[RockinRob]

frank, thanks for the reply on the a/c firewall.

i'm not quite ready for a/c yet, but i will be. I'll be sure to contact you to get the parts.

Rob

[67CamaroRS/SS]

The only difference between the 2 firewalls is the larger opening on pass side. You can open up the opening and they would be the same. The 2 pics were taken opposite of each other. 1 is sitting forward and the other is backward.

[stope4]

I would absolutely never install an aftermarket ac on an original ac car. I can envision some people wanting aftermarket for the extra space you get under the hood and/or maybe because of less weight, but clearly not because aftermarket cools better. I've owned both Vintage and Original systems and can tell you that Vintage Air or any after market system is no better at cooling than the original. 35 degrees F is 35 degrees F. In fact, I wasn't all that impressed with aftermarket. First, there's more cab noise because the fan is placed in the cab with aftermarket. Second, every morning when I turned the ac on, my windows fogged up. Third, the window fogging was worse in the winter whenever I turned the heater on. I don't see how an original system would be any less or more expensive than Vintage considering you can get pratically the entire setup for less than $500 by keeping your eyes on ebay or this site. Blown Budget will need some new parts for OEM but he can also get most of the parts used. Assuming he has a small block, which I couldn't figure out from his post, the used parts needed would be the ac suitcase with evaporator core, poa valve, small block brackets, heater core box under dash, ac controls in dash, ac wiring harness. New parts needed are the condensor (either parallel flow or original depending on freon type), expansion valve, heater core, and possibly the relay and resistor. The fit will be perfect, the cooling will be more than adequate, the noise level will be very low and no fogging. The compressor can be purchased used but I would recommend rebuilt from a parts house.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Eric, have you had a Gen IV yet? Pretty awesome stuff! I agree on the old cable units and other brands were not as god as a good factory set up, but the Gen IV is in a class all its own

just last week I pulled the factory A/C out of a 68 Chevelle, A car I drive, and put a Gen IV in it. Blows the original stuff away.

Now, if a car is a rare option car, or a high option restored numbers matching car, like a SS with A/C, I would absolutly go original for value if nothing else.

[stope4]

"Blows the original stuff away" doesn't tell me how it's better. I turn my ac on and it blows cold air and gets me cool. What does yours do that's different? Trust me, I'm trying to learn and want everyone else to learn also.

[BelAirBob]

Originally Posted by stope4

"Blows the original stuff away" doesn't tell me how it's better. I turn my ac on and it blows cold air and gets me cool. What does yours do that's different? Trust me, I'm trying to learn and want everyone else to learn also.

I own a 67 Camaro with factory AC. Yes, it cools just fine, but it is by far one of the clunkiest arrangements GM devised,even for its time. The AC was engineered at the last minute for these cars, to keep up with the Ford Mustang. Open the hood, and its wall to wall AC system. Makes it tough to service the passenger side of the engine (plugs,etc.), and is just plain ugly imho.

I agree that a factory AC car should remain factory,but if you are starting out fresh, the modern systems use R134A- the old systems need to be converted. The new systems have all componentry housed within a single unit-heating,AC,and the electronic solenoids- just like a modern car. The VA systems do away with the cable operation, which need lubrication,and ultimately replacement.

So, imho, that's how its "better".- Smaller,lighter,more efficient,more reliable and much more pleasant to look at,for about the same price.

In short, not trying to knock factory AC, because, as was said, I own one, but the modern systems are much smaller,cool just as well or better,and should be more reliable over time due to the lack of cables and such. If the original cable systems and suitcase-sized units were the hot ticket, the OEs would still be using them. The Gen IV is the closest one can get to a modern electronic AC/heat system. Like many options on first gens. it comes down to personal choice, and preference. I've owned both systems,and they each do the job of keeping the family from melting during the hot Atlanta summers.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Originally Posted by stope4

"Blows the original stuff away" doesn't tell me how it's better. I turn my ac on and it blows cold air and gets me cool. What does yours do that's different? Trust me, I'm trying to learn and want everyone else to learn also.

Healthy questions and answers sessions / discussions are what make these forums so great. In the end it is our job to educate. having people like Bob or Prodigy Customs in here that have been there done that, that have hands on experience with multiple systems, we owe it to the membership to share what we know.

