AC conversion help needed

[SSLance]

Someone here is well versed in Air Conditioning systems as I recall, I need some help with a few things so I can research exactly all that I need to have.

I'm considering swapping around my front accessories to get the compressor on the passenger side. This will accomplish a few things for me, mainly getting a one piece serp belt for my accessories and getting rid of the leaking ac hoses running across across my engine. Here is my current setup. Sanden 508 style compressor (Chinese from Nostalgic Air) on Alan Grove brackets converted to 134, stock 30 year old hoses and condensor, and a CS 144 alternator.



The system has worked fine for about 5 years since the install, but I believe it can work better.

I can not afford a $1500 complete front runner setup right now, so I need to find a way to do this swap using whatever existing parts I can. I have located a GM style serp setup locally and pretty cheap and brackets that will adapt my sanden style compressor to that system. I have a GM style back for my sanden that I believe will let me route hoses out of the way in a new configuration. I understand that I can pick up a Cutlass G-body style condensor that will have the connections on the passenger side...then all I need to do is fab up some hoses with the right ends on them. I also need to find out if my 144 am alternator will fit onto this accessory bracket or what my choices will be in that regard.

The hoses... Most factory setups use a hard line between the condensor and the dryer...why is this and is that necessary? I notice that most VA setups use all soft lines. Is there anything else I need to know about building a set of one off lines for my new setup? Most stock setups have hard lines off of the compressor also, is this necessary?

The condensor... Originally these were R12 setups, isn't there a different type of condensor that works better for 134 refrigerant and if so what kind and are they available to fit into retrofit applications? Since I may be building custom lines, would it be better for me to just go with a generic condensor (maybe even one with a built in dryer)? Any recommendations here?

Lastly, considering that I'll also be chasing a way to get a better belt wrap on my PS pump...is this all a waste of time? Should I just pull the AC off for this year while I save up for a real front runner setup? I like having AC in my car but I'm struggling with throwing good money after bad or scrapping everything and starting from scratch.

[dontlifttoshift]

Why not run the GM Performance Parts serpentine setup? 12497698 It's like 900 bucks and all new. There are adapter blocks to use the R4 compressor with standard bead lock hoses.

Hardline between the drier and condenser is just packaging, no reason to use or not use one over the other.

With 134A you want a parallel flow condensor.....the biggest one you can package will be the best one for AC performance.

Plenty of belt wrap on the PS pump with the GM setup.

[SSLance]

Part #12497698 is an option I guess, but I still would need to find out if my 144 amp alt would fit in it and also have to pick up the $80 adapter plates to put my Sanden style compressor in it (don't want to go back to an R4 comp). I can't seem to find out which style of PS pump it comes with, but I do like the PS pulley wrap. It looks like a much better option than the take off stock serp setups for sure. Thanks...