Sanden Vs. Nippondenso-

mtbguy · 12-15-2007, 12:18 PM

Hello everyone-

I'm currently in the process of evaluating what I need to do to my A/C system this winter, and I think I have read most of the A/c threads/posts I could find on the subject. I want to do it now rather than when its 90 degrees out next Summer.

I'm going to replace the entire system to update everything with the Rennaire system 2 on my 87 Carrera. (Probably not going to do the Desert duty condenser because of ground clearance issues). I think I will stick with R12 if I get it all sealed up well with new components all around.

It seems like a majority of people favor the Sanden 507 compressor over the Nippondenso (which I have now - is starting to leak and get noisy).

I also did a Wiki search and read some of what I could find on Swash plate VS. Wobble plate designs, but not sure I really saw much of a difference (I'm somewhat mechanically inclined but certainly not an engineer). Is one design much better than the other- smoother, quieter, less drag on engine?

Is the Sanden more popular because it
1) costs less
2) is more durable
3) other reasons?

I don't want to put something in that I will regret later- I want performance, relative quiet, smoothness and longevity.

Whats the consensus on this? Thanks in advance for any info/opinions!

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

When I refreshed my system with new barrier hoses and a compressor from Rennaire, he told me the only difference is the Sanden is lighter and cheaper. The Nippondenso looks and is stock. I like the stock look so went with the latter.

mtbguy · 12-15-2007, 01:17 PM

Thanks- I don't mind what it looks like, I just want it to perform well, and especially would like it to last awhile before replacing it- I'm on my second Denso, which is okay for a 20 yr old car, I just don't want to be replacing compressors every few years.

Keep em coming!

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Either one will do fine. The Sanden is cheaper and lighter. Get the AL bracket.

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

Rick,

Sorry for jumping in on your thread, but in the same vane I'm looking for a new Nippondenso foil I.D. sticker that goes on the pulley of the compressor. I've e-mailed around to dealers and customer service without any success.

Thanks,

mtbguy · 12-17-2007, 11:58 AM

Thanks-I was wondering about the weight of the bracket- glad someone thought of that already!

mtbguy · 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

Either one will do fine. The Sanden is cheaper and lighter. Get the AL bracket.

Por_sha911- a question for you- I just talked to the people at Rennaire and they were pretty helpful. I have also considered doing what you did- flush everything out/vacuum, then just replace the compressor and new barrier hoses, instead of the whole system.

What do you think the difference in vent temp is between doing what you did and replacing the whole system with the System 2?

Incidentally, they said the Desert duty condenser comes with spacers now and fits entirely inside the rock guard. They said they have never had a complaint/return due to underbody damage on the Desert duty condenser.

Thanks!

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

I have respect for the knowledgeable info I got from Rennaire. Having said that, I am not a big fan of underbody units. It will only work when moving and I have plenty of cooling when moving. If you want to go to the max, I suggest you go with the third condensor in the rear wheel well. Also put a ProCooler on your system. It really helps.