Im restoring my 84z, all the ac unit is good with exception of the compressor, no biggie, auto zone has rebuilts for 150.00 and brand new for 250.00, then convert it to R134a. I like reading alot of the forum's and get some good info and idea's from all of you guys and some good humor as well. What Im fielding to all you guys is how many of you that have a.c. have kept it up and running, along with retaining the horse power you've put into your cars. I dont remember hearing much about a.c. units being kept with all the engine and tranny swaps.

 

I have 1987 Camaro IROC (original owner) and never had a problem with my A/C.

 

you wont notice much hp with the ac gone it shuts off at wot so you still are only turning the pullie, weight well thats not much either so if you like a/c fine if not tear it out

 

Mine works perfect, wouldn't have it any other way. I don't think I'll ever own a car without A/C again as a daily driver.

 

I kept my AC but its off right now. When I built the new engine it was empty so I just took it off. As soon as I get my new tall aluminum valve covers (to clear new roller rockers yet to be installed) Its going back on and getting charged up.

 

I still got A/C... I got a black interior.. it's bloody unbearable without it during summer...

 

i plan on keeping my a/c after i install new new engine.....too hot in alabama in the summer without it.

 

Put a new receiver/dryer on with the new compressor. Get a flush kit to clean out the hoses, condensor and evaporator before putting the new components in the system.

It's also recommended to put in a new expansion tube. I didn't, wonder if effeciency would be better if I had.

FWIW, I ran the car at Bandimere in late April w/o the A/C compressor & lines installed. In late August, I ran it again with the A/C full up and functioning again. It ran .05 faster in August than it did in April - I did't change anything else except poly front bushings and a front end alignment.

 

I have cold A/C in my RS. Haven't charged the A/C in the 'vert, yet. Didn't really see a point.

 

I've gone 3 summers here in Oklahoma without A/C. I'm an idiot. But I bare it cause I know it's only about 1 and a half months of uper 90s and lower 100s then a couple of months of upper 80s low 90s. My hoses leak and my compressors bad.

This may be the year they get fixed. It's not worth the minimal reduction in weight.

 

It must have been the extra cold, dense air leaking out of the interior....

 

When I converted my 84, I did it twice; the first time I half-*** evacuated it and left the original orifice tube, the time after that I replaced the tube and had it evacuated a lot better. The result? 20* difference in the vent temps, and I don't think it all was from the better evacuation.

 

Only way I wouldn't have air is on a race car ONLY. With the ttops and charcoal leather interior, mighty HOT. It does have the r134 in it though.

 

Out here in the desert the a/c is a no go item. If it ain't workin' I ain't goin.

Still have the R12 on both the '92 RS and the '87 Trans Am. Had both recharged and blowing nice and cold.

 

AC drooooooool

Mine didnt work when I got the car so I pulled it...Last two summers have SUCKED...thats why Im getting a v6 4th gen this summer....daily driver with AC

 

My old 82 has working ac. I add around half a pound every few years of R12. I've owned it since 93 and the A/C is one of the few items I haven't had to work on--knock on wood.

 

Maybe not, but if I had to add a half pound to MY a/c every year you can bet I'd be fixing that...