83 Buick Regal A/C Questions!

[Shawn F.]

Hey guys, long time lurker here (from when I owned my 80 El Camino a few years ago). I just picked up a 1983 Buick Regal in very nice condition. It has a SBC 350 swap in it from a 95 and older suburban with the center bolt valve covers (non Votec). I have no decoded the engine yet but doing that tonight. Either way, I believe it's the newer style R134 compressor but could be completely wrong (taking pics and will post them in a bit). There is no condenser or lines in the car but the rest is there. My plan was to buy a dryer and orafice and get a good condenser that will work well with R134 and that will bolt into the car as well as whatever lines are needed. Question to you guys is, what condenser should I look for and where should I order all of my A/C stuff? It seems most parts stores have cheap junk that doesn't fit well (such as dryers). I want to make sure this is all done correctly and have nice A/C since it is my daily driver. If there is any information I have left out in order for you guys to give me advice, let me know.

Thanks a lot for any info, suggestions and/or help!

 

[Shawn F.]

Photos

 

[Shawn F.]

Oops I meant to add all of them in one.

 

[darbysan]

You can use an F-body condenser ( LIke '91 Camaro)( get a parallel flow or 6mm style), F-body soft and hard lines, and g-body accumulator. Before you go too far, make sure that compressor is not frozen ( turn the triangular portion in front- may have to use a large slip joint plier). Replace all o-rings with Green o-rings. Lube them with PAG oil before assembly. If the compressor has been sitting a while, it could be rusted, or the seals could be leaking. Good time to consider converting to a Sanden type compressor. Works much better on R134a, and is more reliable ( I went through three R4's in three years- the r134a pressure is higher). White stock orfice works fine as a replacement.

Here's a link to my sanden conversion thread
http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=54295

 

[Shawn F.]

Thanks for the info! I will follow your advice and go the route of the Sanden compressor. Now the 709 is superior over the 504 or whatever it is for R134? I hear different things but you have it on your car and have first hand experience and I'd rather listen to your advice on it... This is my daily driver so I'd rather spend the money once to do it right and not have any worries.

 

[darbysan]

Thanks for the info! I will follow your advice and go the route of the Sanden compressor. Now the 709 is superior over the 504 or whatever it is for R134? I hear different things but you have it on your car and have first hand experience and I'd rather listen to your advice on it... This is my daily driver so I'd rather spend the money once to do it right and not have any worries.

Choose the model number I indicated in my write-up ( model 4864 (it's a SD7H15HD-FLX)). It is designed for R134a, and fits the GM hoses without any further options. The 709 is a discontinued R12 version. The 7H15 is it's replacement.

From Sanden's FAQ page-
Q: Does Sanden still provide replacements for older compressors designed for use in R-12 refrigerant systems?
A: Due to low demand, Sanden has discontinued R-12 models. This includes the following R-12 compressor series (SD505, SD507, SD508, SD509, SD510, SD708, SD709, TR70, TRF90, and TRF105). There are R134a replacements for the R12 models in most cases. Please contact one of our distributors for more information.