AC compressor upgrade

by 77cruiser Mon Mar 28, 2016 9:42 am

Has anybody used this system?

http://www.classicautoair.com/GM_OEM_Parts_Compressor.html

by thatfnthing Mon Mar 28, 2016 11:44 am

I looked at Classic Auto Air when I was looking to do the entire system, and I wasn't overly impressed with the evaporator unit or controls.

However, if you're just upgrading the compressor, it should be good. The Sanden is pretty much standard these days for all the aftermarket companies (and some OEM's IIRC) and is a lot more efficient than the older stock units, plus has significant weight savings.

by 77cruiser Mon Mar 28, 2016 3:26 pm

That's all I really want is to upgrade, to get a better looking package. I know it's tough to beat the old compressors but they weigh a ton & are kind of bulky.
Is their any others out there?

by 73ss Mon Mar 28, 2016 5:09 pm

I looked into the same thing last year. I skipped on it, Didn't want to spend $500 to loose a few pounds. If you are running a small block you could look into a late vortec serpentine set-up with the small compressor. Plentiful & cheap here at the pick-a-parts, but then you gotta have custom hoses made. I had a local shop re-seal my old A6. Still looked like new inside. Works great but does weigh a ton..

by 77cruiser Sat Apr 23, 2016 11:13 am

Here's what I ended up with, bought the kit, but then I made a PS bracket because I didn't want to use the factory one. I would've had to been modified anyway. AC compressor upgrade 100_4014

by pila Sat Apr 23, 2016 12:49 pm

Nice job on the brackets. Very clean installation !
I have an old A6 on my Elco, which I need to replace with a Sanden type. I found that the Sanden will bolt to the original Caddy front bracket, and I'll have to make a rear bracket.

The A6 is mounted on the top of the engine, under the upper radiator hose.....

AC compressor upgrade P1011025_zps8ij7oehu

AC compressor upgrade P1011025_zps8ij7oehu

by 77cruiser Sat Apr 23, 2016 6:56 pm

The AC bracket are Alan Grove, the PS bracket is my doing.

by 99B4C Sat Apr 23, 2016 10:52 pm

Those brackets do look good! If I was running a small block I would use a serpentine setup from something like a third gen F body. I try to use all GM parts, for easy replacement and service.

I like the GM pancake compressor, and mounted on the passenger side the shorter lines look cleaner. I used the Holley cast aluminum bracket to mount my compressor. Some of my other AC parts are from Classic Auto Air.
AC compressor upgrade 20160312

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