Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 39
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From: Houston
Car: C-20
Engine: 260 boat anchor Mexican 350 (crate) TPI (MAF)
Transmission: THM-400 I turn 3500 (which is where my pos engine's power starts droping off) at 80 I need a 4L80-E
Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
Has anyone done this or even thought of this other than me.
If I am not the first I would like to see pic's and details on the modification.
I am most interested in how to make the bracket to mount the compressor without tearing up belts or interfering with the valvetrain.
If I am not the first I would like to see pic's and details on the modification.
I am most interested in how to make the bracket to mount the compressor without tearing up belts or interfering with the valvetrain.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: NW Louisiana
Car: 2008 C6 / 1982 Trans Am
Engine: LS3 / Hybrid LS1-406 SBC
Transmission: 6L80 / 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 2.56:1 / 3.23:1 4th gen Posi
Re: Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
I found a youtube video where a guy adapted a Harrison V5 compressor to an old Nova. He had a 305 in it with the f-body serpentine brackets. I messaged him about how he did this and he said he just looked for a V5 compressor that the mounting ears were close to the R4 mounting holes and made his own brackets to fit. The variable displacement segment of the compressor is all built in. So if you can get it mounted and the pulley lined up and get +12v to the clutch, you're good to go. I will be doing this to my 'bird this summer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5hkk...el_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5hkk...el_video_title
Last edited by sjgrimsley; Apr 12, 2011 at 10:55 PM. Reason: Forgot link
Re: Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
Hello my Friend, I've just installed an OLD V5 compressor from a '93 cavalier to my '92 suburban, and Works great! Even with the r12 control valve, measure 42 - 43 °F at the vents 90-95° outside temp, pretty much difference tan R4 Noisy machine. I will post later some pics to show you can adapt the V5 compressor, probably the 70% less drag on idle and you just put a little gas when light turns on Green and you can feel immediatly the confort. 2-4 minutes to cool down whole inside suburban cabin. (Dual evaporators)
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,178
Likes: 48
From: Tracy, CA
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
If you're going to a V5 compressor, I'd recommend getting a NEW unit. It might be wise to go with a new unit regardless of compressor type. I've gone through three V5 rebuilds (DIY store brands and NAPA) that didn't last more than two years before getting noisy.
Noise = black death soon follows
Noise = black death soon follows
Last edited by paulo57509; Nov 15, 2014 at 01:50 PM.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,450
Likes: 509
From: Hurst, Texas
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
Hello my Friend, I've just installed an OLD V5 compressor from a '93 cavalier to my '92 suburban, and Works great! Even with the r12 control valve, measure 42 - 43 °F at the vents 90-95° outside temp, pretty much difference tan R4 Noisy machine. I will post later some pics to show you can adapt the V5 compressor, probably the 70% less drag on idle and you just put a little gas when light turns on Green and you can feel immediatly the confort. 2-4 minutes to cool down whole inside suburban cabin. (Dual evaporators)
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,796
Likes: 16
From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
Re: Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
V5 does not have enough displacement to run Dual Evaporators for long term without cooking itself to death. I would recomeend a Vortec serpentine setup and aftermarket Valeo/Sanyo/Sanden style Vortec HT6 replacement. Have one on my Express van and it will FREEZE you out of the van on a 105*F day. I am also using a Duramax mechanical fan and a heavy duty fan clutch.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,450
Likes: 509
From: Hurst, Texas
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,450
Likes: 509
From: Hurst, Texas
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,796
Likes: 16
From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
Re: Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
I'm running a carb, CC Qjet, so I have some room in the front that TPI doesn't (for ducting), but the hood clearnace is still an issue. How much taller than our stock set up is it?
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,450
Likes: 509
From: Hurst, Texas
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
The compressor and alternator mount over the valve cover. Overall height including the a/c manifold hose is proably 7" over the valve cover. I could get a measurement from my brothers Tahoe if you want.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,796
Likes: 16
From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
Re: Replacing R4 with v5 or v7 compressor
If you want, but that doesn't even sound like it will pass an eyeball test for fitment. I'm going to measure how tall mine is over the valve cover tonight when I get home from work. Of course having it "fit" is different than getting it installed and "fitted". Lots of hose massaging to get it to work.
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