[goatwgn]

Have any of you used the pro6ten aluminum replacement AC compressor for the A6? My A6 (only my second one in 500000 miles) on my '74 Olds Cutlass Supreme is worn out (making noise), and leaks a little bit out of the front seal. Recently converted back to R12, and it cools well, but I will need a replacement soon, and it seems like a good new A6 isn't easy to come by these days. I love the Sanden compressor on my '66 Tempest Custom wagon (I have an add on under dash unit in that car that will freeze you out of there), and it seems to have no drag on the engine at all compared to the A6. I love the A6 and it's durability, but I am intrigued by the new Sanden based pro6ten and the lower drag. If I get one i am considering painting it black and putting the frigidaire decal on it to make it at least look somewhat stock, as I like the stock appearance. Any feedback and real world experience would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

[69Farburd]

I haven't tried the pro6ten, but am happy with my S6 compressor. They come in aluminum color or painted black. I THINK they come with oil for R12 or 134. I didn't specify when I ordered mine and it came with R134 oil. I had to flush it out and add oil for my R12.

[goatwgn]

Did your S6 bolt right in place of your A6? How do you like the appearance of it? And finally, how is the drag on the engine when you switch it on?

[bsblguy]

I had a pro6ten compressor on my '75 TA and loved it. I believe they are also available in black or were when I bought mine years ago.

[69Farburd]

The S6 bolted right in, no mods necessary. There are some differences in the looks of the S6 from the A6 especially with the cover on the front of the clutch, but I'm not that particular. I got mine in the natural aluminum color by mistake, but like the looks of it with the chrome valve covers and air cleaner top. Do a search online, and you will get a better idea of what they look like.

[goatwgn]

Did you all like the operation of the units? Not a lot of drag when turned on as advertised?

[PontGuy]

The Pro6Ten comes in HP (high pressure) and SH (superheat) versions. Does anyone know the difference and which would be correct on my stock 74 T/A?

[goatwgn]

Originally Posted by PontGuy

The Pro6Ten comes in HP (high pressure) and SH (superheat) versions. Does anyone know the difference and which would be correct on my stock 74 T/A?

My '74 Cutlass uses a "superheat" compressor. I belive your Firebird should have the same. There is a small sensor (switch) on the back with a wire going to it that trips the thermal limiter fuse (clipped to the top of the compressor). I believe most late '72-'76 GM Models used the superheat version.

[Hanks Bird]

In the middle of this swap now, it is a direct bolt in will vac the system tomorrow and charge with R 12 will report back in a couple of days.

[Ben M.]

Just put a Pro6ten compressor in my '73 this past week. Very nice, 38F out the vents with R12. Doesn't load engine anywhere near the way an old A6 used to. Still have to tune carb slightly for the increased load at idle though. I liked that it was a drop in replacement too. The super heat switch just transferred over without issue too.

[goatwgn]

Thanks for the input Ben. I think I am going to do this very soon. How does it look in the engine compartment??

[Ben M.]

I rebuilt the entire AC system.

[indymanjoe]

That looks nice and clean.This is on my winter list.

[69Farburd]

Your Pro6ten looks like the S6 I put on mine. I wonder if they are made by the same company? I think the S6 was less expensive.

[goatwgn]

Originally Posted by Ben M.

I rebuilt the entire AC system.

Looks like you kept the VIR system as well. Cool.

[Ben M.]

Originally Posted by goatwgn

Looks like you kept the VIR system as well. Cool.

Yup. Took everything apart, cleaned, cleaned, cleaned some more, re-sealed the AC firewall box, replaced all the o-rings, new hoses, rebuilt the VIR with new desiccant, filters, and seals, and flushed the heck out of it all before putting the new compressor on. Pumped it down for 90 minutes and it held for 2 days, filled it, and replaced a bad clutch fan. 38F out the vents on a hot and humid day, it's great.

[goatwgn]

Originally Posted by Ben M.

Yup. Took everything apart, cleaned, cleaned, cleaned some more, re-sealed the AC firewall box, replaced all the o-rings, new hoses, rebuilt the VIR with new desiccant, filters, and seals, and flushed the heck out of it all before putting the new compressor on. Pumped it down for 90 minutes and it held for 2 days, filled it, and replaced a bad clutch fan. 38F out the vents on a hot and humid day, it's great.

Cool Thanks for the info. Wanted to keep the VIR. Have a new bag for it. will do that when I change the compressor.