AC Compressor

[kevboost7]

I bought the car like this, but the previous owner installed a on/off switch on the dash to turn on the AC compressor. I believe this switch is wired to the engine bays fuse panel. When i switch the AC compressor on, i feel it dragging the engine and it makes a grinding noise.

My question is, should i have the AC compressor rebuilt? is that a possibility? or should i buy a new one?

[GTSBoy]

5 hours ago, kevboost7 said:

is that a possibility?

Yeah, it is possible. But like many related things (ie, alternators), it's getting harder to find anyone who does and will, given the change to just throwing shit away and replacing with new cheap shit from Chinese factories.

If you want to pursue the option of rebuilding, you'll have to dig up an auto A/C specialist or three to find out whether they still do.

[Butters]

If you really want good AC consider the frenchies kit.  All modern gear, works much better and is lighter.  But it is $$$$$$

[kevboost7]

Does yalls AC work?

 

[kevboost7]

5 hours ago, Butters said:

If you really want good AC consider the frenchies kit.  All modern gear, works much better and is lighter.  But it is $$$$$$

I'm looking at it now. The price dosent seem that bad.. a new R32 GTR AC compressor is $500-600 here in the states. It looks like they are using a different compressor though from a Toyota Echo. 

[GTSBoy]

6 hours ago, kevboost7 said:

It looks like they are using a different compressor though from a Toyota Echo.

Absolutely they are. Smaller, modern, efficient > clunky old 80s shit.

[Butters]

I actually think its really good value for everything brand new plus the conversion work all done. Just its more than buying just a compressor.  The billet bracket is a work of art. 

This pick alone, tells you how many decades you are moving forward 

 

[soviet_merlin]

21 hours ago, Butters said:

I actually think its really good value for everything brand new plus the conversion work all done. Just its more than buying just a compressor.  The billet bracket is a work of art.

I did not need to see this! With summer quickly approaching...

Did you just get the compressor with the bracket or the full kit with fan and everything?

In what way is different to the old OEM one?

[Butters]

I got the full kit.

 

The compressor as above is much smaller and lighter.  Also quieter.

Bracket is visually mint and much lighter.

The dryer and heat exchanger(rad) are one unit. Also smaller and lighter.  Much more room for an oil cooler.

The fan I got was a bit Meh and I might change it.

 

And above all else it is more efficient, tested a good 3-4 degree's cooler than the old system, which is a lot.

Disclaimer though - It wasn't a back to back test given different days. It really does feel colder though(always).  And this example is in my car with that crusty looking old compressor, not new vs new

[kevboost7]

The website said you need a AC technican to swap it in. Is that true? How did you fill the refridgerant? Was it easy to install? 

If i just got the bracket and the new smaller AC compressor, would the other components be compatible with R134?

[GTSBoy]

You don't need an AC mechanic to fit it. You do need one to vac the system down and fill it. That's how you get refrigerant.