AC compressor Sanden vs R4

[RoryH19]

Time for my LS swap K5 to have AC.
Since I'm going to replace all components I want to know if I should stay with the R4 setup or go Sanden?
Either way I need to buy a new mounting bracket to fit the 6.0.

With the R4 all parts are easily purchased. Basically order everything for a squarebody serpentine system.

Assuming the Sanden will require a custom hose but may be able to use all the other parts minus the compressor.

Thoughts?

 

[yevgenievich]

certain model sanden just about used the stock hose. But sanden is worth even if making custom hoses

 

[RoryH19]

I'm going to buy a new hose too, just need to find someone to make it.

 

[RoryH19]

Time for my LS swap K5 to have AC.
Since I'm going to replace all components I want to know if I should stay with the R4 setup or go Sanden?
Either way I need to buy a new mounting bracket to fit the 6.0.

With the R4 all parts are easily purchased. Basically order everything for a squarebody serpentine system.

Assuming the Sanden will require a custom hose but may be able to use all the other parts minus the compressor.

Thoughts?

 

[bucket]

While an R4 compressor often works fine, they also commonly fail. If starting from scratch, I'd go with the more reliable Sanden.

 

[yevgenievich]

I posted a thread before that shows using sanden with factory hoses if on passenger side location

 

[VAL]

I posted a thread before that shows using sanden with factory hoses if on passenger side location

Where can I find that thread?

 

[KilgoreTrout]

While an R4 compressor often works fine, they also commonly fail. If starting from scratch, I'd go with the more reliable Sanden.

I'd like to know what the failure rate actually is on r4s.
Same with 10 bolts. And 700r4s.
Outside looking in, you'd swear half of everything on most squares is pure junk. Heh.

 

[yevgenievich]

Where can I find that thread?

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/r4-to-sanden-whith-stock-ac-lines-for-serpantine.22437/

 

[bucket]

I'd like to know what the failure rate actually is on r4s.
Same with 10 bolts. And 700r4s.
Outside looking in, you'd swear half of everything on most squares is pure junk. Heh.

Lol, I don't know. I've replaced more of them than any other type, I know that. But when GM made bazillions of R4's, I suppose it likely to see so many fail.

But these days, it's really hard to buy a new/rebuilt R4 that's any good.

 

[KilgoreTrout]

Lol, I don't know. I've replaced more of them than any other type, I know that. But when GM made bazillions of R4's, I suppose it likely to see so many fail.

But these days, it's really hard to buy a new/rebuilt R4 that's any good.

Understood.
And yeah, seems like many new parts are junky these days. Lowest chinese bidder,I guess, and I think most Americans are cheap. Lol...

 

[RoryH19]

For my R10, I replaced all when converting from v-belt to serpentine setup.
This moved my compressor to the passenger side. Also went with the R4.
The compressor lasted 6 months but was under warranty. The current one has been on for almost 3 yrs and is used regularly in the TX sun.
@yevgenievich, is your Sanden compressor swap still doing well? Anything you would do differently?

 

[Old77]

Site news is not the proper subforum to post this in so I’ve moved it to the right one. Guess what the right subforum is called. “Heat & A/C”. You’re welcome.

....and actually just noticed that you made TWO of the exact same thread. That second thread was also in the wrong subforum so I moved that and merged the two. Internetting is hard stuff

 

[RoryH19]

Site news is not the proper subforum to post this in so I’ve moved it to the right one. Guess what the right subforum is called. “Heat & A/C”. You’re welcome.

....and actually just noticed that you made TWO of the exact same thread. That second thread was also in the wrong subforum so I moved that and merged the two. Internetting is hard stuff

The consolidation and relocation are appreciated. The condescending comments are not required.

 

[yevgenievich]

For my R10, I replaced all when converting from v-belt to serpentine setup.
This moved my compressor to the passenger side. Also went with the R4.
The compressor lasted 6 months but was under warranty. The current one has been on for almost 3 yrs and is used regularly in the TX sun.
@yevgenievich, is your Sanden compressor swap still doing well? Anything you would do differently?

I had new hoses already, so the small adapter extension let me keep stock hoses. The place where I ordered the adapter can also make custom hoses if you don't have anybody local to do so. I have a hose place locally that crimps hoses, so always just ordered the connectors and hose it self. Mocked it up and took it in to crimp.(I have sanden set up on my 89 TA as well)