We did talk about it a few other times. The issue is that an electric system requires a lot of electricity which cars like the Prius and others have in some volume. They either run large alternators or notable battery with some impressive amperage.
A regular belt driven compressor does not put much if any drain on the engine when the AC isn't on.
No it does not. The bigger benefit to electric is the packaging
So I should find out Monday how good of a quality these are just received the tracking info on them and will update the thread with photos and pertinent information on them. Took them about a week to produce, but a week’s shipping time each way. Not a terrible wait and hopefully they’ll have them online where they can be produced for anyone else that may need them.
So just to throw another option into this discussion!
Several years ago my parents bought a later model American vehicle with one of those variable compressors. It was problematic from the beginning, and only got worse. When it came time to replace it (after only about 15,000 miles) the cost was ridiculously high. And doing a little research I found this was a extremely common issue. I also found it is common to modify them to lock out the "variable" feature due to it not cooling very well in hot climates. Apparently variable compressors are not very reliable nor effective. However that may not apply to all of them. And yes, it was tied into a "automatic climate control" system that was quite complex and also problematic (I never cared for that either).
I am really having a good time following this thread. Looking forward to the pictures of what you receive.
I'd have to go back and look up the details, but the aftermarket ("universal") condenser I bought for my AC install is significantly larger than the tiny stock one. In fact it is larger than the new aftermarket radiator, which is also much larger than the stock radiator. I think I posted a pic before, I'll see if I have one saved. But the new condenser completely fills the area where the radiator lives in every dimension. The increased radiator size also allows me to use larger electric fans than the stock ones. The fans are another factor in terms of AC efficiency.
These arrived today. I am beyond impressed with the quality. The only thing I question is the use of tubes on the heater core. I wonder how that would impact performance on the heat? I know it should definitely hold up to the pressures. The standoff locations on the evaporator will need some work, but I can work around that with minimal issues. I have to say they packaged these really great! They fit within the box, and I do love on the heater core how they made copper tubes instead of the plastic ones that were used in the original design.
I know I’ve seen a lot of old radiators that looked that way, and I definitely think it may be more durable. I’m glad I chose copper over aluminum. Here is the company information and they’re looking at adding them to their eBay store to make ordering easier.
Thank you for sharing. Nice work finding them and getting those first parts.
Mine were copper too. But the evap had a very tiny pin hole but didn’t want risk where it was at to have it silver soldered up. I had my hc repaired, but they said they could do it I thought that would be good for everyone else as well. I agree with the copper is king statement. If the original lasted 40 years I think it would be smart to go back that way.
It’s extremely hard especially in the joints. Some really really good hvac guys if they keep the heat low and feather it in can make it happen. My neanderthal hands is not good at thatI once tried repairing a tiny hole in a copper AC evap coil (non Fiat application). I researched it, got all the right products, and followed the recommended techniques. Before I could get enough heat for the solder to flow the copper pipe suddenly melted, creating a huge hole.
. As hard as it was to track someone down to make it I found that to be easier. Not to mention that as soon as you fix one area the pressure causes another. The juice wasn’t worth the squeeze in my case the hole was right at the joint.
