Convert/retrofit to R134a or stay R12?

[Kenneth]

Thanks Tony and others for the reponses.

Can you tell me if there is an Audi part number for the parallel flow condenser, or is that an aftermarket type of a change?

Out of curiosity, is the parallel flow any better if retaining an R12 system?

I believe I can take the lines to a hose shop to have them replaced with teflon barrier type, reusing the ends.  Not sure what that would cost.  

Maybe you're saying it will be trouble with the hoses, because you're putting in a completely different condenser with different connection locations, or even connections for that matter?

What about the "variable orifice valve."  It's supposed to be a spring loaded type that compensates for lower compressor output at idle, etc.  Some say it works, other say it's more snake oil.  In concept it sounds good.

I saw two versions of receiver driers.  One had shraeder ports on the sides, the other didn't.  What's the difference other than cost?  The valved one was cheaper, actually.

Thanks!

Kenneth

---- Tony Hoffman <auditony at gmail.com> wrote: 
> You can read day and night about this conversion on the internet. The long
> and short is this:
> 
> 1. The 134A molecules are smaller, so they will leak just a bit through
> your hoses.
> 
> 2. Change the reciever drier (under the raintray cover on the right side of
> your car)
> 
> 3. The factory condensor is of the "serpentine" type, as opposed to the
> parallell setup of the newer cars. 134a does not cool well with serpentine,
> so you should change that over to a paralell flow. I am in the middle of
> this on my 89 100 right now. The hardest thing to deal with is the lines.
> 
> So, unless you are willing to do that, stick with R12 or an R12 substitute.
> 
> HTH,
> Tony
> 
> On Tue, Jun 18, 2013 at 12:38 PM, Kenneth Keith <auditude at cox.net> wrote:
> 
> > I have to replace the compressor on my 200q20v.  Have people had good luck
> > retrofitting to R134a, or is it better to stick with R12?
> >
> > I'm in hot Arizona, so a marginal system is not desirable.
> >
> > I get the impression from initially searching that a retrofit isn't
> > totally terrible.