A/C upgrade questions

[Mysterytrain]

Hey..looking for some info fast.

I'm looking at purchasing an A/C system or components from an 88 911 for my 78 targa that once had the york factory system.
I'm looking to go from my flare fittings to an o-ring system which the 88 had. I'm assuming the 88 also ran R-12, correct me if I'm wrong. Will the 88 compressor and mount work with my 3.0 liter SC? Are the 88's o-ring hoses considered barrier hoses because I'm not planning on using R-12. Will the 88's evaporator be a drop in replacement into my 78 black plasitic blower box ? Will I need to flush the condensers, evaporator and compressor if I nix the R-12. Sorry for all the questions but I don't want to hang this guy up. Thanks.

[derkpitt]

You WILL have to flush the lines, evap and condensers.

The 88 did come with r12 and the hose were not originally barrier type.

Nothing on that sys will be just a drop in or bolt on.
It will take some work to get the sys running correctly again.
I wouldn't pay a lot for a sys that has been just sitting around for a couple of years.
Just my .02.

[wholberg]

compressor, pump and evaporator are compatible with 134a. You will need a 134a compatible drier, and maybe hoses.

If you charge with 134a, make sure that the system is fully evacuated, you do not want to mix with R-12, and be sure the correct lubricant is used as R-12 compressor lubricant is not compatible with 134a.

If you plan to charge with a propane mixture and not 134a, carry a really big fire extinguisher.

[Mysterytrain]

thank you both for answering..I kinda figured the hoses might be not up to the task..but perhaps I can reuse the fittings and use the hoses to get the proper length barriers made. Looks like the compressor is the original 88 issue so I might be better served with a new Sanden on my old york mount (heavy). I figured replacing the condensers and evaporator from an 88 would a least get me the correct fittings ( the car was a garage queen).

[Hladun]

I built a very functional R134a system for my 78SC. Some things I learned;

1. I'd strongly suggest new hoses. They're very expensive because no other car has 40 feet of them.
2. I picked up a Sanden compressor at the junk yard for $20. It's worked fine for 3 years now. I got the mounts from Parts Heaven.
3. I just use the decklid condenser but I used a pancake fan to get adequate airflow. The real key is whatever condenser arrangement you use, there's got to be airflow or it won't cool!
4. I used a GM low temp (freeze off) cutoff (not the adjustable type) and a high pressure cutoff (300 psi, but 350 psi would be better) on the compressor.
5. Make sure you get the right size double pulley. My engine fan ran too slow and I began to get temp problems. SC's used a big (+100 mm) pulley for the engine fan.
6. Don't run the hoses next to the oil cooler lines. I ran them through the pan under the steering rack and along the left side in the channel where the oil lines go on the right side.

[brcorp]

Buy new hoses.

Don't charge with R-134.

An R134 system can work just fine.