Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

Tireman9 on Fri July 16, 2010 11:54 AM

Year: 1951
Make: Chevy
Model: Camaro
Engine Size: 305
Refrigerant Type: 134A

Building a 51 Chevy P/U with 88 IROC TPI drivetrain. Serp belt system and R4 compressor. All AC parts will be New if at all possible. Will use 134A gas
My question is which R4 compressor do I get.

To get all the supports and small parts I pulled the entire Serp belt system off 1990 Caprice but don't intend to use AC compressor except as a core it it is of value to someone.

Have seen statements like "New Light weight small pulley Compressors"

I also have found "new" R4 compressors that come with the clutch under 88 Camaro listing with significant different prices
COMP R4 5in PV6 12V METRIC $270 p/n 20-10434
COMP R4 5in PV6 METRIC $352 p/n 20-10437

I live in Ohio so Phoenix heat is not expected. Do hope to drive RT-66 someday so want AC. The cab on the 51 truck is small and will be insulated so I shouldn't need major cooling.

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Building 51 Chevy P/U with 88 IROC drivetrain.

Chick on Fri July 16, 2010 12:15 PM

E-mail the guys at ackits.com, the boards sponsor, and they help you with all your AC needs, from compressor to oil..O rings to nylog assembly lube, they have everything you'll need and the advice on which parts to make your system perform the best...

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

TRB on Fri July 16, 2010 4:26 PM

20-10437 has a smaller clutch and is a special order item. Not 100 percent sure on the manifold setup without comparing them. Coil postion is in a differnt place also.

Compressor TypeGM
Part DescriptionR4 14.96' 6
Compressor ModelR4
Compressor ClassNEW
Clutch Diameter127mm
Oil TypePAG 150
Oil Capacity Oz8
Oil UOMoz
Oil Catalog UOM8oz
Grooves6
Voltage12
Compressor MountMETRIC
Coil Pos.12

20-10434

Compressor TypeGM
Part DescriptionGM-R4 6GR 12V
Compressor ModelR4
Compressor ClassNEW
Clutch Diameter137mm
Oil TypePAG 150
Oil Capacity Oz8
Oil UOMoz
Oil Catalog UOM8oz
Grooves6
Voltage12
Compressor MountMETRIC
Compressor FittingO RING
Coil Pos.3




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Tireman9 on Fri July 16, 2010 8:37 PM

OK Thanks for comments.
1. Have sent email to ACkits

2. I could use some education. I understand the clocking position 12 being straight up. I assume the 3 is 90 degrees to the right when viewed from the rear. But I have no idea what a "coil" is.

Since my application is 100% custom not sure if any of these difference have any impact on it other than the cost difference.

I plan on using the adapter as seen toward the bottom of this
article



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Building 51 Chevy P/U with 88 IROC drivetrain.

TRB on Fri July 16, 2010 8:50 PM

Coil position is where the plug is located to attach your power source.

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Tireman9 on Fri July 16, 2010 9:12 PM

Thanks.
3 O Clock sounds like a cleaner install with wireing being less obvious.

The fact that is is less expensive is a nice plus.

Will waite a few days and see if anyone identifies a problem with my plan.

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Building 51 Chevy P/U with 88 IROC drivetrain.

Bench on Fri July 16, 2010 9:39 PM

need pics of this build, sounds really nice.

TRB on Fri July 16, 2010 10:18 PM

If you line things up and plumb it correctly with the proper OT & condenser it should work fine. Now an R4 would not be my compressor choice!!

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iceman2555 on Fri July 16, 2010 11:50 PM

I would prefer a Sanden SD7H15 over the R4. The '4' will work.....have installed many and had great success with them....but for a 'rod'......mmmmm....the Sanden would be my first choice. Polish the case....heck...chrome the darn thing....but polish.....a high gloss paint.....much better looking than the '4'.
Just my unsolicited $.02.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

2005Equinox on Sat July 17, 2010 11:57 PM

I have to agree. There has to be a better choice than the R4. The A-6, or the Sanden? Granted my 2 R4s for now in my 1981 and 1985 are working fine now. But they have been replaced 2 times in the 1985 and the 1981 is on its 3rd. Good luck to you.

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2008 Chevrolet Impala LS
1981 Pontiac Bonneville


2007 Sears Craftsman Lawn Tractor


1985 Chevrolet Caprice


1986 John Deere 165 lawn tractor

Tireman9 on Sun July 18, 2010 10:41 PM

Thanks for all the input.

While switching to an A6 or Sanden might be a good idea for a more robust AC system, part of what I am doing is "restoring" the 1988 TPI from an IROC Camaro.

I have read many posts about repeated failures of various compressors.

I think that it is possible that with 100% new components I might get better life than other who are replacing some of the parts after a component failure. Also the end product will not be a daily driver.

Based on the info available I think the 20-10434 is the way for me to go. It will certainly be an easier install given I am using the OE serpentine belt system and mounting.
My condenser will be a new stock Camaro unit. All hoses & dryer are also new. Evaporator is Vintage Air unit.

Bench.... Will get some shots this week. Not much to see yet as all I have so far is an engine sitting in the front clip of the truck frame. The rear end is still in mock-up.

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Building 51 Chevy P/U with 88 IROC drivetrain.

iceman2555 on Mon July 19, 2010 8:39 PM

The secret of success of any AC repair, is of course, the correct parts...new is always better....well...normally always better.....but the true secret of longevity to a compressor is maintaining lubricant flow to the compressor. This is the #1 failure of compressors.....lubricant. Keeping the system properly charged over a period of time is very important to maintain this lubricant migration for the system. Insure that all connectors are tight....sealed...no leaks....nada......esp service ports......seal it up....!!!!!!!!

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson