Hey guys,

Just wondering... I had a radial type (short fat) A/C compressor in my '77, It needs to get rebuilt. I found a local shop who has both... with R134 conversion! This way I won't have to pay the standard $250 for 2.5LBS of R12 refridgerant. Anyways I can have a Radial R134 for 160, or a long base R134 for $145. So far the only dif that I cna see is that the long base takes about a pound more of refridgerant. Will the long base fit under the hood, since my orig was the radial type? Other than that what are the pros/cons of each one?

Thanks guys,
-Louis

The short one is a R-4 compressor.  The long heavier one is the A-6 compressor.

The A-6 is stronger, more heavy duty, last longer, has a oil well in the compressor, and is overall superior.   Except....it is much heavier and requires more horsepower to operate.  It also takes up a lot more space under the hood making it harder to work on the engine.

The R-4 is a lighter less power comsuming unit.  It also uses less freon.  There are the advantages.   It has no oil sump of it's own. (All A/C units circulate oil with the freon).   It does wear out more often, and have more problems than the A-6.  This is not to say it's a bad compressor, its not.  Durability is fairly good, but the A-6 is perhaps the most bullet proof compressor ever made.  With the R-4 it is easier to mount and work on the engine.

You can get either one in rebuilt form that will handle R-134a.  The brackets you already may help make the decision.  The brackets do not interchange.

Now you get to make your choice.  There are good reasons for both units.

kstyer38674.6924652778

Hey Ken,

Sicne I posted this question earlier today, I have done a lot more research. I found out this info, includignt he A6 was the best compressor ever made. But then I ran into an issue. I found a place here that sells rebuilt R-4 compressors with the R134A compatibility. They run about $160. Later on I tried calling some other places to see if I could get it any cheaper. Like 90% of the shops would sell it to me over the counter with the exception of no warranty, because they didn't install it and I didn't flush the system. Then one A/C rebuild shop I called here was owned by an older gentleman. He claimed that rebuilt compressors espiecially the R-4's would not last as long, and since they are aobut 20 years old can't really be rebuilt to their full extent. My question here is, since I have a brand new condenser, brand new radiator, a rebuilt compressor, new hoses from Ecklers, new fittings ect... do I Really need a full flush? Or could I just have them do that flush, and fill for like $300 when I go get it charged? This si really pissign me off. These places eand $725 + the $280 for the charge, and then tax for the flush/fill/and a new compressor, and an install. Some places wanted $1,500! Ken, before I rip the hair out of my own head, what do I do.. l00l.

Thanks Ken,
-Louis 

A NEW R4 compressor is not that much more, and will be a better deal, in the long run. For some reason, people have a hard time rebuilding the R4s to last. (in my experiences)

If you have a new system,(comp., condensor, hoses), there should be no need for a "full flush". Just clean the evaporator, and that's it.

Does your '77 have the "VIR"(valves-in-reciever) system, or the "orifice" type system? The '77s came both ways, as that is when they(GM) changed over to the orifice systems. If you have the VIR, you'll need to have it replaced, or rebuilt, also, for contamination reasons.

In your shoes, I'd opt for the new R4 comp., bolt it on, evacuate the system, charge it, and be cool!!

Be aware, that any compressor you get will need oil in it. Most are now sold "dry", so you can put whatever type of lubricant you need in them. (134 & R12 use different oils.)

There is absolutely no reason to flush new parts.  If you did not replace the evaporator, you may want to flush that.  You can buy a new or rebuilt unit youself over the counter from several parts stores and have a warranty on the compressor.  Of course the labor and freon won't be covered.  As Joel has said, the reman A-6 is fine.  With a R-4, new is better.   If you ever get a chance to look inside these units, the reason is clear.  The 77 should be an orifice system.  Be sure to replace the orifice and accumulator as well. 

Just assemble the system yourself.  You can get a flush kit from some parts stores or from an aftermarket A/C service/repair/parts shop.  There is probably one around your area.  Ask a parts man in a dealership, and they will probably tell you where to find one of these outfits.  If not, ask another guy in another dealer.

Be sure to add the right amount of oil, and use oil to lube all fittings, o-rings, and gaskets when you assemble them.  Once it's together, just have someone evacuate and recharge it for you.

Rebuilt R4's are junk, don't waste you hard earned money, if you go R-4 buy a new one, the A-6 is a great compressor but they weigh a ton, eat HP, and throw oil all over the underside of the hood even new, you make the call.

Hey guys,

Thanks for the info. I know the A6 is like the best compressor ever built. However, I don't want a massive HP eating compressor int he car. So I think I'm gonna go ahead and get a new R-4. As far as finding a flush kit, I decided not to call anyone local and ask for help anymore. Every time I call a place, I don;t know if they can tell I'm a kid, and then they tink I'm retarted... or they get pissed because I have a Vette, and they don't (most ppl I call are nice, then when I tell them the year/corvette) they turn into like mean arseholes. Its like I can't even call up a local place and ask for help without someone being mean, or not listining when I say I have no parts, I don;t need like a $600 full flush. Its rediculous. Or all the sudden I'm a retard because I asked about a rebuilt compressor. I'm seriosuly done with local calls. I really like these forums, you guys can at least appreciate where I'm coming from, adn everyone is nice, and helpful... this is why I think of you guys as part of a giant family. Anyways, thanks again guys, we're gonna work on her tmorrow, I'll take some pics, and let you know how it all works out.

-Louis

Hey Louis,

    Find yourself a local speed / machine shop and start buying / hanging out with them. These guys will embrace you and make you their own. I started hangin out at ours when I was 15. At 1st I was just some goofy kid tryin to learn how to turn a wrench.(with no $$$$$) 30 years later we are best of buddies and I get my stuff at cost. I can't begin to explain how much I learned and the friendships I have made. They definately will respect your vette as well.

Louis, see if you can find a local Vette club.  Even without joining, you may find some good places to deal with.