What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

A/C Upgrade or replace?

1996-2000 GMT400 trucks equipped with the "Vortec" SBCs used the Harrison HT6 compressor. The compressor is located on the driver side (same side as my 1985 factory R4 compressor). If you utilize the Vortec setup make sure to get an "upgraded design" HT6 compressor. The original design has problems leaking between the front and rear halves. There's also a Sanden compressor that is a drop in replacement for the HT6, I believe it is well regarded. The other reason I like the Vortec setup is alternator selection. The newer "AD" alternators (the AD230 and AD244) used on LS engines bolt on to the bracket with no modification. The factory CS130D isn't too bad either.
 
After swapping to serpentine, I much prefer having the compressor on the passenger side. Every other part of the AC is on PS, so it's really dumb having the lines to the compressor cross over the engine.

When I first did it I kept the original hoses on it for a while, but this took careful bending and looked dumb. Later I found the hoses for a TBI truck, so it looks factory.
 
Might not be a relevant comment but trying to help.
I had a 1987 454 Suburban. It had a weird part serpentine/part v belt accessory drive.
Iirc V belt drove the PS pump, water pump/fan, conventional rotation.
Serpentine drive was on AC, alternator and smog pump.
I bought a 454 motor from a 1989 suburban, also a square body, and it had a full serpentine setup, but water pump was reverse rotation, which meant fan blades were reversed.
 
KeyBlazer, that setup is similar to the setup I have now. My alt is run off of a serp belt and the a/c, ps are on v belt. I’ll be running to the pick a part this weekend to see what I can grab.
 
Last edited:
I’m assuming that I’ll have to ditch the smog pump that is currently on the blazer, correct?
 
Just a general AC question, hope you don't mind me semi-hijacking. How does everyone's AC work in SUPER hot conditions, say 105 and up? I have an all new system with a Sanden compressor in my 89 and it doesn't keep the truck too cool, but that is a HUGE cab area for one little compressor to keep cool.
 
Clark75K5 said:
Just a general AC question, hope you don't mind me semi-hijacking. How does everyone's AC work in SUPER hot conditions, say 105 and up? I have an all new system with a Sanden compressor in my 89 and it doesn't keep the truck too cool, but that is a HUGE cab area for one little compressor to keep cool.
Click to expand...
My suburban, huge cabin, the original a6 compressor would have icicles hanging from your nose, in the Az desert in July. 2 evaps, front and rear.
I changed to a redesigned A6 from 4 seasons. It works good if you keep the rpm up closer to 2k. On the highway no problem, around town not so good.
I am pretty sure this compressor is smaller than the original. Some where around 10cu in where the original was over 12cu inch.
The sanden 508 and 507(old numbers) are smaller yet.
Try dropping down a gear and see if there is an improvement.
Also if you have hi humidity that will suck the efficiency right out.
Insulate the evaporator tubes in and out. Make sure your heat blend door is fully closed, and the outside air door has a good seal
 
I’ve seen some orifice tubes that are made for higher temps. Not sure how well they work.
 
For r134a run the blue Ford orifice tube, it seems to match the R134a pressures better.
 
Clark75K5 said:
Just a general AC question, hope you don't mind me semi-hijacking. How does everyone's AC work in SUPER hot conditions, say 105 and up? I have an all new system with a Sanden compressor in my 89 and it doesn't keep the truck too cool, but that is a HUGE cab area for one little compressor to keep cool.
Click to expand...
My 79 K5 does just fine, except on really hot sunny days.
I need better window tinting. Its a stock a/c system.
 
Chickntrk said:
Are you guys that are swapping from v belts to serpentine setups using the fan that goes with the serpentine setup? Does a vortec fan fit a v belt shroud?
Click to expand...

You can't use the original fan, wrong pitch. You have to swap the water pump and the fan.

Martin
 
Clark75K5 said:
Just a general AC question, hope you don't mind me semi-hijacking. How does everyone's AC work in SUPER hot conditions, say 105 and up? I have an all new system with a Sanden compressor in my 89 and it doesn't keep the truck too cool, but that is a HUGE cab area for one little compressor to keep cool.
Click to expand...

Check this out.

The coolest thing I saw on Facebook today.

Don’t know the guy at all, but thought this was a very cool idea. Martin
ck5.com ck5.com

Martin
 
Chickntrk said:
Are you guys that are swapping from v belts to serpentine setups using the fan that goes with the serpentine setup? Does a vortec fan fit a v belt shroud?
Click to expand...
The Vortec fan fits my shroud really well. Unfortunately you have to use the Vortec water pump because the fan/water pump pulley doesn't fit a regular serpentine water pump. The Vortec fan clutch threads on to the water pump like on the GMT800 trucks.
 
arcansawdave said:
The Vortec fan fits my shroud really well. Unfortunately you have to use the Vortec water pump because the fan/water pump pulley doesn't fit a regular serpentine water pump. The Vortec fan clutch threads on to the water pump like on the GMT800 trucks.
Click to expand...
I avoided that by just using the Vortec fan on a TBI clutch. Have upgraded a couple of TBI trucks that way.

And I installed a Sanden style A/C compressor on my '90 close to 4 years ago using a dirty dingo kit. I made sure to get the 7 piston version for more cfm to get closer to what the R4 does. It did take custom hoses to do the swap, but so far it has outlived any R4 that I have had. I put a couple of Delco ones on in the past on 2 different trucks, and they wouldn't hold a charge after a couple of years.
16573863857145736673211700727302.jpg
 
I have had good results from the blue one, and had found several posts about what can happen with the variable one which led me to avoid it. So I have no experience with the variable orifice tube.
 
Update: So I couldn't find the accessory drive brackets that I wanted. I ended up just getting a replacement compressor, accumulator, and blue orifice tube. I had read that the variable ones have had issues, so I went with a fixed unit. Hopefully it all works soon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom