Seiko compressor sources?

[sammygon1]

I thought I would go parts yard shopping for an A/C compressor and was wondering if anyone knows which cars used the Seiko. I'm trying to avoid the dreaded Porsche price markup.

I searched and found a post that said Saab 9000's used them but I thought there might be other model cars out there as well.

I'm assembling an A/C system from scratch so I can use any type of fittings necessary since I'll be using new hoses.

I'd appreciate any tips. Thanks, Sam

[cmonref]

Mostly Saabs plus a few BMW's. I could not fina any car that used the PSV-170 that Performance Aire sells with their kits. Seiko was bought out by Calsonic many years ago and I could not find any support information in the Calsonic web sites or by telephone to their technical people.

Good luck

[fintstone]

Try these:

http://www.autoaircompressors.com/seikoseikicomp.htm
http://www.aircoparts.com/DEALS.htm

[scottb]

What are you going to do for a mounting bracket once you find the right compressor?

[sammygon1]

Thanks, for the tips Stoney, but I am on a tight budget and am trying to find a used one on the cheap. Did you move?

ScottB, I was under the impression that the Seiko could be used with the Sanden mount. I figured I could find one on E-bay.

The funny thing is, today I stopped by a Saab repair shop to ask about used compressors or get a lead on a good Saab parts yard and the mechanic there told me the Seiko's were the worst a/c compressors found in Saabs. He recommended the Sanden over the Seiko. He said he replaces Seikos with Sandens all the time.
Anyone have any thoughts on which is the better compressor?

Thanks, Sam

[steven polaski]

Try a discount auto store,on line they sell rebuilts that are very reasonable I paid $200 with clutch for a rebuilt.

[scottb]

Originally posted by sammygon1
ScottB, I was under the impression that the Seiko could be used with the Sanden mount. I figured I could find one on E-bay.

Didn't know this. Thanks.

[bigchillcar]

i just know the sanden seems to be what everyone wants..no problems with mine. the original york piston compressor on mine was replaced with the sanden rotary.
ryan

[scottb]

Ryan: Check Sanden's website. Their compressors are not rotary...they're piston. The only rotary compressor is the Seiko.

[cmonref]

Sandens and Seikos come in multiple sizes -- one mount does not fit all. The Sanden website shows dimensions which you can use to check a specific mount for a specific compressor. As I recall, the Sanden xxx508 matches the Seiko 170-PSV (both large as compressors go), but other Sandens are shorter. Come to think of it, methinks that the short ones will fit on the larger mounts.

There is LOTS of info on the web about Sandens. You might try www.ackits.com, who offer new Seltecs and Uniclas for pretty good prices. ACKITS also runs a great DIY forum.

[bigchillcar]

scott,
wow! i've been spreading false info for several years..thought sanden's were rotary..thanks for the heads up.
ryan

[sammygon1]

Ok, so I think I'm going to go with the Sanden instead of the Seiko.

Does anyone know what cars they originally came on?

Remember I'm trying to source a used compressor from a salvage yard. I'm on a tight budget (read: grad school student budget).

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Sam

[COLDBASS]

I think that they also warranty their rebuilds...

http://www.compressor-intl.com/aboutus/index.htm

[scottb]

Originally posted by COLDBASS
I think that they also warranty their rebuilds...

http://www.compressor-intl.com/aboutus/index.htm

I got my rebuilt Nippondenso from Compressor International. I've been very happy with it, and they were reasonably priced. And, for me, they were local so I didn't pay shipping charges. Very friendly people, too.

[rfuerst911sc]

Post a "want to buy " add in the classifieds section of this forum there has to be someone with a Sanden # 507 or 508 to sell.I have the 507 and it works great and is small in package size. It is a 5 piston wobble plate compressor I believe.Good luck.

[fintstone]

Hi Sam
Yes, I moved to Vegas in Feb. An important project here at Nellis that needed my help...also a small promotion. My family is still in Abq for now. My wife is looking for a job here too (from Abq).
The Sanden is a good choice for price, availability, and reliability. It is not quite a trick a solution as the rotary, but the wobble plate design is the next best thing...smoother with less engine loading than a standard piston design.

[Early_S_Man]

Try late model Nissans or Hondas made in the USA at a boneyard ... my wife's '94 Nissan has a Calsonic compressor.

[RickM]

Anyone ever utilize an AC Delco or other common and (I'm guessing) less expensive alternative?