Every A/C compressor I see is the Sanden type. My 93 350 has this type: Why do most people use the sanden type? Can I use the bottom comp with an aftermarket A/C unit? If not, can I get a sanden with a serpentine belt pulley? I'm just looking for ideas and answers. Thanks
that's what comes with most vintage kits these days. must be cheaper. also bracketry may be easier to fab.
lowmaster used to be an alliance member,that's where i got all my stuff here is his catalog http://www.freewebs.com/luckysrodandkustom/
Compressors are pretty much interchangeable, as long as there are hoses available to fit the other components.
The Sanden 508s are small and reliable. The R4 pancake compressor on your 93 is very common on GM vehicles. They fail often and are known for their "black death" feature. They leave pieces of their internals throughout the system. The Sanden one is available with a serpentine clutch. The mid 80s Jeep Cherokees use them.
sanden unit is the best for a hot rod. it works great pulls very little hp. alan groove has the brackets and it comes in v belt are serpentine. stay with sanden not the knock offs. ask me how i know. old air hs a bracket to use the sanden along with your bracket.
Sanden scroll compressors, http://www.sanden.com/index.php?id=LZYYCH9G2 Sanden piston compressors, http://www.sanden.com/index.php?id=U5H0AMX7Q
I have the modern compressor on the serp belt set up on my new engine that I am about to drop into my 66 chevelle.... Both CLASSIC and VINTAGE air companies said it would work just fine and they will sell an entire kit MINUS the compressor and sell and adaptor to make it work!
I kept my Ford compressor when I put the classic auto air system in my truck. My 302 is from an 89 Mustang so I wanted the keep the compressor that worked with my serpentine set up. When I ordered my A/C sysetem I told them what I wanted to do, and they sent the lines without the compressor fittings crimped. Then once I had everything installed, I just went to a A/C shop and had them trim the lines and crip the fittings on the for the compressor.
Ask anyone that works on cars that are not hot rods and they will have their own horror stories about those pancake compressors. Yes, They will work with just about any system but be sure you use a brand new one and not a rebuilt. Also the key to having one last is to make sure the viscosity, amount, and type of oil is correct for your compressor. In my opinion the 508 compressor outperforms the R4, and we do have mount kits to adapt them to stock GM Serp Brackets.
I found this: http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air-conditioning/gm-r-4-to-sanden-conversion-bracket-355.php but, I can't read the damn thing. It's too small. I didn't see anything on the alan grove or oldair sites.
Don't know about the million or so other guys, but I used the Sanden for its compact size, easy to fabricate mounts for, wide range of pulleys and reputation for long life. Bill
i run an a/c because i can't afford a traditional divorce,,and i'll listen to her ...she has the purse strings!!!
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