And to add a little validity to the conversation, and remove the "Sales pitch because this is the product we sell". We are also Classic Air dealers and sell all the stuff to restore original A/C too. So at the end of the day if you buy from us, we can make a few pennies weather you restore your original system or buy a new system. So hopefully that removes any question of our comments being slanted towards what we sell. We sell it all.

So with that disclaimer made..............

The Gen IV blows harder, period. Blows harder faster wind and produces air temp as cold or colder then a factory unit in perfect condition. The air temp on a gauge is un affected by wind chill, only mammals feel wind chill. So if the thermometer says it is 40 degrees, it is 40 degrees. But with faster / harder wind, we fell it with wind chill added into the equation will feel colder at a equal temp. So the 35 degrees is 35 degrees comment is not exactly correct. We humans being mammal's, the wind is a big part of the cooling effect, this is why one can live with a temp 5 degrees higher and feel the same comfort as a temp 5 degrees lower in their home, car, etc. So harder is better, and the Gen IV blows way harder then a perfect factory unit. Also, harder means more volume of air recirculated, and the Gen IV really moves a lot of air. A/C system recirculate the air inside the cabin. Because the Gen IV blows harder, more volume, it recirculates air at a faster rate. Meaning the car cools faster after being closed up and hot, and maintains more easliy.

As for noise of the blower, the Gen IV is amazing quite for a internal blower. What noise it does have is easily muffled by dual exhaust, light stereo play. Personally, I do not notice it at all.

Keep in mind we are talking about 35 years newer technology, and OEM quality A/C for a $200K car as the system was originally designed by Vintage Air for the Ford GT (GT40).

As for the factory system I just changed out. The total of all the parts it needed replaced, resealing of all the boxes and trap doors, hose ducting, vent adapters, etc was more expensive then a brand new Gen IV. And as Bob mentioned, the Gen IV cleaned up the firewall immensely. Gave way more service room under the hood, and the headers are no longer a pre heater for the evaporator. And this car is a Hot Rod anyway. So no harm, no foul.

[zman1969]

Originally Posted by ProdigyCustoms

The Gen IV blows harder, period. Blows harder faster wind and produces air temp as cold or colder then a factory unit in perfect condition. The air temp on a gauge is un affected by wind chill, only mammals feel wind chill. So if the thermometer says it is 40 degrees, it is 40 degrees. But with faster / harder wind, we fell it with wind chill added into the equation will feel colder at a equal temp. So the 35 degrees is 35 degrees comment is not exactly correct. We humans being mammal's, the wind is a big part of the cooling effect, this is why one can live with a temp 5 degrees higher and feel the same comfort as a temp 5 degrees lower in their home, car, etc. So harder is better, and the Gen IV blows way harder then a perfect factory unit. Also, harder means more volume of air recirculated, and the Gen IV really moves a lot of air. A/C system recirculate the air inside the cabin. Because the Gen IV blows harder, more volume, it recirculates air at a faster rate. Meaning the car cools faster after being closed up and hot, and maintains more easliy.

As for noise of the blower, the Gen IV is amazing quite for a internal blower. What noise it does have is easily muffled by dual exhaust, light stereo play. Personally, I do not notice it at all.

Frank, thanks for your input this is what I was wanting to hear, being in Texas -like Florida the heat and humidity bites. the older cars I/ve had air in worked good but the new cars are great- they move alot of air so thats what I'm wanting for my 69 bird - we've talked before about it(T/A hood fitment) and I have flattened out the A/C firewall already so I want to start with a clean slate get new components that blow! Ok that was just wrong but harder IMO is better especially at this age will probably be spring time when I'm ready do they make a reasonably priced bracket to mount to LSX? if not they should- Thanks again for the advise

[ProdigyCustoms]

There are inexpesive top mount brackets available for LS motors and compressor adapter bracket for low mount factory position

[arocars]

I picked this post up again after about a month and re-read everyone's thoughts. I'm still convinced that 5, 10, 20, 30 years from now, on an original ac car, oem/oer parts will be a better investment than any aftermarket retro-fit system. It will look better, retain that oem look, have easily replaced parts, and function the same.

[Hood_Lum]

I don't have an original car so I was a no brainer for me. Gen IV. LOL.