Hello, Working on a 70 Challenger 318 w/ factory air. Were installing a warmed up 340 in her and we still want the air conditioning. What's the best kit out there? I want something nice and neat.

I guess the original A/C stuff is gone or is there a reason you can't use it and upgrade to the newer style compressor?

I don't have a whole lot of experience with air condition cars. I'm assuming that they're pretty inefficient? If that's all everyone's doing I'll put a new style compressor on. Is there a part number handy?

'AirTemp' was one of the best...

R12 is hard to come by...(Legally, or illegally)...

134 is on its way out...


I'd be checking with Vintage Air...

Actually the older systems worked fine. The new sanden compressors are better and less power consuming. I believe there are swap kits out there if you look at our site sponsors.

I used a Vintage Air bracket, you can get it from Summit

http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/sublime/Car/AC/Challey_AC.jpg

I used a Sanden 4471 Compressor I got on Ebay.
You can also go to Sanden website and compare all the specs if you find another model. There are MANY choices, but I found a great deal for only $115. The Chineses knock-offs usually sell for $175, and the real Sandens go for $250 or more.

http://www.sanden.com/index.php?productsearch

You will need to splice in the electrical connector, that's the main difference between most of the compressors.

Chrysler in 1970-71 offered an over the counter AC pkge for E-bodies for everything from 340 up to and including 440-6 but not Hemi.
I have access to one of these new over the counter E 340 pkges... includes everything in engine compartment.

Everything is here, but I never bought this system. Maybe someone can chime in on how good classic air is?


http://www.classicautoair.com/MOPAR_OEM_Parts_Engine.html

This is a good link also.


https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...e=0#Post7266781

My experience is with big block systems, but the new systems work really well. They throw out very cold air. Bouchillon, Vintage Air, and Classic Air (and maybe others) make kits for these cars. Every kit has it's pluses and minuses. Look them over and see what you like about them and get the pieces that puts the system in the way you like.

The 2 complaints I hear the most is that guys don't like the empty rear belt groove (looks like something is missing). And the way that the hoses leave the compressor. Again, that is on big blocks. You can get the hoses and ends separate and have them crimped by a hose repair place near home if you don't like the way the kits come.

Lots of choices. Unusual for us Mopar guys.

On mine, I had the OE in car part rebuilt at Classic Auto Air (Florida) and added a Sanden compressor + high efficiency condenser under the hood. Works great. As posted above, the Sanden compressor is compact, light and works well. My setup has the double V belts shared with the compressor and alternator as original (B engine).

I understand the aftermarket in car setups cool very well also... but lack the "fresh air" capability for heat, defrost and mild AC.

I am using a under hood kit from Bouchlon for 9 years now on my 340. All stock inside the car. Uses one belt to drive the compressor. I have used it extensively(it's on all summer in my black car) like in Vegas and Reno when it was 115°. Saved my butt and my wife would not even get close to the car without AC. She don't like the exhaust smell at idle at intersections in my challengers with thru the valance exhaust. Having the windows up with AC on eliminates that issue for her.

Also have a 2 belt drive on my 440 from Bouchlon, which will freeze us out of our gold car, way cooler than a black car.

When we did this car . I was given a mix of Vintage Air ,Bouchillon and Antique Auto Air components

It works flawlessly.

Under dash is Vintage air ( all electronic box and controls )

Under hood is mostly Bouchillon,,with I think the AC lines and hoses are Antique Auto Air . Add in a lot of custom work by me to move things around for the best overall fit to make it 100% removable if the need/desire arise down the road( not likely)

It's a black int with black vinyl top car and the system will get the interior temps in upper 30's / low 40's on a 90 degree day with no problem.

If you can retain the original interior parts you will be way ahead of the swap. Vintage air requires a bunch of under dash rerouting of hoses etc plus control reworking.

I can't think of a reason not to use the orig parts

Something about the "new" compressor makes me want to

I swapped the old iron compressor for the Buchillon sanden setup and love it. It cools much better to me. It's easy to do and not too bad cost wise. Probably one of the best upgrades I have done to my car