I'm looking at ordering a new HR6 compressor for my '84 SE to replace the original. The system was converted by a GM dealer to 134A in 2005.

Anybody have any current recommendations?

Advance Auto has new HR6 T58251 compressors (5.7") with a lifetime warranty. That seems like a good idea...

There seem to be 4.9" and 5.7" pulleys available from some vendors. What was stock?

I went through the same thing when I got mine, what I figured was that either one. That's why they listed 2 different belts for the AC.

I ordered the T58251 compressor and T33192 Accumulator from Advance Auto Parts. Both have lifetime warranties.
They don't ship over the bridge into Canada, so I'll have to pick them up.
They didn't have an orifice tube but I can get that locally.

It seems for warranties to be valid you need a shop to do the work. Here's a typical disclaimer:

NOTE: In order to ensure that proper warranty credit is issued if needed, the compressor installation instructions must be adhered to. All compressors returned for defect must show proof of purchase of an Orifice Tube/Expansion Valve, Drier, and A/C System Flush or a Work Order showing the purchase of these items and that the system was flushed.

How do guys do their own work without invalidating the warranties?

The cost to have a shop install it is more than the cost of the compressor, if it fails it's cheaper to just replace it, when you figure shop labor rates and shipping to return the compressor.

A/C working again. Woohoo! Here's a pic of the original orifice tube along with some stuff shed by the original compressor:



Pretty nasty eh?

I know it's a different animal, but RockinRoger just replaced the compressor on his Formula with an HR6. The pulley that came on the compressor was too large to allow the installation of one of the mounting bolts, so he had to swap the old pulley onto the new compressor.

Because the compressors and pulleys are used on other vehicles, you also need to check the number of ribs on the pulley, even if it is the right diameter. There's nothing like having to discharge the system and remove the compressor to change out a pulley that shredded the serpentine belt.

My 84's DA6 had a 5.7" pulley. You can use the 4.9 if you also use the shorter belt.

Can also replace the pulley if you want to keep it the same and not using a new design compressor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URqFd3KkSRY

The smaller pulley would turn more revolutions at a given engine RPM than the larger pulley.
How much of a difference would this make on cooling efficiency?

------------------
1984 Indy Fiero

Works better with the Duke since that's a low rpm engine.

I've read that the Fiero system has greater cooling capacity than necessary as the equipment was used on larger sedans etc.
The smaller pulley would put more load on the engine and work the compressor harder. That might be desirable in the southern climates but not necessary elsewhere...