I bought Jennifer, my 1985 Firebird as a front end, passenger side wreck, barely running.
Jennifer is the BABE that sold it to me, 1999.
AC was a factory installed option, yet, I never had it operate until today.
In under 10 minutes the system was operating, flawlessly.
Chilly cold air and no frozen compressor.
During my 3.4 swap I never opened any factory sealed connection, I only moved stuff aside.
My 85 Blazer has AC also plus the Carb'd 2.8, so I hear ya on how a 2.8 & AC running, sucks what power you had as you accelerate away from a light.
What I can tell you about the Firebird, 3.4 power plant and operating AC in Southern California traffic is that........
I have no lack of power.
The car was still powerful and quick, even with the AC at full blast, up steep hills and passing cars.
I was extremly impressed. My Firebird really reminded me of my families old 1970 Caddy, 472 cid engine & what, over two tons of metal?
I had some fears of the old 2.8 underpowered Blazer AC operating robbing power.
Not any more.
I had the car overheat by the time I made it home (I drove over 4 hours with no problems).
Immediatly, I turned on the heater & full hot temp, boiling stopped, cooled down the car.
I let it idle with heater on to release more steam pressure.
Shut down car.
Then a made mixture of 60/40 stuff, poured it in, went for a quick ride. NO problems.
I assume when I did my radiator refill, I had "too much water" and the boiling point was too low.
Tommorrow AM, I go for one last test ride, before I pass the car to my Wife & 21 Month old for their daily reliable usage.
I test the cooling system in "Sun Valley" California. Should be about 90* or so....

 

get some water wetter, I hear it really works.

 

I HAVE HEARD
Never known anyone using Water Wetter (Like it adds 17 HP because of Water Wetter decal I SWEAR IT!).
I hear.....
I drove the car this AM in 80*/85MPH 5 freeway, the streets of Sun Valley and back home streets local.
Not a bubble to be seen, not a drop lower, so far.
Slight warming of the AC temp, so I'll some R-12 added.

ANYONE IN SoCAL,
Need R-12 recharged?
I'll offer ya this guys number in Santa Monica, CA.
Your recharge price may be quite lower than you think!

 

Use swimming pool water. I don't exactly know why this works better, its something to do with the chemicals in swimming pools. This is an old school trick that racers have used for probably 40+ years and it helps lower operating temps. Don't use all pool water, you just replace the ratio of water in the coolant mix with the pool water.

Example- 60% coolant, 40% distilled water
. now
. 60% coolant, 40% pool water

Ked, if you ever need a built tranny, look up Jimmy at Darrell Youngs Racing Trans. on Tuxford in Sun Valley. He does all my Trans work and converters.

I'm having the my a/c upgraded to an r-134 system today as we speak. the old r-12 compressor just took a dive and as we all know- " WHEN THE WIFE'S UNHAPPY, THEN EVERYBODY'S UNHAPPY!"

 

AutoZone also sells a conversion kit for about $40. It included everything to convert over to R-134A (one may need to buy another can or two as the kit only supplies 2 12oz cans of refrigerant. The swap was simple... drain out the R-12 refrigerant oil, fill new R-134 oil through low pressure fitting (adapters are supplied in the kit), add refrigerant, turn on and feel your nipples get hard

 

How about just swapping the AC compressor?
Want to go to East LA for a deal?
Salgados
800-959-3795
Ready for this
Smog pumps for my 1985 S-10 Blazer no longer available from Pep Boys!
Then give me a ring for the R-12, cheaper!
R-134 Covnersion costs more then this idea!
I'm done with trannys for the moment, thanks tho.
I do know that name. BIG TIME!

 

Pep Boys sucks, I'd rather go to Kragen. When I needed the tensioner, the guy at Pep Boys said it was a dealer item. 20 minutes later, we go to Kragen, and whaddya know? Brand new tensioner in stock, for $41. I really suggest goin to Kragen for your parts.

Oh and how much did your R 12 refill cost you Karl? Under $100????

 

I safely assume your price will be very close to that number.
I actually have to go to Salgados this weekend.
AC compressor failed-seized-getting system evac'd first.
Smog pump, need a rebuilt from them.
Thank G0d for East LA & those shops....
Give me a shout email & I'll pass ya the guys number.
Lincoln Blvd/Ocean Park
In Santa Monica

 

Thanks anyway Ked but I bit the bullit. With r-12 getting more scarce- $60 per Lb, I figure it will only get worse over the next 10 years. Thats why I opted for the R-134 now while the compressor went bad. You may think I'm crazy for it now, but I think it will pay for itself with cheaper recharges over the years.

Plus the wife thinks in her head that this is the new state of the art high tech sh*t in her older semi-classic camaro. SHHHHHHHHH!
I don't like new car payments!

 

I don't mind new car payments
it's the INSURANCE ON A NEW CAR LOAN
REGISTRATION FOR A NEW CAR EACH YEAR

R-12
Here's how I look at it.
It's still being made & will be.
It has not been proven R12 does damage.
Was banned under wrong information (make us look good plan)
DuPont Del. makes tankfuls of the stuff, imported to other places.

NOW
I agree on the R134 idea
But cost of converting/fixing etc
when I can get a very resaonable cost R-12 charge, & leave the system alone.... I am ahead.
By the time the car eventually dies, G0d only knows what will be offered for transportation.

I'll find out how much I get a compressor for, cause I want one. I love operating AC.

Be happy to pass ya the phone number for the asking.