gm ac compressor to sanden swap? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

primrrd · 07-28-2010, 12:04 AM

I have another rebuilt crapped out pancake style compressor... maybe its an a-4.. cant remember) on my 81 chev.
Its a 305 with factory power steering and ac on the left side of the engine.
only other accessory is the alternator.
**
question:
Has anyone swapped the gm compressor for a sanden unit?
(brand new 175.00 or so everywhere and last forever as opposed to the yearly replacement of my other type!)
What has worked for everyone?
I'm not interested in a march pulley system or anything. Fine with keeping the v belt, too. I know i would have to modify the hoses... will probably try to crimp new ends on the existing (new) manifold hose and keep everything else gm... (drier, orifice,etc)

**N2TRUX** · 07-28-2010, 10:27 AM

We did it on my Ramjet 350 install, but I used a complete set of aftermarket brackets. Probably not what your looking for.

DubDubU · 07-28-2010, 05:26 PM

I used a a/c bracket made by alan grove and had new hoses made by local street rod shop. that was about another 150 plus the sandon. The biggest pain was that I bought and returned a dozen v belts till I found one that was the right length.

ERBSIX · 07-28-2010, 05:29 PM

So are there any direct bolt-in replacements options for compressors?

I have a 78 silverado with the factory compressor and it really bogs down the truck.

I'm betting its going to die in the near future (very old).

I would love to find something I can just unbolt the old one and bolt in a new one...?

Slonaker · 07-28-2010, 05:39 PM

AFAIK, here is nothing that simple.

I went through a couple of rebuilt R4s before deciding to buy a new one. It cost me as much as 3 rebuilts, but 6 years later, it is still going. I figure it has paid for itself since the rebuilt units were lasting one summer each, and I have saved myself from breaking the system open, flushing, and vacuuming 5 or 6 times.

When this one goes out, I'm going with an Alan Grove bracket and a sanden just like DubDubU. A friend went that route on his V8 S10, and it worked out really well. He also reports that it draws less horsepower.

Slonaker

coater · 07-28-2010, 09:11 PM

Is there a web site for this unit?

**N2TRUX** · 07-28-2010, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coater

Is there a web site for this unit?

http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/

f.monroe · 07-28-2010, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERBSIX

So are there any direct bolt-in replacements options for compressors?

I have a 78 silverado with the factory compressor and it really bogs down the truck.

I'm betting its going to die in the near future (very old).

I would love to find something I can just unbolt the old one and bolt in a new one...?

A PRO6TEN is a Sanden Compressor that is a direct bolt on replacement for the A6 compressor that should be on your 78. It is designed to run on R134a.
Frank

primrrd · 07-28-2010, 10:56 PM

Dub, thanks. do you have all of the other original brackets, or a system?
***
Slonaker, thanks. r4 is what I was searching for.. yeah this recon is number 2 BTW.... AFAIK?
***
cmon f.monroe... whats the bolt in for my r4? (:
****
thanks for all the reply's fellas!

DubDubU · 07-28-2010, 11:40 PM

Glad to help out, all my other brackets are stock.

primrrd · 07-29-2010, 01:05 AM

found a "new" r4 here. 241.00 aint too hurtful..
***
https://www.ackits.com/pc/20-10403--...ssor++-+Clutch
***
I think i found the bracket you must have used:
http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/S..._Long_Pump.htm
part 119L - ac
cost is 87.50

Slonaker · 07-29-2010, 09:51 AM

Alan Grove's brackets are really nice. They are well designed, and have beautiful welds on them. I plan to get a bracket from them for my '37. I have heard that Vintage Air uses their brackets, or did at one time.

Slonaker

swb85 · 07-29-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slonaker

I have heard that Vintage Air uses their brackets, or did at one time.

