I have a 82 RX-7 with an 85 GSL-SE Dash.
I just moved to Phoenix, so I need a REALLY GOOD A/C system.

All the parts I use will be new - so I can do anything I want at this point.
Is just the "standard" 85 A/C setup the way to go or can I do better??

This will not be a stock setup anyway - I will be doing something different with the Condensor.

Any iseas or suggestions?

Steve C

 

Seems like I had seen a forum topic on using a Miata blower motor in a 1st gen, but it's been a long time ago. I think our 1st gen blowers can use a boost in getting air through the ducts. Hopefully, someone will comment with experience on this. We need good AC down here in the South, so I'll be watching on this one.

 

FBs (series 3 anyway) seem to have crappy HVAC systems.

My old SA, though... you didn't even need to have the blower on to have good flow through the vents. Annoyed me to no end because I'd have to turn the fan on to activate the A/C compressor, and fan noise bugs me.

 

Conversely,

I always found the 84/85 A/C systems to work pretty well, since they had 4 speed fan blower.
As opposed to the 81-83 systems, that only had a three speed setup.

However, I do remember that GSl-SE compressors were different than the standard models, and that is what I was most accustomes to. Maybe the compressors are better (or worse?)

 

Well if you want the most efficent system R12 is it. Very expensive but most effective. With a completley new system recommend that you change the receiver drier/expansion valve. Have the system evacuated and recharged by a professional. Recommend that you utilize your stock fan clutch system and add an additional electric fan to come on with the a/c. This is to keep the pressures down with the R134a system. The a/c condenser is not the critical component but the evaporator core that transfers the heat more efficently.
Our evaporator cores are a pretty decent size so R134a with a new compressor should not be a problem. Recommend that you have your windows tinted with a medium to dark tint to lower inside temps.
Make sure you are running the stock temp t-stat and using a 60/40 mix of anti freeze to water. Also get redlines water wetter to allow the coolant to carry off the heat more efficently. Summers in Phoenix can be bruttle.
Also recommend that you wrap the A/c lines with insulation. rx7doctor

 

as long as the A/C takes R-12 because it's far superior to R-134a, R-12 is much cooler, especially if you are in a hot climate. the only down side is the unnecessary high price for the coolant.

 

The correct terminology my fair College student is Refrigerent,lol. The high price is due to the non-production of the refrigerent, This is also happening to R134a right now. It has doubled recently in cost. Even with R12, in Phoenix it's hard to have an eefficent A/c system.
If he follows my advice he will do ok though. rx7doctor

 

IMO the only problem with the S3 system is the lack of blower horsepower, Mazda didn't get that near good enough until the 2nd gen came out.

Other than that the stock R-12 system is the way to go, especially with the extra things rx7doctor mentioned. R-12 is still the best working refrigerant out there.

 

yup. R-12. take my word for it. I do HVACR for a living.

 

but can u get the blower from a 1st gen to go faster. for instance i have a 85 se.

 

air speed, condenser and evaporator design are fine on any RX but everything comes down to the refrigerant.