AC question - It's getting around that time.

[JeremyD]

Tcar - advertised as double the size - and more effective as it's a serpentile design, that's why it's on the list.

I put the evaporator on because it's currently on sale $269 vs $4XX. and because I know the evaporator is less than ideal design - (and it would be much easier to get to when I replace the hoses)

[Barrpete]

Originally Posted by tcar

How does the procooler function as a condenser? Not questioning, just don't understand how it does.

The procooler is simply a heat exchanger that uses the cooled refrigerant gas coming from the evaporator to help chill (condense) the liquid coming from the compressor. The only difference between that and a condenser is that the condenser uses outside air.

[tcar]

OK, I just don't see how you're losing additional BTU's by doing this, just losing them in a differnt place... have to think about it; more efficient, maybe...

[Mysterytrain]

I'm in the 'replace the old technology' group. I like the idea of a more efficent evaporator, barrier hoses, procooler, variable speed fan and the new improved front condenser. After looking at the skid marks on the protector bar I really think that the new condenser needs a new design that hangs lower. You need something robust enough to lift the front end when it bottoms out or you are going to be going thru lots of condensers.

[Barrpete]

tcar,

Sorry that my explanation isn't very elegant. You are right that you aren't losing Btu's from the system, just transferring them from one 'side' to the other. It does increase the efficiency. Rennaire's website used to have a page with a very detailed explanation of how it worked, but the link appears to be broken now.

[tcar]

Your explanation was fine, I just couldn't find anything about it on their site, either. I definitely agree that more condenser is better.

I always question because my stock 1979SC R12 system works great - can't run it on high for too long - gets too cold, even when it's over 100F. I do have to have it topped up every 2-3 years, tho.

[dmwallace]

Jeremy,

I'm late responding to this post; here is a list of the upgrades I did and what I would do additionally with 20/20 hindsight.

What I did:
- Kuehl evaporator
- new blower motor (while replacing evaporator)
- Pro-Cooler
- Sanden compressor with R-134a
- Kuehl center vent and variable fan control (I think the control is a very nice add-on)

These upgrades made a noticeable improvement to the A/C but the system still could not keep up with the mid to upper 90s we had here in NC this summer.

What I would add to the list for further improvements:
- new serpentine front condenser (from Rennaire or Kuehl)
- new serpentine rear condenser (the Kuehl seemed better from my reading)
- barrier hoses since now have 134a (although a recharge for this summer after upgrades in 9/06was only ~$50 so the payback for doing barrier hoses would be 5 years or more)

Hope this helps and good luck with your project.

Regards,
David

[DB_NC_95C2]

The only component I haven't updated is the front condensor. I have Rennaire barrier hoses, rotary compressor, Rennaire procooler and evaporator and running R134A. My A/C blows cold and car is comfortable after 10 minutes (although I keep a cover on it when at work or parked for longer than a couple hours). At some point I will replace the front condensor but it's not a high priority. In this climate I have to have A/C if I'm going to drive the car in the summer.

I also replaced the trombone oil cooler with a Carrera oil cooler and fan, and also switched to Mobil One. Car had 67k when I switched and I've barely seen a drop. I don't know if the few drops I've seen are related to Mobil One or not but I'm not seeing enough to be concerned compared to the benefits of synthetic when car is hot.

[deshetlr]

So as far as kits go what is the consensus, RennAire, Griffith, RetroAire as far as quality, price, etc/