Convert/retrofit to R134a or stay R12?

[Tony Hoffman]

Aftermarket, make it fit sort of arangement.

Yes, parallel is better for R12 as well, but since R12 is more efficient,
it's less necessary. My guess is, it was cheaper to make a serpentine
condensor years ago, so that's what they used. Basically one long tube
folded over and over, as opposed to seperate tubes soldered to end tanks.

Yes, barrier type. If doing that, the conversion is much easier, though
more involved/time consuming.

Yes, the new condensor is a completely different design, different
connections, etc.

I"ve heard good things about the variable oriface tubes, but never used
one.

No difference other than cost. I'd buy the one with the schrader ports.

HTH,
Tony

On Tue, Jun 18, 2013 at 1:28 PM, Kenneth <auditude at cox.net> wrote:

> 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.