A/C condenser replacement

[jimsmonte80]

I have a 1980 Monte Carlo that I just dropped a 383 stroker in and I am looking to put the A/C back on. I am relocating the compressor from the driver side to the passenger side using the serpentine system from March. Am looking to use a condenser from a 1986 cutlass since the lines are located on the passenger side as well. Trying to keep the lines from crossing the engine bay and on one side. Making sure I get a direct fit condensor, does anyone have any advice where to look for a condenser? Seen some on ebay and looked at napa, just not sure how direct fit they are. Any advice on doing a retro fit to 134a or keep r12?

 

[455'ed80Regal]

Get a condenser for a '92 Camaro. It will drop right in. It's what's known as a parallel flow condenser. Lot better than what came in our cars. You'll also want to grab the hose assembly that mounts to the back of the compressor, make sure it is for a g-body with the olds v-8. This hose assembly for the 92 Camaro will also fit. If you can get or know someone that can get it, I would stick with R-12. Those r4 style compressors don't like the higher pressures associated with the r134a. They will last for a while, but eventually will give out and you'll be replacing it. If you want to go the 134a route check this out:

http://www.thirdgen.org/forums/cooling/665537-r4-sanden-serpentine-systems.html

 

[jimsmonte80]

Sorry, I should have added some info. I will be running a sanden 7176 compressor, not that crappy R-4 compressor. So has your feeling for 134a changed with running a sanden compressor? I have a license to purchase R-12, so the only factor would be cost on Freon. I have read about 91/92 Camaro condensers being better, especially for 134a systems. As for the lines, I pulled the solid aluminum line from the evaporator to the condenser off the 86 cutlass, I would just need to build a discharge and suction lines off the compressor. Not sure how these lines would adapt to a sanden 7176 compressor, but I figure I could build some custom Teflon braided hoses for this. If you have any input on this, I would love to hear it. Thanks in advance!

 

[jimsmonte80]

Did a little research on Napaonline with the condensers from a 91 and a 92 Camaro.......they are different. The 91 is listed at a Parallel flow and the 92 is listed as a tube and fin. If Parallel is so much better, then why did GM change to tube and fin a year later?

 

[455'ed80Regal]

My bad. I meant '91. I have no idea why they went back to the tube and fin style the next year. GM has always liked to do stupid things. If you are running the sanden compressor I would go with 134a as I think most of those compressors are designed for it and will last a lot longer. GM finally went to that style compressor in the mid 90's and I think that has worked out for the best.

 

[jimsmonte80]

My bad. I meant '91. I have no idea why they went back to the tube and fin style the next year. GM has always liked to do stupid things. If you are running the sanden compressor I would go with 134a as I think most of those compressors are designed for it and will last a lot longer. GM finally went to that style compressor in the mid 90's and I think that has worked out for the best.

I wasn't sure if this was a Napa error, I have seen them before. So I take it G-body owners have opted to go with a 91 Camaro condenser as the preferred upgrade? Just Curious, does the this utilizes the rubber mounts that the original condenser uses? Do you have any pictures of this installed? It looks like the connection lines are lower then the original, which does not look like an issue.

 

[Longroof79]

I ended up replacing mine with one for an '83 Malibu 305 V-8. It is a parallel flow condenser, but since I didn't opt for a serpentine setup, the pipes come out on the left (driver) side.

 

[jimsmonte80]

Get a condenser for a '92 Camaro. It will drop right in. It's what's known as a parallel flow condenser. Lot better than what came in our cars. You'll also want to grab the hose assembly that mounts to the back of the compressor, make sure it is for a g-body with the olds v-8. This hose assembly for the 92 Camaro will also fit. If you can get or know someone that can get it, I would stick with R-12. Those r4 style compressors don't like the higher pressures associated with the r134a. They will last for a while, but eventually will give out and you'll be replacing it. If you want to go the 134a route check this out:

http://www.thirdgen.org/forums/cooling/665537-r4-sanden-serpentine-systems.html

I noticed that the 1986 cutlass supreme at Napa has the condenser listed as a parallel flow type. And this is a g-body style core support. The core support from the 1980 Monte Carlo to the 1986 cutlass is virtually the same. And if I am after parallel type condenser for better efficiency would it make sense to stick with a g-body style condenser?

 

[Longroof79]

For some reason, I think most, if not all condensers made today are the parallel flow design..With most a/c conversions and upgrades, more people are converting to 134A, and we all know that the parallel flow condensers run more efficiently using 134A refrigerant...or should I say, 134A runs more efficiently using a parallel flow condenser.

 

[jimsmonte80]

For some reason, I think most, if not all condensers made today are the parallel flow design..With most a/c conversions and upgrades, more people are converting to 134A, and we all know that the parallel flow condensers run more efficiently using 134A refrigerant...or should I say, 134A runs more efficiently using a parallel flow condenser.

I am still trying to grasp the idea of running a condenser from a 91 Camaro vs. using a parallel designed condenser already fitted for a g-body car. Maybe like you said, more and more aftermarket parts are becoming more compatible with 134a. Unless there is more to this.