A/C questions

What have folks been doing for a/c systems ? I have a new condenser from TPC, not sure if it uses the stock 944 lines or GM lines but will contact TCP to verify, but have not gotten to that point yet, just trying to prepare for the next step. So I am looking to see if I would use all new GM (or equivalent) parts meaning the compressor and dryer and adapt the lines to fit the 944 fittings at the firewall or is there a better way to do this ? I have the stock compressor from the donor Camaro and I believe the dryer ( I believe that is the correct name for it ) from the 944 but have always heard that you want all of the components clean and uncontaminated so I would buy new parts so there are no issues. I have never dealt with a/c before, are there places that fabricate "custom" lines for these applications or do you adapt the 944 lines to the system after cleaning ? Any advise or alternatives would be greatly appreciated. If I am way off base please let me know !
Thank you for your time !
Jim

The only GM part in my A/C is the compressor I believe. I'm using the stock 944 A/C condenser and receiver/dryer. Custom lines were made.

You have to have a really efficient fan setup, otherwise you won't move enough air across the condenser for things to cool, especially if you have a thicker than stock radiator like the Ron Davis.

The GM Compressor uses a variable Refrigerant Control Valve. To use the GM compressor with the Porsche fixed pressure system (Dryer/Receiver etc etc) you have to remove the valve from the compressor and seal the end with a touch of alloy weld.
If you PM me your email address I will send you the pdf file that describes the process with pictures.

PM sent
Thanks for your help !

File sent, good luck.

Some of that will depend on your specific AC compressor. Not all GM AC compressors use the variable valve, but I believe that most GM vehicle OEM equipped units do. The kit I had ordered for front end accessories included a new new GM AC compressor that was part of their aftermarket catalog and not a variable type.

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The third post mentions the non-variable compressor.

I used the stock camaro or firebird compressor and I welded the valve inside it shut.

Ok sounds like the 944 system adapted to the ls1 ( in my case Camaro ) compressor with the valve tip welded shut per the pdf from Simon123.
Thanks for all of the help !

Next I will be looking for info on what wiring / hoses can be removed from the engine compartment to clean it up, I bought the car with the LS! installed so I don't know what is left over from the turbo motor. I will make a separate post for that one.
I really do appreciate the help !

Hello Folks, wanting to know from previous discussions on removing the A/C compressor variable valve...what year 944 are you talking about? This is my third compressor on a 1989 in 5 years. Just want to know if any specific year car this refers or we talking every year.

I remember someone removing the o-ring from the variable valve vs welding the tip shut.

I have the same questions as well about the a/c set up. Can someone please share with me the method an process used to get the a/c functional in our cars. I'm running the f-body LS1 set up an compressor in my car but I'm not exactly sure how to hook things up. Some pictures and parts used to get it to work would be a great thing. I'm pretty sure I can get some lines made to adapt the GM compressor but would like to know exactly what to do step by step. I have never dealt with an a/c system other than adding freon. I also know that I need to replace a few items such as the dryer which seems to be pretty straight forward. And maybe even my compressor. I'm not sure if it is even functional at this time because the lines have been open and exposed to the elements. Any advise, guidance, and illustrations will be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to having the a/c working in my car. It's the only thing that prevents me from driving it more often during the summer.

I'd like to know as well

Myself as well

I am doing A/C right now,  here is some info to get ya to started.  The valve in the GM compressor needs to be sealed, most TIG weld it.  This makes  it run on demand and the Porsche system then uses pressure sensors to operate the compressor.   I heard one person epoxied the tip but I don't know how that worked for him and that car has been sold.  Tapping into the Porsche wires to control the system is easier. The Porsche A/C wires are on driver side frame rail, by doing this the Porsche system controls it all (when you push the button it turns the compressor and fans on, no extra wiring.) The big hose coming out of the HVAC unit is cut and a crimp-able  aluminum hose end can be brazed on, then the hose can be rerouted. I bought the hose crimping kit to do mine and it took 20 minutes to crimp all hoses. The small hose coming out of the condenser was cut and I spliced a union with a port for the pressure side. The difference between years 86 and 87 (I have an 86 4 cylinder and an 87 LS1) years is the placement of the high pressure port on 86 is at the accumulator/dryer behind the driver head light, and the 87 had it on the compressor. You'll need to go to junk yard and get the electrical connector for the GM  A/C unit. The GMC Jimmy has it right in the top- front of the motor easy to cut. I bought fittings and hose from  Auto A/C fitting in Florida but eBay as well. The suction side has a #10 hose and the pressure side is a #8. I did have to get a new manifold block, some use pointing down and some use pointing straight out ( I used straight out.)  I can take pics of locations and fittings, and hose routing and post them.

fwiw, regarding the valve, iirc, when I did my AC years ago, I just took off one of the rings. Maybe the middle one? Really don't remember which one exactly. Did not weld the orifice. AC worked great. Pretty sure all the info is here on the forum, I think it's pretty searchable.

Andy

Simon123, can you please post the info about welding the Variable Valve. Thx

Good info on making the lines.
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