nrubenstein

If the Griffith is more durable than the stock unit (which is likely as it has fewer braised joints and no dissimilar metals), it's well worth the premium if you expect to hold on to the car. The evaporator is a pain in the *** to get to.

TexPorsche

I deal with ac systems everyday and less braised joints means less chance for leaks. I am in the process of changing my evap on my wife's cab. I would suggest renting or borrowing a leak detector. As others have said, remove the pollen filter and start checking. You will need some pressure on the system. If your system is flat then a leak detector will not do you any good. Check every mechanical joint, this means removing the drivers side front wheel, checking around the drier, which if you open the system you will need to replace, Condensor etc.

It is a pain to r/r the evaporator, doable but not fun.