SBC 83 Regal NEEDS A/C! need new lines?

[83Regal]

So I took out the 3.8 V6, swapped in a 305 out of a 91' Caprice, converted it to carb. no computer, no emmissions, it has the stock serpentine setup.


The style of the AC compressors are the same(except for the pulley) but since the 305 is a bit bigger the AC lines dont fit, the line gets kinked because of the tight radius. The only lines I need is the upper "rubber" hose.


So where can I get it? will any from another vehicle fit? Got any for sale?


Its wayyyyy to hot in FL to be without A/C! 😀

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

What compressor do you have, is it an R4 compressor? Where on the engine does the compressor mount, driver's or passenger's side of the engine bay? What condenser are you running, the stock V6 condenser with the passenger's side inlet and outlet? I am doing the same thing with my 1985 Cutlass with a 350 Chevy, but I am using the V belt setup with a driver's side compressor mounted high on the engine. I have a 1984 G code Z-28 Condenser ( I had it lying around) in mine and was able to get an aftermarket replacement hose for that car that came within an inch of fitting perfectly. ( the Camaro condenser has it's inlet and outlet on the passenger's side but mounts them about 4 or 5 inches lower).It cost me $58.The reciever I used is for the V6 car and is slightly different than some of the V8 G body versions. Oh, and I used the original V6 compressor with the compressor mounts from the Z-28. I also live in Florida and got my hose from a A/C hose shop ( it's called Hose Makers and is located in Hudson Florida in northeast Pasco County). If you can't find a stock solution, you may wish to seek out a hose shop that can make one for you. Just be sure to use hose that is approved for R134a refrigerant as well as a Reciever and O rings made for that refrigerant as well. It shouldn't run you more than $100 to have it made, probably a lot less. You could even have the original Caprice hose shortened and the end reattached.

 

[83Regal]

What compressor do you have, is it an R4 compressor? Where on the engine does the compressor mount, driver's or passenger's side of the engine bay? What condenser are you running, the stock V6 condenser with the passenger's side inlet and outlet? I am doing the same thing with my 1985 Cutlass with a 350 Chevy, but I am using the V belt setup with a driver's side compressor mounted high on the engine. I have a 1984 G code Z-28 Condenser ( I had it lying around) in mine and was able to get an aftermarket replacement hose for that car that came within an inch of fitting perfectly. ( the Camaro condenser has it's inlet and outlet on the passenger's side but mounts them about 4 or 5 inches lower).It cost me $58.The reciever I used is for the V6 car and is slightly different than some of the V8 G body versions. Oh, and I used the original V6 compressor with the compressor mounts from the Z-28. I also live in Florida and got my hose from a A/C hose shop ( it's called Hose Makers and is located in Hudson Florida in northeast Pasco County). If you can't find a stock solution, you may wish to seek out a hose shop that can make one for you. Just be sure to use hose that is approved for R134a refrigerant as well as a Reciever and O rings made for that refrigerant as well. It shouldn't run you more than $100 to have it made, probably a lot less. You could even have the original Caprice hose shortened and the end reattached.

It is an R4 compressor, the compressor has always mounted on the passenger side. I plan on using the stock V6 A/C setup, except the new compressor is serpentine. I kept the V6 hose setup because if it were 2 inshes longer it would have worked and not kinked. I seem to recall certain people who did an engine swap were able to use the stock lines? So maybe I can buy a set off of somebody?

 

[PILOT]

I really don't need my A/C here in Canada. I was thinking about pulling it out. You probably wouldn't want to pay for shipping though... Im not sure how much it would be.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Just have a new set built then using the right length and type of hose>That's the easy solution. Your R12 hoses will disintegrate with the new refrigerant anyways. You could also look at F bodies with serpentine setups and see if their hoses will work. they're 87 and newer, IIRC.

 

[83Regal]

Anyone know of any stock lines I could use, or get from a member on here? Monte Carlo SS maybe?!?!?

That seems like the most likely choice IMO? Will they work? Id like to just do it myself, rather than spending hundred dollars on custom brackets hoses etc.

Tyler

 

[ss4ever]

I have all the answers you need.

Use your stock V6 condenser and the line from the condenser to the evap core(replace your orifice tube) and use either F-body 88-92 compressor lines or you can use Cutlass 307 lines, either will work but I prefer the F-body lines.

Be sure to replace your reciever/drier also as it has been exposed and probably needed replaced anyhow.

If you need either set of lines(307 Cutty or F-body) let me know, I will sell you either set for $35 shipped.


IIRC the worst thing with the F-body lines is that you lose your High pressure side fitting which isn't a big deal anyhow. Fill your system to the amount specified on your AC box, keep in mind you use less 134 than R12, you use 12% less 134.

Randy