While there are no dues or fees for membership at El Camino
Central, we do rely upon member contributions to keep the site and server running smoothly. As membership grows, so does
site usage. Recently we have seen a huge jump in server load and bandwidth. As a result, at times we notice extremely
slow page loading. Many of you may have also noticed the new member rankings used to recognize supporting members.
Become a supporting member today and get your own cool rank!
Every little bit helps.
Show your support by making a
donation here:
Supporters
page
Necoa #: 2632
Location: 10(IL,MN,WI)
Joined: Mar 14, 2004
Posts: 38
Year: 1978
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 11:21 pm Post subject: A-6 or R-4 A/C compressor
I am restoring my 78 Elky and I have a question on the A/C comperssors.
My 78 came with the A6 compressor but I have purchased a secondary 84 body which came with a R-4 compressor. Does anyone have an opinion on which is better or are they equal. I have heard comments but I don't know what to believe.
Thanks for any opinions
Earl LaMott
Burnsville, MN
Necoa #: 2321
Location: 15(AZ,NM)
Joined: Jan 30, 2004
Posts: 1169
Year: 1974
Model: El Camino
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:11 am Post subject:
Some folks like the A-6 and think it's the best automotive AC compressor ever made.
I've had lots of GM's and an A-6 came with my 74. I went through 3 of them and never got more than a year of use out of them. I've had much better luck with the "pancake" style compressors on my later GM products.
When I switched over to a serpentine belt setup it came with an R-4 and it's been ok so far.
I live in AZ down in the Metro Phx area and we have a dire need for functioning AC for at least 6 months out of the year so I don't call a year or less of service a great track record.
That's just my experience. If you ever do the GM serpentine setup you're going to end up with an R-4 or Sanden compressor anyway and the AC manifold setup will force you to change your lines or at least get them redone to match up the the compressor. That's something to think about if such an upgrade is in your future.
_________________ 74 El Camino Classic - project car #1
96 Camaro - RIP, Traded 10-16-2007
2008 Mustang GT, It ain't a Chevy but at least it's American!
The A6 is a very large and powerful compressor, a design that goes back to the late '50s. It does add a lot of weight and a lot of load to the engine. It is not the best choice for clutch-cycling setups, it was not designed to click on and off every 5 seconds.
The R4 was the compressor GM designed to increase efficiency. They do work, but have problems with case leaks and noisy operation.
The one thing to watch out for is reman compressors. Never buy a reman R4, a brand new one is only a few dollars more. A6s are okay from reputable reman outfits, I've had one from AirPro that's been going 4 years, 50k miles. A good place to buy either is www.ackits.com
'74guy makes a very good point about the accessory setup. You won't be able to get anything for the A6 aside from stock pulleys.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Forum FAQ
Calendar
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Staff Site
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
