Completed R4 to Sanden 134a AC Compressor

[big-blue]

Another project that took some time from start to finish was my complete R134a upgrade. We all know that trying to retro-fit 134a in an existing, old and aging R12 system is not that efficient for us folks in the South. My R4 compressor & condenser struggled and it was time to do it properly. So I did a total re-fit of true R134a gear - a modern Sanden 508/SD4H14 compressor and a parallel flow condenser. While I was at it, I had new AC lines made, replaced all the o-rings and a new accumulator/drier.

The R4 pancake compressor to Sanden bracket kit was $83 without the belt, which I am glad I did that - because the belt that was recommended in their instructions was too short anyways.Here is the bracket I got . The belt that worked was Gates P/N: K060988 / 6PK2512.

I got the compressor off of eBay. There was several knock offs in the mid $150 range - but came across this genuine one for under $100. I think the seller was planning an conversion himself for an F body and ultimately decided on other plans. The compressor pulley was a 7 groove, so the belt rides on the back 6 groves leaving the front grove exposed.

Overall I am pleased - and know the family will be happy too when camping season gets going again here shortly ...

 

[nvrenuf]

Dang, another sweet upgrade! That looks really good, like factory. I bet that compressor works dramatically better.

 

[rjfguitar]

What condenser did you use?

 

[big-blue]

What condenser did you use?

I ultimately had to use a universal parallel one, made with GM oem ends. The 'updated' one for my 91 v2500 didn't fill in all the way - it left a good 4-6" gap. We tried one from a 91 k2500 (newer body) and a 87 k2500 with similar results.
Obviously would have defeated the purpose as air would just go around when the fans would kick on.

I don't know at this moment what the make/model of the condenser - but it fits just like the old r12 stock one did. I'll post again with those details.

 

[big-blue]

Dang, another sweet upgrade! That looks really good, like factory. I bet that compressor works dramatically better.

Oh hell yes.

 

[Big Ray]

Nice work!

 

[6872xtc]

That looks great! I want to convert my '90 so I am interested in this. I talked to Classic Auto Air last summer, and their bracket set was $100. I was talking to Ron, who irrc, was at the Florida store. He said that they converted his '90 C1500 as the test for their brackets. The pictures that he sent me look very close to yours.

Pics and info on the condenser will be very appreciated!
Thanks

 

[gonefishin]

Its a great upgrade! I did that about 10 years ago. Compressor was still working great when I wrecked the truck. I didn't know that they made the adapter brackets. I made my own...

 

[Blue85]

What's the displacement of the new compressor and what vehicle is it intended for?

 

[big-blue]

What's the displacement of the new compressor and what vehicle is it intended for?

Displacement is 131.00. Not 100% of the vehicle that this model compressor was destined for. But the SD5H14 and the 6626 and 6628 sub models seem to be the more popular ones for these types of conversions (from what I have seen in my research).

 

[Blue85]

So you've gone from 11 cubic inches to about 8 cubic inches. Is the pulley diameter different?

 

[PWagon]

I'm planning on doing the same conversion. Would you mind telling us where you got your hoses? Were they premade, or did you have to have them made? Either way, I sure would appreciate some information about them.

 

[big-blue]

I'm planning on doing the same conversion. Would you mind telling us where you got your hoses? Were they premade, or did you have to have them made? Either way, I sure would appreciate some information about them.

A local AC shop did them for me. They assisted with the condenser fitment since the one I had ordered didn't fit right, so they did the hoses while they were in there. I think that line item was around $50 for both hoses.

 

[big-blue]

So you've gone from 11 cubic inches to about 8 cubic inches. Is the pulley diameter different?

Good question. Not 100% sure. I know I had to get another belt.
The old R4 compressor is in the back, I will measure it out tonight and confirm the belt change (longer vs smaller).