Slonaker

Last I knew they still do. Depending on the cost of having new hoses made, I may do the swap next spring. Brand new sanden 508 compressors are going on ebay for the same money that a rebuilt R4 costs......

primrrd · 08-09-2010, 08:42 AM

check this out!
no need for making new hoses. you can get a GM manifold for the back of the sanden:
http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...ad-back-16.php

WigglesTheHoly · 08-09-2010, 09:27 AM

what is the part number for the compressor for our trucks, I've been looking into replacing my compressor and if this sanden holds up half as well as everyone is saying they do it would be worth the investment. just incase you would need it 78 350

383tbi · 08-19-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by primrrd

found a "new" r4 here. 241.00 aint too hurtful..
***
https://www.ackits.com/pc/20-10403--...ssor++-+Clutch
***
I think i found the bracket you must have used:
http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/S..._Long_Pump.htm
part 119L - ac
cost is 87.50

Primm,I bought my a/c comp at Advance Auto Parts for 200 brand new with 2 year warranty.Might be a little different cause i converted to serpentine but still same comp.

smbrouss70 · 09-07-2010, 12:24 PM

If you are looking to replace a R4 compressor with a Sanden Unit, you can use a set of brackets from Vintage Air. I just used this to put a sanden in a factory serpentine setup off of a 95 truck. It's part # 141805. I can take a couple of pics of it when I get home if you would like.

http://www.vintageair.com/catalog10/...Page%2065).pdf

BossHogg69 · 10-23-2011, 02:04 AM

I know this is an old thread, but smbrouss70 - I'm looking at doing the same thing, but with the serpentine setup from an '89 454. Can you still get a pic of that bracket?

smbrouss70 · 10-23-2011, 02:05 PM

I replied to your PM also, but I'll post my mock-up pics for everyone's benefit.

Ford Assassin · 05-13-2012, 03:41 AM

Digging up an old thread....

Hey guys, are you running the rest of the GM designed A/C parts? Is the system running as well as stock? Better/worse?

I ask because I bought a Sanden 508 and Kwik Performance bracket for my '86 K5.

I went to a local A/C shop with the truck and had custom hoses made. As I was paying for the hoses the guy decides to say, "You know that Sanden 508 isn't big enough for the factory GM evap, right?". I wasn't too happy he is telling me this after I just spent $100+ on custom hoses.

So I am curious to hear what you Sanden conversion guys have to say.

Thanks!!

davidh · 05-30-2012, 07:30 PM

Can anyone can speak of this conversion? Like said earlier? any better? Seems like you replace these r4 pancakes about as often as you flip them making morning breakfeast.

My 95 3/4 ton needs an ac compressor and thought I' d like to make it better than before.

SCOTI · 05-30-2012, 10:37 PM

I'm researching info on this as well.... If anyone knows the answers or has any additional info, please do contribute!

Ford Assassin · 05-30-2012, 10:49 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=524353
Posted via Mobile Device

El Campo · 05-30-2012, 11:03 PM

Any idea what this bracket from Vintage Air costs? I was going to build my own (Kwik Performance has directions how to build some that will fit in the 88-98ish brackets) but it would be nice to just buy some if they did not cost a lot.

Ford Assassin · 05-30-2012, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Campo

Any idea what this bracket from Vintage Air costs? I was going to build my own (Kwik Performance has directions how to build some that will fit in the 88-98ish brackets) but it would be nice to just buy some if they did not cost a lot.

The LSx/Sanden 508/709 brackets cost $200

Plus the LSx Vintage brackets costs the same as the Kwik Performance brackets because they are Kwik Performance brackets with a Vintage sticker placed over the the Kwik Performance sticker. Even the instructions are Kwik Performances.

I bought mine through Summit Racing already knowing this since Summit carries Vintage Air, not Kwik Performance.

