If at all possible stick with r12. Its much easier on the compressor and cools the best. Uses less fuel to run it. You can hear the differences between the two.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Skunksmash]

Have yall heard about that new switch big brother wants us to make? IIRC, it was to something called R117... or something. Well its $112 a can lol. Leave it to the gub'ment. Its been a couple years since I heard that on the radio though.

[Katrina/10]

Originally Posted by Skunksmash

Have yall heard about that new switch big brother wants us to make? IIRC, it was to something called R117... or something. Well its $112 a can lol. Leave it to the gub'ment. Its been a couple years since I heard that on the radio though.

Yes, and they are going to tax all older refrigerants to match the price of the new stuff. We may be in for a real screwing.

[rebootit]

Originally Posted by Skunksmash

Have yall heard about that new switch big brother wants us to make? IIRC, it was to something called R117... or something. Well its $112 a can lol. Leave it to the gub'ment. Its been a couple years since I heard that on the radio though.

Your joking right? R117 is ammonia. Ammonia was one of the first refrigeration gasses ever used. Sulfur dioxide was first used in some of the first electric refrigerators and was really toxic. Then ammonia I believe. Also deadly. So now they want to go back?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Katrina/10]

I have no idea what R117 is made up of. All I know is that's what the article I read stated, who knows what will happen? I can only imagine a worst case scenario with our government involved. The article said the new systems would be compatible with the old refrigerants, so the tax hikes are to keep people from putting the older, cheaper stuff in new cars when they need to be repaired.

[rebootit]

There are two new refrigerants coming out. Dupont of course has the one being pushed here. Its called 1234yf I can't remember the trade name. They claim with small modifications it will work in the 134a systems. VW and Mercedes in Europe is going with co2. Co2 systems need pressures 5-10 times what we use today. I can't imagine what a system operating at 1000-3500 psi is going to look like. Talk about a bomb under the hood. Although not approved for mobile systems I will stick with hydrocarbon if it comes down to paying $100+ per pound for refrigerants to stay cool. I have used them for years and had good luck with them.
Posted via Mobile Device

[RPOZ11]

Originally Posted by Joe69C10

Well, for simplicity reasons I went with the bolt in replacement. Got it locally for $290. It's about 15 lbs lighter than the stock compressor, bolts right in, and is supposed to use less HP, and cool better.


Posted via Mobile Device

Can you please give more info on the aluminum body compressor here that you are going to use.

Is it a direct fit with GM brackets?
Manufacturer & part # for the compressor.
Where can I get one?
Will it work with all of the factory GM fittings, lines, etc etc?
Lastly, will it take 134a ?

Sorry for all of the questions but I am relatively close to redoing all of mine.

Does anyone else have any input using the aluminum compressor ?

Thanx!!!!
Posted via Mobile Device