Is it possible or even a good idea if I have to buy a new a/c compressor anyway to swap it with a newer lighter/later model unit. Now I have a 1971 factory unit. Just a thought...

Thanks, Ron

Keep in mind the alignment of the belts. The newer units may not have the pulleys in the same position. Another thought, since you're replacing parts anyway, you might want to consider switching to R134a refrigerant. More environmentally friendly (and MUCH cheaper than the old Freon). My $0.02 worth. Hope this helps.

That was my main concern, the belts and how it would bolt up.

Thanks.

If you used the acessories and pullys from a newer car, perhaps just the brackets, you could mount a R4 compressor instead of your A6 compressor. Not sure how much it would require, but it can be done. The later C3 Vettes did use the R4 compressor.

Well you could look into hot rod air's Product. Its a complete modern a/c system for your corvette. (www.hotrodair.com) I installed mine and I lost my glove box for my 1979 vette. You got a vette that doesnt have one so that should be ok. It wont look factory but it works great. You will have to do alittle fab work. P.S. It removes the suitcase sized box in your engine compartment. cleans it up nicely.

|UPDATED|6/11/2004 7:49:13 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Just my opinion, but I believe that A6 compressor is almost bullet proof. The reason they went to smaller ones is they were cheaper. You won't have any problems buying parts for it, like seal kits, etc. No reason to change it unless the weight is a major concern.

Its possible and I think a very good idea,when I turn on my AC I can feel the car slow down and watch the temp gauage start to climb,it has the A-6 compressor like yours, it also throws oil, put a new seal in but no help, when I do mine I'am going with a late model Sanden compressor and kit,takes less horsepower, lower engine temps,and no oil on the bottom side of the hood,Corvette Central has the whole kit,hoses, mounting hardware, etc, be ready to start walking a little funny with $1,000. less weight in your pocket, Corvette Clinic also sells a kit for about the same price,ahh what the hell.

The original A6 compressor does take a bit more HP to run it. Not a lot. It is also twice as heavy. In the overall picture, again not much. It does take up quite a bit more room in the engine compartment. It is by far the most dependable A/C compressor built by anyone. Rolls Royce used it. The R4 compressor is one of the most troublesome that GM has used. Still dependable, but most troublesome of the bunch.
Yours may have thrown oil but that can be fixed by replacing the front seal. Front seal replacement is a VERY touch operation and very easy to screw up. If you just touch the sealing surface with your finger, or anything, it will leak. Everything is available to repair it. ALL compressors have the front seal as a leakage point.

|UPDATED|6/12/2004 8:09:09 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

kstyer said: The original A6 compressor does take a bit more HP to run it. Not a lot. It is also twice as heavy. In the overall picture, again not much. It does take up quite a bit more room in the engine compartment. It is by far the most dependable A/C compressor built by anyone. Rolls Royce used it.

What do you mean dependable? The compressor in my green machine gave up the ghost after only 32 years..

No matter how well they build something, every once in a while they let a bad one slip through. Sorry about your luck