07-28-2010, 12:04 AM	#1
primrrd Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: houston, tx Posts: 323	gm ac compressor to sanden swap? I have another rebuilt crapped out pancake style compressor... maybe its an a-4.. cant remember) on my 81 chev. Its a 305 with factory power steering and ac on the left side of the engine. only other accessory is the alternator. ** question: Has anyone swapped the gm compressor for a sanden unit? (brand new 175.00 or so everywhere and last forever as opposed to the yearly replacement of my other type!) What has worked for everyone? I'm not interested in a march pulley system or anything. Fine with keeping the v belt, too. I know i would have to modify the hoses... will probably try to crimp new ends on the existing (new) manifold hose and keep everything else gm... (drier, orifice,etc)

07-28-2010, 10:27 AM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? We did it on my Ramjet 350 install, but I used a complete set of aftermarket brackets. Probably not what your looking for. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

07-28-2010, 05:26 PM	#3
DubDubU Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: st louis,mo Posts: 313	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? I used a a/c bracket made by alan grove and had new hoses made by local street rod shop. that was about another 150 plus the sandon. The biggest pain was that I bought and returned a dozen v belts till I found one that was the right length. __________________ '79' shortbed

07-28-2010, 05:29 PM	#4
ERBSIX Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 208	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? So are there any direct bolt-in replacements options for compressors? I have a 78 silverado with the factory compressor and it really bogs down the truck. I'm betting its going to die in the near future (very old). I would love to find something I can just unbolt the old one and bolt in a new one...? __________________ 78 Silverado 1/2 Ton LWB (restore) 78 Silverado 3/4 Ton LWB (parts truck & practice - eventually a work horse) My Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4082128 Ellis Benus - Web Design Columbia Mo & Google Fan Boy!

07-28-2010, 05:39 PM	#5
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? AFAIK, here is nothing that simple. I went through a couple of rebuilt R4s before deciding to buy a new one. It cost me as much as 3 rebuilts, but 6 years later, it is still going. I figure it has paid for itself since the rebuilt units were lasting one summer each, and I have saved myself from breaking the system open, flushing, and vacuuming 5 or 6 times. When this one goes out, I'm going with an Alan Grove bracket and a sanden just like DubDubU. A friend went that route on his V8 S10, and it worked out really well. He also reports that it draws less horsepower. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

07-28-2010, 09:11 PM	#6
coater Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Leesburg,Ga. Posts: 359	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? Is there a web site for this unit?

07-28-2010, 10:56 PM	#9
primrrd Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: houston, tx Posts: 323	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? Dub, thanks. do you have all of the other original brackets, or a system? * Slonaker, thanks. r4 is what I was searching for.. yeah this recon is number 2 BTW.... AFAIK? * cmon f.monroe... whats the bolt in for my r4? (: **** thanks for all the reply's fellas!

07-28-2010, 11:40 PM	#10
DubDubU Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: st louis,mo Posts: 313	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? Glad to help out, all my other brackets are stock. __________________ '79' shortbed

07-29-2010, 01:05 AM	#11
primrrd Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: houston, tx Posts: 323	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? found a "new" r4 here. 241.00 aint too hurtful.. * https://www.ackits.com/pc/20-10403--...ssor++-+Clutch * I think i found the bracket you must have used: http://www.alangrovecomponents.com/S..._Long_Pump.htm part 119L - ac cost is 87.50

07-29-2010, 09:51 AM	#12
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? Alan Grove's brackets are really nice. They are well designed, and have beautiful welds on them. I plan to get a bracket from them for my '37. I have heard that Vintage Air uses their brackets, or did at one time. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

08-09-2010, 08:42 AM	#14
primrrd Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: houston, tx Posts: 323	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? check this out! no need for making new hoses. you can get a GM manifold for the back of the sanden: http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/air...ad-back-16.php

08-09-2010, 09:27 AM	#15
WigglesTheHoly IT Guy/ Father/ Chevy lover Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Hoisington, KS Posts: 568	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? what is the part number for the compressor for our trucks, I've been looking into replacing my compressor and if this sanden holds up half as well as everyone is saying they do it would be worth the investment. just incase you would need it 78 350 __________________ 78 Chevy (Pictures) SOLD 79 Chevy LWB (pasture) 83 Chevy LWB (crushed rusted beyond repair) 02 TrailBlazer SOLD 03 VW Passat wagonSOLD 95 extended cab silveradoSOLD (still in family) 05 Crew Cab Silverado 5.3 (The Turd) WTB: 66 El camino Technology Specialist aspiring to be a gear head.

