Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

1970 on Wed July 31, 2013 5:43 PM

Year: 1970
Make: Chevelle
Model: hard top
Engine Size: 350
Refrigerant Type: 134
Country of Origin: United States

The car is a 1970 Chevelle hard top painted like a 454 SS.
I am looking for a thread about upgrading from A6 compressor to Sanden style.
Engine is a 350 Small Block Chevy with 350 Turbo automatic transmission.
car is a factory air vehicle.
Just replaced the engine with a 1993 350 SBC.
Want to upgrade the A/C next.
Where can I buy the correct hardware to mount a Sanden style compressor to the 350 engine?
Where can I buy the correct hose connection adapters or replacement hoses?
Is a new POV required?
Is a new dryer required?
.
Will the Sanden operate well with the Chevelle's evaporator and condenser?
Is there anything I am missing?
Is this a good upgrade or not?
Thank you kindly,
CharlesText

newton5 on Sat August 03, 2013 7:43 AM

From an operational standpoint, you won't gain anything by switching to the Sanden compressor and may actually lose some system overhead due to the slightly smaller displacement.

There is a weight savings and a slight drop in power consumption, however, any gain would be barely noticeable if at all.

One real benefit to using a Sanden compressor is that it resolves oil slinging issues from the A6 ceramic shaft seal. Also, I've found that good quality reman or new A6 compressors are getting harder to find as time goes on.

There are 2 "bolt in" replacements for the A6 available that don't require changes to mounting or hoses. The Sanden based Pro6Ten and the Denso based S6. I've used a few Pro6Ten units with very good results.

Yes, a new receiver/drier is required any time the system is opened. The POA valve is adjustable for R134a, do a search of this forum for the details. Also consider having your 40+ year old hoses rebuilt.
I'm not sure if AMA carries them, but there is a drop in parallel flow condenser available for your vehicle that will help immensely when using R134a in your system.

Just my .02

Edited: Sat August 03, 2013 at 7:49 AM by newton5

TRB on Sun August 04, 2013 1:47 AM

No, but feel free to post the link to the condenser if you have it.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

WyrTwister on Sun August 04, 2013 9:02 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: newton5
From an operational standpoint, you won't gain anything by switching to the Sanden compressor and may actually lose some system overhead due to the slightly smaller displacement.



There is a weight savings and a slight drop in power consumption, however, any gain would be barely noticeable if at all.



One real benefit to using a Sanden compressor is that it resolves oil slinging issues from the A6 ceramic shaft seal. Also, I've found that good quality reman or new A6 compressors are getting harder to find as time goes on.



There are 2 "bolt in" replacements for the A6 available that don't require changes to mounting or hoses. The Sanden based Pro6Ten and the Denso based S6. I've used a few Pro6Ten units with very good results.



Yes, a new receiver/drier is required any time the system is opened. The POA valve is adjustable for R134a, do a search of this forum for the details. Also consider having your 40+ year old hoses rebuilt.

I'm not sure if AMA carries them, but there is a drop in parallel flow condenser available for your vehicle that will help immensely when using R134a in your system.



Just my .02


I MAY BE WRONG , BUT I THINK THE CARBON / cERAMIC SEAL ON THE a6 CAN BE RETROFITTED WITH THE NEWER LIP SEAL . if SO , THAT SHOULD HELP THE OIL SLINGING ?

GOD BLESS
wYR


OOPS !

Sorry for the caps . :-(

CorvairGeek on Sun August 04, 2013 10:52 AM

I've put the new double lip seals in R4 and A6s quite successfully (thanks GM Tech), but it actual results may vary. These compressors can be so old (and worn) now I hate to advocate it without knowing the condition of the system/compressor.

As much as I love old A6s, the Pro6Ten sounds like it might be pretty sweet too. I wonder if Tim has them?

-------------------------
Jerry

Edited: Sun August 04, 2013 at 11:03 AM by CorvairGeek

newton5 on Sun August 04, 2013 12:15 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: CorvairGeek
I've put the new double lip seals in R4 and A6s quite successfully (thanks GM Tech), but it actual results may vary. These compressors can be so old (and worn) now I hate to advocate it without knowing the condition of the system/compressor.



As much as I love old A6s, the Pro6Ten sounds like it might be pretty sweet too. I wonder if Tim has them?

I've done a lot of those, too. As long as there is no deflection in the shaft it works fine. The problem is finding a compressor with a nice tight front shaft. At one time AMA carried some really good remans that came with the neoprene seal but they weren't there last time I looked. I've retrofitted the seal in some new units with good results. As much as I hate to, I've gone toward the Pro6Ten when I replace an A6, especially on R12 systems.

Tim, I didn't want to plug a competitor out of respect to you and your business. One popular supplier for the direct fit PF condensers is http://www.classicautoair.com/ I can't find it listed on their site but I know of a few cars that have used them with excellent results.

TRB on Sun August 04, 2013 3:09 PM

The new a6 replacement have been did or miss depending on supplier. Think many have gotten the bugs worked out these days. If I needed an A6 that is the route I would go. The Sanden replacement is an option also, but you need a mount and in some cases a new hose set made.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com