I just have a question about a/c units.

Somebody is selling me all that is needed to put a/c in my car. He is gutting a 97 cavalier and I need it for my 98 sunfire. Just wondering if the parts are the same between those years. Also could you give me a list if everything needed just in case I forget something. Also how big of a job is it to install the a/c any help is appreciated.

First off you need a compressor, condensor, evaportor and a metering device ( usually found in the line, usually in the high pressure liquid line and between the no name line). You need a total of four lines, discharge, suction, liguid, and no name, and all the fittings. You also need to find a way to mount all of them where they should go.
Also either the reciever drier or accumlator whatever the car should have. You also need all the wiring for it. You need to fit the compressor on the engine somehow and have the belt run off of fit, so you need a bigger belt to the one for cars with A/C. Also all the controls inside the car need to be changed.

I dont know about the PCM, see it uses weather or not the A/C is on to determine engine load, which in turn decides how much fuel to dump in the engine. Not sure if your current one would work. Also the cooling fan needs to turn on when the A/C is on to help with engine cooling, not sure how that would work out though.

Finally a shop must charge the system for you, it takes a special machine to do, to make sure there is no air or moisture in the system.

Have fun, didnt think it was that complex did you?




- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

The computer controls the pulse width of the compressor clutch, running the engine when the a/c is on, and turning on the rad fan, so he might need his pcm reprogrammed.

And fyi, we have an orafice tube and accumulator.

cool thanks for all the info I did know it was going to be a bit complex but its a good deal for all the parts so if worse comes to worse and it doesn't work out I'll just sell everything.