s52 swap AC - R12 or R134 ??? what is required?

[Sh3rpak!ng]

I see plenty of people with working AC on the s52 swap. I have a full e30 AC system and a full e36 system.

Do most people just switch to the e36 compressor and continue to use R12?

Can I use all e36 components (compressor, condenser, dryer) and convert to r134?

What's the easiest solution?

(I know I'll need to probably adapt some hoses - that's not what I'm curious about) (I also already understand the wiring)

Thanks

[mpowerful]

Use the e36 compressor with adapted hoses. Get a parallel flow condensor for the e30 (rock auto carries them for like 80 bucks). I have a late model and I did not even bother changing my expansion valve. My a/c literally blows out 33-35f air with outside ambients around 100 degrees. Its massively cold all the time, in new orleans, in the summer. Oh and I used stock aux fan with euro diesel clutch fan.

[Sh3rpak!ng]

Use the e36 compressor with adapted hoses. Get a parallel flow condensor for the e30 (rock auto carries them for like 80 bucks). I have a late model and I did not even bother changing my expansion valve. My a/c literally blows out 33-35f air with outside ambients around 100 degrees. Its massively cold all the time, in new orleans, in the summer. Oh and I used stock aux fan with euro diesel clutch fan.

thanks

[Sh3rpak!ng]

what about the dryer reservoir thing? from which car do I use?

[mpowerful]

I used an e30 drier meant for 134.

[M3PO]

You want to use either all R134a equipment or all R12 equipment. I would use the E36 compressor, replace the o-rings in the remaining E30 equipment, and replace the drier (required either way).

[Sh3rpak!ng]

I used an e30 drier meant for 134.

Thanks

You want to use either all R134a equipment or all R12 equipment. I would use the E36 compressor, replace the o-rings in the remaining E30 equipment, and replace the drier (required either way).

and if I replace the condenser and the drier with 134a stuff, I am now converted? (the pressure switch - how important to change? - I read people who do and people who don't)

[mpowerful]

I did not change mine. I believe the late model switches will work fine. I mean they do for me but not 100% sure its proper.

[Andy Mechnic]

You can retrofit an R12 system to run R134a but you'll want to change the seals because the R134a is a smaller molecule and will leak out slowly, even from a sealed system. The newer compressor needs a different lubricant as well so it would be a good idea to flush the system if you upgrade to the E36 compressor. It's a good idea to change the expansion valve and receiver/dryer to keep it performing at its best, moisture in the system will cause problems...
R12 will blow colder than R134a but it's waaay more expensive, harder to get and is considered a pollutant (it's illegal to vent either into the atmosphere). I've seen guys simply replace the the service valves and rock R134a in an R12 system but that's kind of a hack way to do it in my opinion.

[Sh3rpak!ng]

You can retrofit an R12 system to run R134a but you'll want to change the seals because the R134a is a smaller molecule and will leak out slowly, even from a sealed system. The newer compressor needs a different lubricant as well so it would be a good idea to flush the system if you upgrade to the E36 compressor. It's a good idea to change the expansion valve and receiver/dryer to keep it performing at its best, moisture in the system will cause problems...
R12 will blow colder than R134a but it's waaay more expensive, harder to get and is considered a pollutant (it's illegal to vent either into the atmosphere). I've seen guys simply replace the the service valves and rock R134a in an R12 system but that's kind of a hack way to do it in my opinion.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I have the e36 134a compressor for the s52. The whole system is drained, it will need a new drier, so I might as well get a 134a condenser (it's like $90 at rockauto - double checked mpowerful's suggestion) and I would have to take it to a shop anyway to have it flushed and refilled. SO I'll wait a couple months until socal starts to get really warm.

[arch4ngel]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=246743

[Sh3rpak!ng]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=246743

Yes, thanks. I have read that. I just wasn't sure how different it is since I have the s52 swap. But I suppose now that I think about it a little more, the conversion is identical aside from the e36 compressor and the modified lines.

I wasn't really sure if I could be cheap and keep the r12 system, or if I really needed to convert to r134a. Looks like at this point it would be about even to do either one or the other - so I opt for 134 since the parts are cheaper and more available and I can have it serviced.

[mpowerful]

Its a lot cheaper to convert to 134. I could only imagine that the cost of r12 in socal is higher than giraffe nuts and illegal as hell. Down here in Louisiana a black market 12oz can is worth about 30 bucks. It gets really expensive really fast.

[Sh3rpak!ng]

Its a lot cheaper to convert to 134. I could only imagine that the cost of r12 in socal is higher than giraffe nuts and illegal as hell. Down here in Louisiana a black market 12oz can is worth about 30 bucks. It gets really expensive really fast.

Yea exactly what I was thinking. I'm in this car for the long run, so it just makes sense.

[arch4ngel]

The only difference with an s52 swap is you already have the r134a compressor.
If you can afford them I would highly suggest the zionsville ac lines.
They are pricey but worth it as they fit perfectly.
I saw a set on sfbay craigslist last week for a steal at $100, I would grab them if they're still available.