When deciding on an AC compressor for your Chevy OBS truck, there's several routes you can go.
Maybe you don’t have to make a choice. Maybe you’re keeping your factory engine and your factory AC system is working just fine.
But, maybe the old GM R4 compressor has been a problem and that’s all you want to change.
Or, maybe you’re creating a 454SS clone and switching compressors seems like a good thing to do at the same time you swap in a Big Block Chevy engine.
Or, you’ve climbed on the LS bandwagon and you have to decide whether you can (or want to) keep the R4 or switch to an aftermarket compressor.
No matter which way you are going, we here at Kwik Performance can help. Unless you aren’t changing anything at all and then we’ll just have to wish you well and move on.
OBS trucks from 1988 through 1995 used the GM R4, sometimes call the “pancake” compressor, and they don’t have the best reputation for longevity, especially units that have been rebuilt. These can be replaced with a Sanden style compressor using a simple adapter kit that lets you keep your original bracket.
The adapter we offer at Kwik Performance mounts the smaller Sanden compressor, the SD7B10 or 7176. We simply call it the “mini”. This compressor has plenty of cooling capacity for anything less than a Suburban.
Let’s say you plan to replace that tired SBC with a healthy BBC, what choices do you have then?
One easy and inexpensive choice is to use our BBC conversion kit which will let your factory SBC serpentine brackets bolt right onto your Big Block. Then you can add the mini compressor kit above and you have a modern, one-belt serpentine system and a modern AC compressor.
Next up would be our full aluminum complete BBC serpentine system. Here, you have a choice between the Sanden “mini” compressor and the larger 508 style Sanden compressor. These brackets come with a good-looking satin finish and will really brighten up your engine bay.
We even have AC compressor brackets for several of the Gen 5 LT engines.
And finally, we have three choices for LS engines—yep, either the mini or the larger 508 style (although we recommend the seven-cylinder version, the SD7H15, or often still called the 709). Plus, if you insist, we even have a bracket that will mount your GM R4 compressor on an LS engine.
So, how do you choose? The answer is, of course, “It depends”.
For example, it depends on which LS engine you choose. An engine with a truck (1999-2013) or 2010-15 Camaro (2010-15) harmonic balancer will accept our “wide mount” bracket with the larger Sanden compressor or our “High & Tight” bracket with the mini compressor. An engine with a Corvette (1997-2013) or F-body (1998-02) Camaro balancer will only accept the wide mount bracket and larger compressor.
The best way to collect all the info you need to make an informed decision is to head over to the main part of our web site. First select which engine you’re using and then examine all the bracket and compressor choices you see outlined there.
Once you've made a decision, we also offer ready-made AC hose kits to adapt any compressor to your OBS truck.
And if you still need some help, just give us a call. We have lots of first-hand OBS experience and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned. 417-955-1467 or email us at info@kwikperf.com.