What are the difference between the AC for 86 to 88-92?

I have an 86 Camaro. 350 sbc carbureted. Im replacing all the AC. Car was an AC car but stripped. I see that the 86 was driver side compressor and the 88-92 are passenger side. Is there any reason I can't switch? I I missing something? I'm going to use a set up from original air.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the location was for no other reason than the switch to the serpentine belt set up, but I'm not 100% certain on that. That being said, if you're going with an aftermarket system, it should work with any car, right? Early or late, AC or not....the kit should have everything needed, right?

 

It's my understanding the kit comes complete. I need to decide on belt type.

 

Up to 87 uses a V-belt. 88-92 uses a ribbed serpentine belt. So assuming you haven't updated your accessory drives to serpentine, like some people do, then your 86 needs a V-belt.

 

They have kits made to the year of your cars design. IF you are not updating to a serpentine style (later years) and staying with the 86 style setup, order one for the 86 setup. Hoses are different. Brackets (and spacers to make the newer sanden style compressors work) are different. The belts are different. Same with an 87 setup. ONLY get the one you are actually running, or are going to run when this is installed, to get everything in the kit you will need. They make them for the different years, so no need to switch things around or modify, they will have done all the leg work for you. I have an 86 Iroc, but when I put the new engine in, I used a serpentine setup like on an 89, so I ordered an A/C kit for an 89. The brackets, spacers, hoses (everything was made plug and play for the setup I had).

 

A/C is one option I do not want in an older car. Too costly to repair & find parts. My '84 T/A does not have A/C. My '72 Buick GS did not have A/C. Pull the t-tops or crank down the windows & go..

 

If you lived somewhere in the southwest U.S., you probably would not be saying that.

 

Good call Mikos, I live in the northeastern U.S. and we have August days when the A/C is absolutely essential.......

 

It should have the same setup that my 87 did......... those horrible V belts that take forever to adjust..........


Do a serpentine belt swap..........you'll need to replace a bunch of other parts too.....but its TOTALLY worth it and can be done in less than a day depending on your abilities...


......you'll never go back to the Vbelt again!!!!!