Author Topic: Vortec serpentine conversion - a/c hoses  (Read 6161 times)

Offline 87GMC1500

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Vortec serpentine conversion - a/c hoses
« on: May 13, 2017, 02:31:09 am »
I have the 96+ vortec truck serpentine setup on my engine with an old a/c compressor that was supposed to be installed temporarily until I got around to the a/c.   Fast foward almost a year and im ready to get my new compressor installed and finish plumbing the a/c lines. My 87 used to have the old r4 compressor on the drivers side of the engine compartment and i had always figured i could use the original a/c lines as they fit the ht6 delphi compressor during my eyeball test. Point of the story the compressor manifold attachment is in fact different. The manifold hose connections are stepped on the ht6 while the r6 connections are not.

Is there a conversion adapter to get my oe hoses to bolt onto the ht6 or am I stuck getting a vintage air style manifold block and using thread on universal hoses??

I know I can head to the local custom hose shop but I'd prefer to buy an adapter to sandwich in between my oe hoses and new compressor.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Vortec serpentine conversion - a/c hoses
« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2017, 08:23:19 am »
conversion hose kits are available or adapt the factory hoses from the 96
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Offline 87GMC1500

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Re: Vortec serpentine conversion - a/c hoses
« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2017, 08:31:57 am »
I do have the 96 up ac hoses but they are fugly and the hose from the compressor to the drier is much too short. I know i could have this assembly modified for the least cost but i dont feel that the manifold connection is aesthetically  pleasing.

What are the conversion hose kits you speak of?

I have found https://m.summitracing.com/parts/vta-045023 so i can get custom hoses made. This may be my only option. Any luck on an interchange to a NAPA part number?
« Last Edit: May 13, 2017, 09:36:10 am by 87GMC1500 »

Offline Oldblue

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Re: Vortec serpentine conversion - a/c hoses
« Reply #3 on: May 13, 2017, 12:48:11 pm »
You could also get the right hose fittings from each side and have someone make them for you. Most big cities will have a place that fabs hoses. I saw a guy had just brought the connector pieces and gave the measurements for a custom host. It wasn't too expensive I think under 80 for a hose.
Old Blue,

One day it'll be restored
1984 C10 SWB
Currently Project: patch panel for bed and body work

Offline 87GMC1500

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Re: Vortec serpentine conversion - a/c hoses
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2017, 03:22:19 pm »
That is likely the direction i'm headed. I will post pix once completed

Offline 87GMC1500

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Re: Vortec serpentine conversion - a/c hoses
« Reply #5 on: May 20, 2017, 12:44:11 am »
Finished installing the a/c system today. I ended up using the original 1987 hoses. I came across an old GM TSB (43-12-07E) that highlighted a conversion seal for r-12 to r-134a retrofits for the high side fitting. I purchased it at my local napa as part of a retrofit kit that came with all of the o rings, retrofit schrader valve  adapters and oil. I dont have the kit number right now but I will update soon. The kit that I initially saw and convinced me that there must be additional companies that make a conversion kit for r4 to ht6 style compressors  was Vintage Air 33602-VUI. http://www.jegs.com/i/Vintage-Air/960/33602-VUI/10002/-1
I ended up replacing the compressor,  drier, evaporator core, condenser, orifice valve. I did take my original hoses to have the rubber sections replaced and slightly reclock the fitting ends for the low pressure hose to eliminate a kink.
Pressures after install were great, 175 psi, 30 psi with 92 degrees outside temps. I didnt measure vent temp but its dang cold.
I need to troubleshoot my vent issue as while on a/c I only have air flow through the floor. Its probably related to another symptom with my defrost air dlow coming out the front vents. I suspect a crossed vacuum hose at the heater box.