Retrofitting a newer ac compressor

Has anyone done anything like that?

I figure other then the mounting, belt and lines...running it is basically the same across the board correct?

I am thinking of using a newer unit to swap into my 84 bonneville after i swap the motor

Yup. Just make sure that the wiring control is the same between compressors. And that you have the rest of the system optimized for r134a

Yes. I'm running a late NB/RX8 compressor on my FE3 engine swapped 90 Miata. Assembly weighs half what the original did and it's an R134 compressor vs. the original R12. I started with a factory bracket that I did some trimming on. Then bolted and welded that to an aluminum plate I drilled to fit the block once I was positive the alignment was spot on.  I used mostly leftover fittings/tubing from salvaged AC systems to make the connections with some new hose. Tubes were swage and brazed with high silver hvac braze. I did spend the dough on a proper HVAC crimper. It's got about 1,000 miles on it now and works great. -Rob

hell yeah thats encouraging

What engine do you intend to use?  I gather the 84 has the giant old school compressor, and you’re looking to something a tad newer?  I’d go with one from a 93 b body so you can get an off the shelf hose to fit

malibuguy said:

hell yeah thats encouraging

This IS encouraging! I have a 93 RX-7 and I was thinking of doing the same thing. There are more efficient, R-134a Mazda systems out there and I'm tired of the slow leak no one seems capable of finding. Any thoughts on best options (like the RX-8?)  

My 84 has the smaller of the ac compressors that came in these old gbodys.  I wanted to get something off a 90s jap car...something effecient.  My biggest problem would be completely different belt styles.

I'd check out the RX8 compressor first for the RX7. Primarily see if there's enough in common between the two mounting setups to save some work. The RX8 is good modern compressor. And common enough to keep the price down. I paid $35 for mine deliver with the bracket. 

Just don't forget that the other important part of the R134 setup is the condenser. I'm using a 95-97 Miata condenser which used R134. You want more rows and parallel flow. IF you can't find one that fits, there are general application parallel flow condensers for aftermarket (hot rod) AC systems. But don't buy them from a hot rod shop- they're all over eBay and in various dimensions. 

You'll also want to consider the availability of factory fittings for the compressor you pick. Best/cheapest option is used/bad hoses that you can salvage fittings from IMO. 

Once I had my hoses worked out, I tried to get some local auto AC shops to do the work. None did it on site- they shipped it out. The price was prohibitive also. Far more than buying my own eBay AC hose crimper. Tool purchase justified! 

I have a collection of old AC hoses that were being thrown out for the fittings/barbs/tubing. Here's how I go at it:

Cut the crimp collar

Pry/split it apart

Pull your fitting (barb)

Next I took my barb and swaged the end with some heat and swage tool so it would slip fit over my OE compressor connection. Then brazed the two pieces with some high silver content HVAC brazing rod. 

Pressure test the braze

Stick it in the hose and crimp

Completed hoses

If you're lucky enough to have an AC shop with a crimper on site, you can just your hoses finished there. My local shops all sent their crimping out and it was pricey- far more than buying an eBay crimper which has worked just fine for me.

Thank you kind sir.  Thats the gold I was looking for.  I was considering AN fittings but eff all that

In reply to FE3tMX5 :

Wait. You have an fe3t Miata?  Built thread please!!!