I've got all new or remanufactured A/c components for my 73 Charger. I emailed Classic Auto Air and they told me if I was running original system to take out the EPR valve on the compressor and add a thermostat. I talked to some veteran mechanics I know and they said using it just how it is shouldn't effect it using R-134a even with the EPR valve still in. I haven't contacted Vintage Auto Air but was going to ask their opinion. Has anyone here run R-134a w/ the RV-2 compressor and kept the EPR valve in and had luck?

I did run for years with EPR... no problem at all.

recently removed just to follow the CAA advice on the website, but not really because I got some problem

The EPR valve (and the stock expansion valve) isn't calibrated for the pressures associated R134a, so you will at best lose efficiency.

The flip side is that the RV2 isn't really designed for the constant cycling it would see if you removed the EPR and went with a thermostat. Premature clutch failure is a very real possibility.

The RV2's are horribly inefficient (not to mention ugly and heavy), and the re-manufactured units are a crap shoot quality wise. The higher pressure require by R134a can blow out the seals and gaskets on one of marginal quality. I highly recommend getting a Sanden compressor (deals can be had on Ebay) and some brackets & hoses from Bouchillon.

Or stick with R-12 as Ma Mopar intended. Last check, price has come way down. I've still got a large stash in my garage.

I've been running one in my car with an RV-2 since 01 and have no problems except when the Expansion Valve stuck but I think that was just fate on a 35 year old car.

Still good today.

I have run on the PURE STOCK AND FACTORY parts ( including hoses untill they broke, but replaced and still working the same ) on my car with R134a and was when I got the best performance from it

in order

replaced the expansion valve, thing changed to worst.

removed the EPR and things remains the same ( like when I replaced the expansion valve )

Can "anyone" buy r-12 now?