09-07-2010, 12:24 PM	#17
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,781	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? If you are looking to replace a R4 compressor with a Sanden Unit, you can use a set of brackets from Vintage Air. I just used this to put a sanden in a factory serpentine setup off of a 95 truck. It's part # 141805. I can take a couple of pics of it when I get home if you would like. http://www.vintageair.com/catalog10/...Page%2065).pdf __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build Last edited by smbrouss70; 09-07-2010 at 12:53 PM.

10-23-2011, 02:04 AM	#18
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? I know this is an old thread, but smbrouss70 - I'm looking at doing the same thing, but with the serpentine setup from an '89 454. Can you still get a pic of that bracket? __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!!

10-23-2011, 02:05 PM	#19
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,781	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? I replied to your PM also, but I'll post my mock-up pics for everyone's benefit. __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build



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05-13-2012, 03:41 AM	#20
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? Digging up an old thread.... Hey guys, are you running the rest of the GM designed A/C parts? Is the system running as well as stock? Better/worse? I ask because I bought a Sanden 508 and Kwik Performance bracket for my '86 K5. I went to a local A/C shop with the truck and had custom hoses made. As I was paying for the hoses the guy decides to say, "You know that Sanden 508 isn't big enough for the factory GM evap, right?". I wasn't too happy he is telling me this after I just spent $100+ on custom hoses. So I am curious to hear what you Sanden conversion guys have to say. Thanks!! __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608

05-30-2012, 07:30 PM	#21
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,220	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? Can anyone can speak of this conversion? Like said earlier? any better? Seems like you replace these r4 pancakes about as often as you flip them making morning breakfeast. My 95 3/4 ton needs an ac compressor and thought I' d like to make it better than before. __________________ Even the nicest dodge-chrysler is only 2years away from being parked outside of Section 8 housing.

05-30-2012, 10:37 PM	#22
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? I'm researching info on this as well.... If anyone knows the answers or has any additional info, please do contribute! __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

05-30-2012, 10:49 PM	#23
Ford Assassin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jackson, Ca. Posts: 674	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=524353 Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Cable -K5 Blazer 2wd: 6.0 LQ4, 7875 Turbo, Tick Stage II Turbo Cam, Built 4L80e, RevMax Billet 3600, 9.5" 14 Bolt -Chevy 3+3 Crew Cab Dually: Cummins 12v P-Pump Swap, Compound Turbos, A2W Intercooler, NV4500HD, 4wd conversion, Radius Arms, Coilovers, Crossover Steering, etc Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803608

05-30-2012, 11:03 PM	#24
El Campo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: El Campo, Tx Posts: 1,246	Re: gm ac compressor to sanden swap? Any idea what this bracket from Vintage Air costs? I was going to build my own (Kwik Performance has directions how to build some that will fit in the 88-98ish brackets) but it would be nice to just buy some if they did not cost a lot. __________________ 72 Chevy blue LWB, 99% original Oklahoma truck, 28,000 miles 72 Chevy SWB: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=486626 (Attempt/Mistake #2) 2003 Harley Davidson Dyna Superglide with 2007 Street Bob front end 2000 Ford F350 Powerstroke 4WD CCLB, 310,000 miles running great (STOLEN St. Patricks Day 2014 AND NEVER RECOVERED) 2002 Ford F250 Powerstroke 4WD CCLB (To replace stolen one) Hook em Horns!!!

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