The Detailed E30 R-134a Conversion Thread/DIY

[jeffnhiscars]

I ordered everything needed for conversion, figured better safe than sorry, does the valance really have to come off to r&r the condenser? Also, FCP Euro is 48.xx cheaper right now than AUTOHAUS AZ for the Behr unit. (95 vs 143)

Buying a new Behr for what...$4xx...is, IMO a waste of money. It's an r12 compressor w r134 seals whereas you can buy a new high efficiency r134 compressor & expansion valve for half that....as long as you can mount it

[cory58]

....as long as you can mount it

Are offering to help a brother out, or are you just teasing us?

[parkerbink]

Buying a new Behr for what...$4xx...is, IMO a waste of money. It's an r12 compressor w r134 seals whereas you can buy a new high efficiency r134 compressor & expansion valve for half that....as long as you can mount it

The one I got was the R134 Behr for 95.00.

I got the compressor the car had so I could just mount it.

[jeffnhiscars]

Are offering to help a brother out, or are you just teasing us?

I'm just stating a fact, but....I will look in to making these when we get back from Canada since there is clearly a need.

The one I got was the R134 Behr for 95.00.

I got the compressor the car had so I could just mount it.

Used will get you by as long as you are confident it won't cause any problems. How do you know it's r134 compatible ?

[parkerbink]

Both items are new, their descriptions said R134.

On the compressor, I traded at least 20 messages verifying it was the correct unit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-A-C-Compressor-and-Clutch-Sanden-SD508-Replacement-2-Grooves-Pulley/172802573155?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Under item specifics:
Refrigerant Type: R134a

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...09-64538391510

Replacement serpentine flow condensor compatible for R12 and R134A A/C systems

[jeffnhiscars]

Both items are new, their descriptions said R134.

On the compressor, I traded at least 20 messages verifying it was the correct unit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-A-C-Compressor-and-Clutch-Sanden-SD508-Replacement-2-Grooves-Pulley/172802573155?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Under item specifics:
Refrigerant Type: R134a

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...09-64538391510

Replacement serpentine flow condensor compatible for R12 and R134A A/C systems

It says "Sanden 508" so its not a Behr compressor so you will need to find mounts for it. It also says serpentine belt.

Why didnt you just get a PF condensor for the same $$ ?

[parkerbink]

The Behr is the condenser.

I got the same compressor it had.

2 Grooves Pulley

[jeffnhiscars]

nm

[parkerbink]

Is this a problem? I read PAG is bad for ex r12 systems.

[jeffnhiscars]

It's a huge problem since mixing them will ruin your system. That's an r134 compressor

[parkerbink]

It is the same compressor that was there, the deed is done, the expansion valve & condensor that came out were the same, ac is back, only thing is the Gates 7328 that was in there was too small. To get the ac charged I had to use my power steering belt although it is slightly larger (slightly loose).

What belt are people using with the Sanden compressor?

[parkerbink]

It's hard to see but the compressor seems to have a wobble. Do I need to contact the seller?

Because it's a video it won't let me do anything but post the link. Sorry

https://www.flickr.com/photos/946846...posted-public/

[Jims5543]

Just an FYI for you guys that do not want to convert their system. You can use HC-12a which is legally obtained and compatible with R-12. Beats the hell out of flushing a system and converting to a less efficient gas.


"HC-12a, also called ES-12a, OZ-12a, and Hydrocarbon Blend B, is a "drop-in" replacement refrigerant for Freon-12. It is considered nearly non-ozone-depleting. The mixture can be used in refrigeration systems designed for R-12. HC-12a provides better cooling than an R-12 system retrofitted to R-134a, with much greater energy efficiency as well. Unlike R-134a, HC-12a is completely compatible with the hoses and oils used in R-12 systems, making the conversion much easier to accomplish. HC-12a is also patent-free due to its non-synthetic nature."

https://www.amazon.com/Cans-REDTEK-R...eywords=HC+12a

[digger]

is it worth replacing the aux fan when doing a Nissens PF condenser?

is it a 14" or 16" SPAL pusher required, and how much more air does it move compared to the stock aux?

any specific models that make mounting easy?

[jeffnhiscars]

is it worth replacing the aux fan when doing a Nissens PF condenser?

is it a 14" or 16" SPAL pusher required, and how much more air does it move compared to the stock aux?

any specific models that make mounting easy?

My build thread has a detailed Spal installation but the Photobucket pics are gone. Some use the 16" but I think it's too big so went with a 14". IIRC on low it may have slightly less capacity than a stock fan but I run it jumped somots def pushing enough air with not nearly as much noise. In short, a good upgrade.

To mount it I did mod 2 of the 3 brackets. 1 I twisted 90 degrees and one I drilled out the rivet and reversed it. I also bought a SPAL pigtail so the entire assembly is removable without removing the valance.