Couple a/c questions

[bowtieguy80]

   Not Quite sure what section this goes in but, I have a couple a/c questions. I was wondering if their is an upgade for the condenser over the factory unit, the truck is an '82. Also are all the A6 compressors the same?, I was planning on using the A6 as I have a core and all the brackets for it. And will R4 hoses work on the A6. Any help is appreciated.

[Jason S]

What kind of condenser upgrade do you have in mind? 

I presume you have an 82 C-10 with a small block V8...

Mostly based off memory (so I could very well be wrong):
I think all A6's were the same; however, the part numbers for the early to mid 70's A6 is different than that for the later 70's-up.
As the A6 suction and discharge ports sit further back than those of the R4, your old hoses are likely going to be too short.  If the hoses are from 1982, you might as well replace those. 
 

[bowtieguy80]

     Thanks for the reply Jason S. The truck is an '82 k20 with a big block. I have read that an A6 has a higher cooling capacity than an R4. The truck turns 2000 rpms at 65 mph, I think a larger compressor would cool better at this speed. Also I tow 8000 pounds with it and it gets a pretty toasty even at highway speed.
     As far as a condenser goes, I have read that a "parrallel flow" unit is more efficient than the factory unit. P.S. Nice looking trucks in your photo.

[454Man]

Does your ac currently work?

[Jason S]

The A6 is a great heavy duty compressor, that's why they've been used in so many different applications. However, the A6 is heavy and it takes quite a bit of power to turn and doesn't seem to like high RPM's.  I can't say off the top of my head whether an A6 would provide more cooling capacity than an R4, but it is built a bit stouter. Additionally, the R4's were used on dual A/C Suburbans (front and rear A/C) so they're capable of pushing a lot of Freon.   

Have you looked at the Sanden type compressors at all? They're lighter and won't take near the amount of power to turn as an A6 compressor. 

I haven't had any experience using the parallel flow condensers, though if you're using R134 it might not be a bad upgrade. I haven't had any real issues with the tube and fin condenser using R134.

One extra bit, if you're swapping compressors and possibly the condenser it would be a great time to go ahead and pull the evaporator and lines and either replace or thoroughly flush them.

Thank you for the compliment.

[bowtieguy80]

The a/c does not currently work. Swapped to a big block when the small block ate a piston and did not put the a/c together again. It had an R4, it worked but the compresser sounded rough. Also brackets are tough to find for a big block and R4 combo.
     I have looked a little at the Sanden comp and now the more I look it seems like a better way to go. Do you know of any kits that come with brackets and all?

[Jason S]

There are several companies that can provide the brackets and compressor. 

As this site is supported by sales through the storefront, I recommend that you check with the site administrator - Capt. Kaos.  Send him an email and tell him what engine, year model, etc and what you want. 

[bowtieguy80]

     Thanks for the help Jason S.

[alfreema]

Hi guys, I just found this thread by searching .. I know it's a few months old, but still relevant to me.  I need to swap out an A6 compressor and was wondering if anybody (Capt. Kaos?) can recommend an A6 compressor for me?  Looking for a decent quality and good value compressor -- not the high end and not the low end.

Thanks!

[alfreema]

Well I just realized I gave no details about model/year:

1976 Camper Special with 454

I found a Four Seasons on Amazon for $170ish buy I dont know anything about compressor brands.  I did check the store here first, but dont see any compressors (understandable).

[bake315]

Well I just realized I gave no details about model/year:

1976 Camper Special with 454

I found a Four Seasons on Amazon for $170ish buy I dont know anything about compressor brands.  I did check the store here first, but dont see any compressors (understandable).

That sounds like a good deal for an A6, if that's what you're looking at.  I've bought a few compressors - some re-manufactured - from Napa, and have had good luck with them.

[alfreema]

Well I just realized I gave no details about model/year:

1976 Camper Special with 454

I found a Four Seasons on Amazon for $170ish buy I dont know anything about compressor brands.  I did check the store here first, but dont see any compressors (understandable).

That sounds like a good deal for an A6, if that's what you're looking at.  I've bought a few compressors - some re-manufactured - from Napa, and have had good luck with them.

Awesome, I appreciate it.  I'll get it coming and see what happens.

[Edahall]

   Not Quite sure what section this goes in but, I have a couple a/c questions. I was wondering if their is an upgade for the condenser over the factory unit, the truck is an '82. Also are all the A6 compressors the same?, I was planning on using the A6 as I have a core and all the brackets for it. And will R4 hoses work on the A6. Any help is appreciated.

Yes, you can upgrade to a parallel flow condenser.