I am wondering what the A/C system is like on a '87 to '92 Camaro? To be more specific, I'm wondering how well it works. I'm aware of the fact that it's a R12 system but I've never been in those years of f-bodies before so I don't know if they work that well or not. Hence why I'm asking on here.

I'm probably going to end up, if I ever find one that is, getting a '87 to '89 type year IROC with the 350 L98 if that makes any difference. That's at least what I'm looking for but who knows, I may end up finding a 305 TPI set up that I like and go with that instead. All in all though, does the A/C set up work pretty good no those years of cars?

TIA!

Ted

PS - Considering I live in Atlanta you can probably understand why I ask a question like this.

 

AC seems to work fine for me on my 91Z... dad has an 88 iroc and his works fine too.. they both are cold going down the road and "pretty cool' at idle but not quite as cold as going down the road. but they will keep you cool.

 

Cool, (no pun intended ) thanks for the info. It makes sense that going down the road would be cooler since that is the case on my '96 T/A also.

With the front of the car not that open and the fans only being able to pull so much air I guess it should be pretty close to my '96 then.

I should be ok if I get a late model third gen. then. How's the fan btw? Does it push a pretty good amount of air? My '96 will push a pretty good amount of air on the high setting but I'm hoping a late year third gen would still push a pretty good amount of air.

Ted

 

I have a 1989 Formula with the 350 TPI setup, and my air conditioning works great. Not super cold but definitely does the job. Some people do have problems with the R12 though...

 

If it's ok to ask, what type of problems are they having with R12? I'm aware that the stuff is pretty spendy to get but beyound that I'm open to hear whatever issues people are having with it.

Ted

 

i think as cars get newer, manufacturs continually put bigger fans in them to get more velocity out of the vents. but my 91 seems fine, it moves good amount of air for the front passengers.

R12 problems are as follows:

(1) obtaining it
(2) acquiring it
(3) finding it

other than that, R12 is a superior coolant (edit: refrigerant is what i meant to say) to R134a. You just need to have a working system and a supply of R12 if you ever have to refill it.

 

Thank you sir for the info. When it comes to R12, I already have a few cans of it at home. My dad bought some a while back and if the system didn't need to be charged that often (which I assume) I'd at least have a few years supply of it. Now to just find a L98 powere 3rd Gen.!

Thanks a bunch for the help you guys! (and gals if it applies)

Ted

 

Although I hardly ever use my AC, I must say that it does get the job done, even when its hot. I tend to use the natural, more efficient air conditioner (T Tops) The refrigerant could use a recharging, and a conversion to R134a, but the fan does seem to be a little sluggish. DOnt get me wrong it works fine but my mom's altima could start a tornado with the fan in that thing. Basically they do work good.

 

I just Did the r134 conversion in my 87. Its had a 350 swap and still had the pancake compressor in it. Bad seals and all i bit the bullet and did the complete system swap and upgrade myself. Comes with the oil just replace the system and replace with good quality r134. Its held up well all summer long in these 95 degree days here in GA. Little tip though. These cars arent insulated well. Upgrade the interior insulation and tint the windows with ceramic tint. Youll thank me later.

 

Don't hold your breath waiting for him to thank you. He hasn't signed into this forum in over TWO DECADES.

 

Hey now, just cause when I saw an email about the AC on a third gen I had to go and read it to remember making the post doesn't mean I won't come back and thank him! ha ha

 

Thanks for the info. I'm just recently worked on a Minivan's AC and got it working good but yeah, got a wife and kid now so it's not sports cars anymore for me for the time being.

Makese sense what you mean about insulation and ceramic tint. I had a 86 Trans Am (AC didn't work on this, hence the question I had asked) and boy, in the summer the heat from the firewall and the floor boards off of the exhaust would make that car HOT after a while of driving. I do miss that car, was fun to drive and slide around. Had a mild cammed 350 with a carb on it so wasn't all that powerful but was fun when I would spray cleaner through the carb and had it running decent.

 

Oh wow, I need to update my sig on here, not even close to correct anymore! ha ha

 

It's pretty cool that you've come back into this thread that you started 22 years ago, Ted!

 

Yeah, it was so long ago I forgot about even posting it and though it was spam at first but then read it and remembered! ha ha I feel old now that I read you talk about it being 22 years ago now, SOB!