AC Conversion
04-23-2014, 09:54 AM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
AC Conversion
Has anyone tried replacing the stock Vette AC compressor, condensor, and VIR with hoses and keep the evaporator in the box with a recycled system from a junkyard? This is in lieu of something like vintage air to save some $$ or is this foolhardy?
04-23-2014, 10:32 AM
#2
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2000
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I'm not sure what you're asking. You can get stock replacement parts and keep the system entirely GM if that's what you want to do. You can also convert to R134a without having to go to an aftermarket AC system.
04-23-2014, 01:00 PM
#3
Racer
04-23-2014, 01:18 PM
#4
Racer
I opted for the
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1976.html
and VIR Eliminator
My Condenser was still good but I did have all new hose made locally. Need the relocate the VIR Elem and fab up a bracket.
I am told I can either run the old Freon or upgrade to the new 134.
Karsten
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1963-1976.html
and VIR Eliminator
My Condenser was still good but I did have all new hose made locally. Need the relocate the VIR Elem and fab up a bracket.
I am told I can either run the old Freon or upgrade to the new 134.
Karsten
04-25-2014, 05:35 AM
#5
Drifting
Thread Starter
I am really getting at an alternative to the A6 that must weight who knows and eliminate the VIR so the compressor cycles. Being cheap by nature I was wondering if the system pulled from say a 454 truck etc would bolt up in a 454 vette?
Karsten - nice looking setup. Where did you relocate the VIR to? The idea of a significant weight savings of the compressor is appealing. Thx
Karsten - nice looking setup. Where did you relocate the VIR to? The idea of a significant weight savings of the compressor is appealing. Thx
04-25-2014, 08:15 AM
#6
Not sure what your budget is, but I just installed Classic Auto Air's "engine compartment upgrade kit" in my '73. Basically replaces everything from the evaporator forward. I tried pricing all the components out to piece something together and it was just easier and not much more expensive to buy a kit. Everything fit nicely and looks great...and the hoses came already complete at the correct lengths.
We offer an engine compartment upgrade kit for $799.99 that will include the following:
Sanden-style compressor assembly w/2-groove Pulley
Compressor mount brackets (Alan Grove brackets are available for most standard V8 Small Block and Big Block engines. Additional engine pulleys may be necessary)
Classic Auto Air's Parallel flow condenser for R134A
Suction hose
Discharge hose
Liquid hose(s) & lines
Filter-Drier
O-Rings & Oil Tube
Refrigerant "cork" insulation tape.
Hardware
Sanden-style compressor assembly w/2-groove Pulley
Compressor mount brackets (Alan Grove brackets are available for most standard V8 Small Block and Big Block engines. Additional engine pulleys may be necessary)
Classic Auto Air's Parallel flow condenser for R134A
Suction hose
Discharge hose
Liquid hose(s) & lines
Filter-Drier
O-Rings & Oil Tube
Refrigerant "cork" insulation tape.
Hardware
04-25-2014, 06:34 PM
#7
Drifting
Thread Starter
That is a sound idea. I will ck out the Classic auto air site.
From the sound of your conversion it keeps the factory evaporator but scraps the VIR. Is this correct.
Would you have any pics of the final conversion you did on the 73? Thx
From the sound of your conversion it keeps the factory evaporator but scraps the VIR. Is this correct.
Would you have any pics of the final conversion you did on the 73? Thx
04-25-2014, 08:34 PM
#8
This will cut a lot of weight also :-)
http://s203.photobucket.com/user/TX-...0Air%20Install