Should I go OEM or A/M air conditioning?????

[SS1156]

I need some help here guys and gals. I am looking at purchasing a 2nd Gen Camaro and I definately want air conditioning in the car. I have narrowed it down to about 4 different cars. Some of the cars have all the correct a/c components and some do not. I know there are companies out there that can retro-fit a complete system that works great. My question is should I look for a car with the OEM working a/c or should I get the car that would need the complete aftermarket a/c system installed? Of course I would price the non a/c car cheaper to offset the price of having to install a/c in the car. Do the aftermarket a/c systems cool better because they are designed to work with the 134a vs retro-fitting an r12 system to 134a? I do like the clean firewall install of the aftermarket a/c vs that big box that the oem uses. Can you take a factory a/c car and pull out all that stuff and go with the a/m a/c? Sorry for all my questions but I just like to get educated before dumping a lot of my very hard earned money in to something. I like to ask questions from the people who are actually involved in doing it. Magazines are good reading but sometimes reality is left out. I really do appreciate everyones input.

[ProdigyCustoms]

We sell a lot of Vintage Air. I try not to copy and past from forum to forum on replies, but I get asked this everyday and I thought others may like to read this to here also. So..............

The new systems will perform equal to or better then an original system that is COMPLETELY restored, Completely restored though includes resealing ever air door, every vent adapter, along with rebuilding all the vacuum pods, POA and Expansion Valves, replacing the dryer and compressor........... Cost wise it winds up very close to the same.

Another thing to consider is wind speed. As mammals we perspire and only mammals feel wind chill. So not only is important how cool the air is coming out of the vents, but it is also important how hard the air is blowing across our bodies. Exactly the reason you can run the thermostat 5 degrees higher while you sleep as long as you have a fan blowing on you. Even if the wife complains about it, LOL!

The other thing is the clean firewall and deletion of the big honkin box under the hood. that in its self is reason enough to replace the system.

For the second gens up to 1978 the kit includes everything including the controller that looks original and fits the original opening in the dash. Figure $1300 for a complete system.

[skatinjay27]

yeah like frank "copy & pasted" lol
just the fact that removing the big ugly box is a good enough reason in itself... hell getting to that back header/manifold bolt is HELL with that box there!lol
plus the stock compressor is in a ugly location as well and the whole factory ac system just clutters up the engine bay so much.

[SS1156]

yeah like frank "copy & pasted" lol
just the fact that removing the big ugly box is a good enough reason in itself... hell getting to that back header/manifold bolt is HELL with that box there!lol
plus the stock compressor is in a ugly location as well and the whole factory ac system just clutters up the engine bay so much.

I have to agree with you, that box is ugly as hell. Can you use any of the stock components under the dash? I'm sure the a/m systems are better designed then the old technology from the late 60's & early 70's.

Thanks guys for all the advice. I hope to be selling my Saleen and getting a Camaro soon.

[ProdigyCustoms]

You will thrash everything under the dash and will tie into your original vents with plumbing supplied in the new kit.