Installing AC in the GN. Need options.

[BuickGN]

I've been running around with no AC in the GN for the past 14 years. I pulled it out when I was 17 for the weight savings. Now that I'm nearly 32 my priorities have changed just a little.

I'm doing lots of mods right now and the motor is sitting in a shortblock state. I can get to everything easily right now so it's a good time to reinstall the AC.

I have everything needed but of course it's the original setup for R-12. I don't have a problem converting it but I'm wondering if there's a better setup out there since I'm starting all over. Does anyone make a better, more efficient evaporator or condensor? Am I stuck using factory components and converting over?

Of particular interest would be a good condensor because my intercooler takes priority so it's in front.

Off-topic.... I wonder how much sound deadening is going to get sacrificed to offset the weight difference?

 

[psudaytona]

For an R12 based system I like hydrocarbon based Duracool. Its easier to keep it in the system than R134a is. Also, your compressor will be less labored to use it.

 

[brianl703]

If it uses an orifice tube, look at the Smart VOV.
http://www.aircondition.com/vov/

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: brianl703
If it uses an orifice tube, look at the Smart VOV.
http://www.aircondition.com/vov/
Stay away from those things. We ordered 100 of them at work. The ones we put in lasted 3-5 weeks before they stopped moving which damaged some compressors, blew high side hoses etc.

We still have about 70 of them that we wont use.

Total JUNK!

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

The ideal setup would be a new R4 Delco compressor running on R12 refrigerant, along with a new accumulator and orifice tube. New suction/discharge hoses wouldn't be a bad idea either.

The condensor/evaporator can be flushed and reused if they are in good condition.

However, R12 is pricey these days.

 

[AcuraTech]

Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
The ideal setup would be a new R4 Delco compressor running on R12 refrigerant, along with a new accumulator and orifice tube. New suction/discharge hoses wouldn't be a bad idea either.

The condensor/evaporator can be flushed and reused if they are in good condition.

However, R12 is pricey these days.


+1 to that. r-12 is the sheet, with a well functioning non-leaking system it blows icicles out the vents.

Talk to people you know, it seems like there are still a lot of people sitting on old cylinders of r-12. They think it's valuable, which it is, but they're just gonna keep sitting on it until it has no purpose anymore. Eventually the demand for it will be almost nil. What good is a cylinder of r-12 if you never plan on using it?

Like mentioned, if you go this route it's probably a good idea to replace everything but the condensor and evaporator since those are hard parts not likely to degrade over time. By going with an OEM setup you could avoid the hassles of trying to rig up an aftermarket setup, and also have a nice clean OEM look.

 

[artificialist]

Many new evaporators are parallel flow, which increases their ability to cool the refrigerant. They will fit like OE, but work better. They will cost about $200-$300.

Also remember at this time to replace the drier and orifice tube. You might also need new barrier AC hoses to prevent R134 leaks. I'm not sure if it is cheaper to buy them ready made at an auto parts store, or if you should go to a hydraulic hose fabricator.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Many new evaporators are parallel flow, which increases their ability to cool the refrigerant. They will fit like OE, but work better. They will cost about $200-$300.

You might also need new barrier AC hoses to prevent R134 leaks.

I bought one of those high efficency condensors when I did my last retrofit, big waste of money. I didn't notice any improvement in vent temps compared to a previous conversion using the original condensor. That $200-300 would be better spent on R12 refrigerant.

The barrier hoses are a 134a retrofit myth, the standard hoses work just fine. In the outside chance there is a leak its very inexpensive to add 134a.

 

[onion]

I agree with Rock, here about upgrading hoses. I'm sure there are a few exceptions to this, but in the vast majority of cases, the old R12 hoses will work just fine with R134A. Same goes for o-ring seals... no reason to change them in most cases.

Be aware, though, that R134A will have significantly higher high-side pressure... so you WOULD do well to replace any cracked/beat up/ugly hoses- especially on the high pressure side.

Don't know what year your GN is, but I'm assuming it's a mid-80's G-body. I haven't been impressed with most GM a/c systems of that era when converted to R134A. If it were mine, I'd either bite the bullet and find some R12...

...Or if feeling adventurous (I'm gonna get flamed, here), I've had good results from Freeze 12, which is considered a 'drop-in' replacement for R12.

 

[TooManyWheels]

The common wisdom that you had to change to barrier hoses was eventually replaced by the idea that the original hoses were OK, as the mineral oil from R12 use sealed the pores and made them inpenetrable to the 134 molecules.

If the car were mine I would see if a Sanden or other aftermarket compressor could be substituted for the original.