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I have an '83 El Camino SS with an LT1 engine from a '96 Impala SS in it. All of the accessories are stock from the Impala.
I've been running R12 in the car ever since I did the engine conversion way back in '98.
But, now my a/c compressor is leaking at the front seal so considering that and it's age, I am going to replace it.
So, if I should consider changing to R134A, now is the time to make the decision. However, I have a good stash of R12 in the basement (about 60 cans). So, it's no problem for me to stay with the R12 if its the better thing to do.
I don't want to cut my cooling performance by changing to R134A though. What is the experience you guys that have changed over had? Does it cut performance at low speeds or stop & go traffic when it's over 100 degrees in the summer like it gets here in Texas?
I do have an aluminum radiator with a good shroud and dual electric fans. So, I can move a good amount of air thru the condenser. But, the condensers on these cars aren't all that large and I have always read that to get good cooling performance using R134A you need to have a large and efficient condenser. Mine is the stock one. But, it does have the barrier type hoses on it.
Another issue is that my new compressor will come with the R134A type oil and if I use R12, I will have to flush it out and replace it with the R12 type. Of course if I convert to R134A, I'll have to change my dryer and flush the evaporator and condenser. But, it already does have the barrier type hoses on it.
Advice will be appreciated.
I've been running R12 in the car ever since I did the engine conversion way back in '98.
But, now my a/c compressor is leaking at the front seal so considering that and it's age, I am going to replace it.
So, if I should consider changing to R134A, now is the time to make the decision. However, I have a good stash of R12 in the basement (about 60 cans). So, it's no problem for me to stay with the R12 if its the better thing to do.
I don't want to cut my cooling performance by changing to R134A though. What is the experience you guys that have changed over had? Does it cut performance at low speeds or stop & go traffic when it's over 100 degrees in the summer like it gets here in Texas?
I do have an aluminum radiator with a good shroud and dual electric fans. So, I can move a good amount of air thru the condenser. But, the condensers on these cars aren't all that large and I have always read that to get good cooling performance using R134A you need to have a large and efficient condenser. Mine is the stock one. But, it does have the barrier type hoses on it.
Another issue is that my new compressor will come with the R134A type oil and if I use R12, I will have to flush it out and replace it with the R12 type. Of course if I convert to R134A, I'll have to change my dryer and flush the evaporator and condenser. But, it already does have the barrier type hoses on it.
Advice will be appreciated.