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Pros and Cons of AC in 71 Charger

RockyPat

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Hello everyone,

I am looking at buying a complete AC system for my car. An original one meant for big block cars. All of the pulleys and brackets are included.

Before I decide to buy it or not, I figured I would ask FBBO for y’all’s opinions.

What are the pros and cons of having an old AC system hooked up to a 71 Charger 440.

Is it worth it to you guys to go through the extra trouble of getting the AC working to have it?

Thank you all!
 
Pros: cold air is nice.
Cons: it’s too much bulk and weight. I like aftermarket AC much better. Takes up way less space, and les weight.
 
I want A/C in my 72 Charger.
I think I would go new for the same thin R413 said and I think it takes less HP from your motor. Its on my list...just not rite now.
 
If you dont have to work on the car then there are no cons. :D
Only real con in my opinion is that its in the way if you're working in this region.

Yeah theoretically its taking up some power but i doubt that its even noticeable.

I would not want to live without A/C.
Wish they would have offered that (and cruise control) with the hemi cars too...
Guess you can fit an aftermarket unit in those ^^
 
A/C or no A/C??? Always A/C unless you're drag racing. Anytime anyone says A/C adds weight, they only drag race. If you don't drag race, ignore that post. And of your asking about A/C, odds are you don't drag race. The factory compressor is amazing. But I'm running a new sanden w a parallel core condenser that blows steady 38° at the vent in 125° temps. Everything "inside" is stock n Everything under the hood is modern. Doesn't drag the motor down like the old factory did.
 
I am (or will be) building a 71 Charger and I will also be putting in AC but I will be using an aftermarket or more modern system. I always hated the huge factory AC compressors.
 
Way back when a friend had a 70 Charger R/T with AC. That 440 never knew you turned it on.
Install old or new, if you have a new water pump and timing chain you probably wont have to worry about having to move it out of the way for repairs.
 
Pro: Cool air
Con: Clutter under the hood.
Question: you will go with an increased capacity radiator too?

Me: Too much hassle. The pro doesn't outweigh the con. Also, I don't like air conditioning systems in old cars.
 
I am in South Carolina so AC is a must in my cars. Both are original AC cars so restoring the interior parts and using all aftermarket under the hood is how I did it. Plenty of room to work with the small compressors.
 
I am in Georgia, but a/c isn't a must have for me:D. My '70 Charger 383, 4 speed didn't come from the factory with a/c of course, but it had dealership-installed a/c. I removed the knee-capping unit from under the dash along with all the a/c crap in the engine bay. It isn't going back in the car. I still have the removed a/c stuff...taking up space in my garage:rolleyes:.

Oh yeah, my Charger has factory power windows:). That's the only convenience I need. :D
 
I put ac in my 71 Charger non factory ac car. Mine is a small block but I would not hesitate in doing it again. The inside looks like factory ac but that's it. I used vintage air.
 
Factory RV2 system with 134a. Blows 45 degrees.

Sure helps combat the stifling 99% humidity in FL.

Stock 318 in a 3700# car can barely feel it, but does drag the RPMs down.
I'm working on adding a compensation solenoid.

Good move to get all the AC pulleys and brackets together, as matching pulleys from different years and AC/no AC cars is called "pulley hell".

1980's trucks and 5th avenue's had sanden compressors and mounts.
 
Pros: cold air is nice.
Cons: it’s too much bulk and weight. I like aftermarket AC much better. Takes up way less space, and les weight.

Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, I am on a budget that cannot afford a modern system. I went with the original system.
 
I want A/C in my 72 Charger.
I think I would go new for the same thin R413 said and I think it takes less HP from your motor. Its on my list...just not rite now.

Thank you for your reply. I do agree that the modern system is nice, but it is too much $$ for me right now.
 
If you dont have to work on the car then there are no cons. :D
Only real con in my opinion is that its in the way if you're working in this region.

Yeah theoretically its taking up some power but i doubt that its even noticeable.

I would not want to live without A/C.
Wish they would have offered that (and cruise control) with the hemi cars too...
Guess you can fit an aftermarket unit in those ^^

Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it. Good to know that the AC does not get it in the way of things very often. I like cold AC! Lol
 
A/C or no A/C??? Always A/C unless you're drag racing. Anytime anyone says A/C adds weight, they only drag race. If you don't drag race, ignore that post. And of your asking about A/C, odds are you don't drag race. The factory compressor is amazing. But I'm running a new sanden w a parallel core condenser that blows steady 38° at the vent in 125° temps. Everything "inside" is stock n Everything under the hood is modern. Doesn't drag the motor down like the old factory did.


Thanks for letting me know your thoughts. Very helpful stuff. I do not intend to drag race. A modern system, while nice, is too much money for me right now.
 
I am (or will be) building a 71 Charger and I will also be putting in AC but I will be using an aftermarket or more modern system. I always hated the huge factory AC compressors.

Thank you for the comment. Good to know that you will be using AC as well. I like the modern systems, as they perform better and save weight, but they are expensive.
 
Way back when a friend had a 70 Charger R/T with AC. That 440 never knew you turned it on.
Install old or new, if you have a new water pump and timing chain you probably wont have to worry about having to move it out of the way for repairs.

Great to hear that a 440 will not care about the AC system too much. Yeah I get what you are saying with repairs. I plan on doing those things. Thank you.
 
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