AC condenser interchangibility question

[goathearder]

So I am hoping to have the AC in my 73 K5 up and running by the summer and all I have left is to get a compressor and a condenser and then run some lines.

In looking at the LMC catalog the 73-74 condensor is over DOUBLE what the 75-80 condenser is. I am wondering if anyone can tell me the differences and if the are interchangible.

For instance, if the main difference is the placement of the outlets or something like that, doesn't make any difference to me since I will be running new hardline anyway however if there is something more critical like the fitament then that is an issue for me.

Also, I have a 91 front end on mine so does that mean I should run a 91 type condenser???

Thanks in advance,
John

 

[jeff in co]

Before going too deep you might check into the availability of r12 refrigerant. For my 89' I just got all new parts and converted to the 134a.....

 

[goathearder]

I definetely want to convert to the 134. I had an older corvette that used r12 and it was not only hard to find but CRAZY expensive.

If I go that route I know I definetely need the new style condenser but do I have to change the evaporator and Accumulator I already have? I don't think I do but just want to be sure.

If I could run a newer, 134 capable condenser I would love to do that, just want to make sure there isn't some specific fitament reason LMC calls out a condenser specifically for the 73-74.

 

[goathearder]

No one knows why the condensers in the 73-74 are unique?

 

[4xcrazy]

Not sure why they'd be different, but i'm pretty sure if you get the condensor from any general parts store, unless you order it special for the R-12, they only are made and sold now designed for the 134 freon. I bought a brand new one several years ago for my Burb that was for 134 freon, installed it, did all the work needed for fill up of the syatem, got about 3 cans in and the compressor blew out.

As long as you get the replacement parts designed for the 134, it'll work like it should. I have ran 134 in a system designed to run r-12 and although it does work, it really only got as cool as it should at constant driving or higway speeds, when i'd start driving in town, stop & go traffic, it would warm up and feel like a swamp/evap type cooler. The r-12 condensor just doesn't have the cooling ability, to cool the freon back down sufficiently. 134 condensors have more tubes/passes of the tubes, smaller and alot more cooling fins to control the freon temp going into it.

This is stuff i have learn through a TON of trial and error, and a BUNCH of research.

 

[fallout232]

If you can find one get a parallel flow condensor, if you have a 91 core support and front end I would find one for a 91. I recently just went through the same thing, I converted to serpentine and the setup uses an R4 Compressor, Not known to be the greatest compressors so I was going to get a Parallel flow condensor since they are around 20-30 percent more efficient. Local parts stores advertised the replacement condensors were Parallel flow, when box came in was a Old style R12 Tube in fin condensor, Found another online but about 40 bucks cheaper shipped to my door that advertised it to was a parallel flow condensor, came in same thing tube in fin old style. I said screw it and installed it as is seeing that I needed a new condensor anyway. Been toying around with the idea of buying some R12 off ebay and going retro as my old vbelt setup which was properly converted to R134a only cooled marginally.

 

[goathearder]

Thanks for the reply's everyone. Sounds like there is nothing structurally or mounting related that would prevent me from using a different condenser so I am just gonna find a nice 134 compatible one that fits a 91 and work from there.