Can the generic parallel flow upgrade condenser that installs on a 5spd S4, be used on an auto 85 S3?

I wont have a chance to peek at the two units until later in the week, I thought I would ask here.

And..given that I am replacing at a minimum the compressor with a new one on hand, and rebuilding the two soft lines off the compressor, and changing all the Orings that I have already in stock at home...and the proper A/C cleaning solvent and injection system..I will likely swap over to R134 as well.

 

Since the 85 has a separate trans cooler up front (not the one on top of the condensor like the s4's) I would think the new parallel flow should fit up there.

I did all that...but I stayed with R-12....system still working perfectly after 3 plus years.

P.S..get a new expansion valve wyait..and new dryer etc..

 

Oh ya..I have those as well, sorry..fergot.

The drawings differ slightly in the top hose connection, and where the drier mounts.

 

I recall them being very different at the connections.

 

If you are converting to r 134- Sams Club has 30 lb cylinders of r 134 for $ 87.-- Works out to about
around $2 something if you figure it by the can.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/johnsen...-lbs/156595.ip

 

You can pretty much hack anything to fit if you have the time and resources.

If you just want a drop in solution this will work:

Condenser Upgrade

 

^^^ what he said. i added a S4 condenser to my 81, and many does it work! BUT, i had to use a later headlight motor (due to how the headlight arm swings and hits the condenser).. and that was not "super hard" but i had to add a later headlight relay as well. just get the upgrade for your year.

 

OUch...group buy options?

;-)

 

I dont recall paying anywhere near that for the later 5spd parallel unit...

 

You know the earlier sharks had a serpentine condenser

 

And they say the inflation (minus food and fuel), CPI and cost-of-living numbers haven't changed... Last year I bought the same cylinder there for $75. Still a great buy. Here in now-sunny Oregon, it's tougher to find a Sam's Club than when we were in Cali. Buying cylinders here is probably tougher too; the HVAC contractor raised his eyebrows a lot when he saw the AC stuff in the garage. "Got a license?" he quizzed. He had a tough time getting his arms around the idea that someone would know how to do this AC stuff, and would do it for free for the 928 friends. Apparently the trade here is extremely, um, protective.

 

Took the system all apart this eve.

All I Orings were in good shape, except the top condensor one, it was crusty..and the condensor was maybe showing signs of oil under it.

Will get it wrapped up over the next two evenings.

I need to look up what oil and how much to put into the new compressor I have for the car.