Air conditioning

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Temecula, Ca.
I want to get the A/C dialed in on my 70 Coupe. What is the best set up? The compressor on my car has given up the ghost so I will star there. What is the best modern compressor to use? My car has undergone am engine swap at some time and now has a 3.0 but I am not sure what vintage. Where is the engine stamped and where do I go to decipher the engine stampings?

Thanks,
Steve
 
Don't know where you are in SoCal but a great A/C place is in Costa Mesa. I've seen upgrade work they have done on coupes and it's most impressive. And the A/C is really cold!

Steve's D&S Auto Air
1661 Superior Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
714.645.7802
 
answers

The cylinder head is identified on the casting, on the left side around/under intake ports 4-5. It's been a while since I've looked so my memory is a little vague about this point.

The block number is stamped on a flat spot on the rear of the engine near the hole used for ignition timing. It's likely covered in dust or crud depending on how recently the engine swap was done and how clean your engine is. Mine weeps oil at the head/block joint, a fairly common issue, so it's filthy and I couldn't see the number stamp without some cleaning. It's not easy to get at, either.

By reputation, Sanden rotary compressors are quite good. Others will have to chime in as to what cars this compressor was installed OE, but it sounds like you are going to buy a new compressor. It may be a problem to assemble components to completely replace the supposedly anemic original AC on a coupe, but it has been done. HC-134 being less efficient compared to Freon, you may want to change the evaporator and condenser. You will always change the receiver/dryer if the system is old and has been opened.

It seems to me that there are LOTS of AC shops around, though most simply want to hack out a $40 recharge. As with anything automotive, there are also some (quite a few?) sharks out there waiting to tear off both arms and a leg of your wallet. Suggest you collect the experiences of others in your area before you commit to a shop.
 
A/C Updating

Phil Slates input is right on!! I do wonder why we dont't disclose at least the city/town where one resides or works--SoCal covers a very large area--it would certainly add to the value and usefulness of valid service referrals!! Are we afraid of sharing that information on this message board--shyness here doesn't make sense to me.

Steve, owner of D & S auto air is indeed very savvy--has done many of our early cars including the BLUMAX about 14 years ago with the Sanden and other changes--system had been open and therefore needed additional work--system still on Freon and it blows cold--requires recharge every 4-5 years.

Murray aka BLUMAX Costa Mesa, CA
 
I spoke with Steve last week, by the way his phone number has changed to (949) 645-7802. He seems to be very familiar with the A/C needs of the coupe.

As far as my exact location I am in Temecula (southwest Riverside County). So nothing is really close but nothing is too far away. It’s an easy trip to hit anything in Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego or Orange Counties. Even LA or Long Beach is not too bad. Unless you live in a major metropolitan area you have to go where the knowledge is.

Later,
Steve
 
SoCal location

Thank you Steve--if everyone who is asking for service referrals would disclose their city or county in the process--my statement still holds--our responses will be far more relelvant.

As a resident of Temecula do you enjoy driving the 15 & 91?
 
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