97 vortec A/C upgrade...advice please

[Maladd]

Hi all, getting ready to swap a 97 vortec 350 in to my 68 c10. I was hoping someone could give me some advice on using the 97 compressor (serpentine accessories) with my current A/C system (which i've never gotten working due to lack of brackets for my sbc).

Not sure if it matters, but I will be running carbed and will not use the donor computer/wiring harness.

I have everything from the 97 donor truck available.

Thanks in advance!

[Bigdav160]

I'm not sure of your question but someone can make hoses that fit.

[Maladd]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not too worried about hoses, more wondering if I should just use the whole system from the 1997 truck, or just run the 97 compressor with my old system...drier, condensor, etc..

Sorry, if I can't be more specific, but I'm a complete noob at A/C systems.

Thanks :-)

[Bigdav160]

The evaporator cases on the newer trucks are very large.

Personally, I don't think it can be made to fit. Also, the door system on the A/C case is all electrical so, if it did fit, you'd have to fit the modern controls.

[67 chevelle]

get a sanden compressor , they put alot less strain on your engine , the pancake compressors suck around 25 horsepower , you dont need a step up selinoid if you use a sanden , it will work with your stock system or aftermarket

[Eddie H.]

The 97 compressor should work ok with your old system. It would be best if you convert the old system to R134. Flush out the entire system to get rid of the old refrigeration oil, put on r134 compatible hoses, and adjust the POA valve.

[diggerbob]

I did this swap. I robbed a serpentine drive from a 96 GMC and left it undone for about 10 years. Last summer, I got a sanborne compressor and started hooking it all up. My mechanic buddy and I decided to go with a 96 evaporator which he re-welded with my old evaporator nipples to fit my original AC box. It works pretty well (gets down to about 48 degrees at the vent). I will post a pic as as soon as I can (I have it in the shop for a ECE disc brake upgrade...)

[hugger6933]

The compressors off of the vortec type motors [gen 1 small block] are not worth a doodly darn AFTER they have been unbolted from the bracket. the compressor body is pressed together from the factory and the O-rings twist to some degree after the bolts are loosed and there by causing a leak of freon in the center of the compressor. I will not sell a used compressor of any of the trucks I have junked out because of this reason. I have had several that were charged completely full and had damage in the side or rear and the air would work fine yet when the compressor would be sold to my customer they would come looking for a refund griping me out about how much they had spent on freon and stuff on my bad compressor. This happens about to 8 out of 10 compressors that I have watched. Now one of the above posters mentioned the "pancake " compressor. Actually that is not from the vortec era it came before then 88-95 the vortec was 96-99[-00 some body styles] Either one of the serp set ups will work for you but the early on has the a/c on the pass side and the later is on the driver side. So it boils down to preference on what side you rather have witch accessory. Jim

[Maladd]

Thanks everyone. My truck is an A/C truck, but everything had been stripped from it and I have everything together to get it going again, just wasn't sure if I should use any of the parts from my 97 engine donor, or just the compressor.

Love this site and all the help you guys provide.