A/C options for late model (83) r134 upgrade

[cwdaniel]

I'm resurrecting a dormant 83 Camino. The A/C compressor is toast. I'm sure the entire system needs a good flush and seal replacement. What's the best shot at getting this system to make cold air with r134 in hell (Phoenix)? are there modern compressor upgrades available. Go with the OEM style and just charge with 134?

 

[dogsht]

r134 is not an upgrade. If you are able to get the original refrigerant it will cool the best.

 

[cwdaniel]

r134 is not an upgrade. If you are able to get the original refrigerant it will cool the best.

Yeah, well as I agree that r134 not an upgrade, r12 is totally impractical. Given I don't have a permit to buy it and if I did, I'm not willing to pay the god knows what per pound it costs these days.

Looking for practical solutions for the over regulated world we have to live in.

 

[glhman222]

R-414B direct replacement for r12 called Hot Shot i believe i read on another forum that it worked great

 

[Jg85350Regal]

I'd put the system back together with all new seals and a new compressor if it needs it and then just take it to a shop and have it filled with r12. A buddy of mine the works in the HVAC industry tells me r134 will eventually eat all the seals in a system designed for r12. Also I ran 134 in my car when I first got it and it still had the stock v6 for a summer and it got comfortable but the air was never cold like it should of been. I was so disatisfied with it I pulled out the a/c when I did the 350 swap, but lately now that I know my buddy has access to r12 ive been thinking of putting it back together.

 

[lilbaggie]

i had to have my AC setup for my 87 SS redone when i switched to a GMPP serp kit and my AC guy mentioned the same thing as Jg85350Regal:he didn't recommend adapting the R12 system to R134 as the fittings and seals don't handle it well. he also quoted me $70/lb (!) for the R12 and $240(!) to recharge my system. i called a couple of other places and it was over $100/lb (!!!). i figured i'd hold off a bit til the weather got a little warmer here in SoCal before biting the R12 bullet...