I have a rather special 85 IROC that I need to add A/C to. It's a silver with a stock 350 TPI... I've checked the vin and it matches even though it wasn't offered till 87 and silver was only offered in 85. So unfortunatly dumping this car and getting a IROC with A/C isn't an option and I just moved to Phoenix so I have to have A/C to drive it.

I have 2 options that I have found. I called Hawks and can get the stock system for $1200 complete and used. However I found half of the HVAC unit and the dash controls for $150 on E-bay. The half of the HVAC is from the firewall to the engine compartment that houses the condenser. What I don't know and can't seem to find online is if there is a difference between the HVAC system for the other half from the firewall to the interior between the A/C and non A/C models.

The idea for the e-bay option is to get a new A/C compressor and set the system up for R-134 and rob less horsepower from the car. Basically take that HVAC pice with the condensor, bolt it in, change dash controls, wire and plumb the system. Esentially new tech with a stock look... and new parts vs. used. Not looking for the cheep way out just the most bang for the buck considering the stock system is set for freon and the old style compressor would rob more hp. Also I don't know if there is a freon replacement??? or would the system i get from hawks have to be modified for R-134?

Any advice?

 

Everything behind the firewall is different between A/C and non-A/C cars, even the dash plastic.

And you don't have a stock 350 TPI.

 

Thanks, Hawks it is I guess.

Never trusted the mechanic that sold the car to me anyway. Just seems odd, I paid $1500 for it so it wasn't like I was lied to for money. No matter... it was my first car so it's special to me anyway.

 

That the car is silver is somewhat rare--I've never seen another one in person.

JamesC