So here is my delema, I pulled all the A/C stuff out of the engine compartmant of the wagon. and plan on pulling the interior stuff soon. I eventually want to replace it with a vintage air system. currently the front of the wagon sits about 1-2 inches higher than the rear. ( rear tire tucks in about 1 inch) I want it is sit even. I don't want to replace the front springs with shorter ones if it will drop farther once I install the aftermarket A/C. Now if I could afford a air ride system I wouldn't be asking this. LOL Tim
I see you haven't received any responses yet, so I'll give it a shot. I don't know any weight specs for certain, but as an educated guess from working with OEM and Aftermarket systems, I would guess there is about a 20-30lb difference, max. Aftermarket being the lighter of the two. I really don't think that would be enough to affect your spring choice either way. The main weight difference is between the original A6 compressor and aftermarket compressors (usually Sanden). The A6 IS a heavy beast. There will likely be less than 10lb difference in the air handler on the firewall, hose assemblies and the condenser. You could reduce the weight a good bit by replacing the A6 compressor with a Sanden based Pro6Ten, if the weight difference is a big concern. Much easier than swapping out the whole system. Personally, I believe the OEM system works much better than any aftermarket system when it is done roght. The air handling aspect is certainly better. Hope this helps BTW, if you do totally delete the OEM system, be nice to it as you remove it. There's a lot of folks looking for those parts that would love to have yours if they arent trashed.
I can only comment on the compressors: I can pick a Sanden 508 up with one hand no problem, I struggle to carry the original A6 with both arms. Definitely a HUGE weight difference.
I just had a sanden installed - I agree with Mike from TA (and Mike, thanks for the tour last March) - there is a significant difference - when the installer put in the sanden, he was able to do so with one hand. And, although you didn't ask, there is a significant difference in the amount of parasitic hp loss when the compressor turns on. buickstaged
Buickstaged, can you post up a picture of your set up as there seems to be a lack of available mounting solutions for the Buick motors. Tim
I will post a picture in the next day so - this is "Back to the Fifties" weekend in Minneapolis/St. Paul - so I am planning on being involved in that........If you are in the immediate area of Minnesota - I have a guy that converted my 70 and was very reasonable. Let me know and I will give the info if you are interested. Buickstaged
Here are the pictures of the AC - the make of the unit is sanden. Nipponso (sp) also makes one - after the set-up, the temp at the dash is 39 degrees. I am quite happy with the unit itself. If you do your own - my suggestion is to set them on end, side by side to make sure you get the clocking correct. This unit obviously can be painted as well - that was not an issue to me, hence no paint. Regards and hope this help. Buickstaged.
