Classic Retrofit Gen1 blower vs Gen2 blower comparison

[Nditiz1]

So I just got finished with the installation of the Gen 2 blower.

Now this swap out is pretty straightforward as you already have the Gen1 installed. It's a matter of removing the refrigerant, unhooking all the air tubes, unhooking the lines from the expansion block, removing the fresh air screen and 2 mounting screws and it's out.

All of the air flow holes are the same. I believe CR used the same end pieces, but mirrored the passenger side to the driver. The expansion is now on the passenger side almost flush with the end plate of the unit.

Nerd Data:
The Gen2 unit is now 3/4" larger in length from end plate to end plate. The fresh scoop is the same size.
The Gen2 drain holes are 3 1/4" closer together than the Gen1. They are also better secured and have swivel elbows. These did not seem to be any issue and in fact an improvement.
Blower output is 32% better, seen at running a single out test as well as at the center vent. Tested with an anemometer.
Fan setting 3 on gen1 is equivalent to setting 2 on gen2

The kit I got came with an additional T fitting, additional center vent block off, additional pad fitting high and low, extra line high and low, an additional drain tube line and extra hose clamps.

I have decided to route my high and low lines behind the unit coming up from the hole below the unit. My existing lines were coming up through this when the expansion block was on the driver side. So it was just a matter of removing the lines from the hi/low ports and attaching longer lines to bring them over to the passenger side. This newer version moved the air redirection line holder closer to the driver side as it was stretched/pulled taught in order to reach the Gen1 location. While this was a good idea the unit is now also wider which in turn moves the lever further away. So the pull is about the same. I needed to clip the line further down the insulation in order to reach the lever which now sits further away.

The real test will be when summer comes. If I get a hot day between now and then I will definitely test. As it stands I am able to feel the air more on my face than with the Gen1. Again I have one side of the box blocked off since I do not have an additional vents with my car being a 77. I could possibly switch out my center vent adjuster for a later style in order to direct the air on my face as the 77 ones, while good, are limited in how much they can direct. Removing the clock will be a last resort as well as tinting the windows. As some of you recall the temp out of the vents was never the issue. It was the amount of air pushing out to cool the car down in heat soak situations. The end goal is to be able to turn the AC down in 95+ weather because I'm getting cold. With the Gen1 I have never been less than setting fan mode 3 in hot weather. This new version shows a lot of promise.

Data from CR:

1. The internal blower fan is now rated 502 CFM, up from 292 CFM (measured at a static pressure of 10mm H20)
2. The evaporator is latest tech 38mm core offering less air restriction for the same cooling capacity.
3. The expansion block (TXV) has been moved to vehicle RHS, making installation easier on LHD vehicles with brake boosters.
4. The drain tubes have been made more robust.
5. The lever on the front has been moved across as some early LHD vehicles have short cables which were struggling to reach.
6. A cap has been added to the top of the unit to allow easier access to the evaporator for cleaning/replacement.