I will be performing an engine swap on my 1983 Camaro Z28 H.O. with a 350 Vortec from a 96 chevy silverado. The engine will come with the original compressor, and I was wondering if I could have AC lines fabricated and hook them up to the original AC components, or would I need a new condenser and accumulator and whatnot.

 

The compressor is just a pump... it's pretty dumb really... doesn't have the ability to look out there and see any of that other stuff. It won't care.

The oil in it however, is a different matter. That ALL needs to come out of the old system.

In addition to the lines, which should of course have all-new hose when done, replace the accumulator and the orifice tube. Use the Frod red/orange one, ask for a 96 Crown Vic, that should get the one in question. You can re-use your existing condenser and evaporator; flush tehm CLEAN with some sort of NON-RESIDUE solvent such as lacquer thinner, MEK, denatured alcohol, or {gasp} A/C flush. NOT brake cleaner, engine degreaser, mineral spirits, kerosene, etc. Pour a couple of ounces into one end of each part, put a clean white rag (painter's rag is perfect) over the other end, and blow it through with compressed air. Repeat with a new rag each time until no dirt appears on the rag.

Dump all the old oil out of the compressor. Pour about 3 oz of the medium weight PAG oil (75 - 100, exact # not critical, just, not the thin 40 - 50 or the thick 150 or whatever) into its suction port (the port the larger line goes to) and about 3 oz into the accum before you put them on the car.

Refill w/ 134A.

 

Sofa said it right. You'll need to do a full conversion meaning all of the old refrigerant has to come out.

I'm personally using a blue ford oriface tube. The red/orange one will work better in town than the blue one but not quite as well on the highway. Since there isn't a great fit for the R134, how do you drive your car the most?

 

In town