AC Condenser - Parallel Flow?

[General Mopars]

So apparently the ac condenser on my heritage brown ‘79 has spring a leak. A quick internet search shows that there are new ones available, and there’s something called parallel flow design which is supposedly superior to OEM. I’m not strong on HVAC knowledge, but that doesn’t mean the claim is false. I do know that radiator technology has improved dramatically since our cars were new, so it stands to reason that the same should apply to condenser technology. I’m of the opinion that with a T-top car, you really want the ac to be as cold as possible. My system has been converted to R134 for whatever that’s worth. Thoughts?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363983235639?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=k2gUAMEjSIC&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=hwxMg-otTXu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[b_hill_86]

Seems to me when I reinstalled my AC, which was a 134a kit containing everything from the evaporator core forward which included a sanden compressor and parallel flow condenser, a parallel flow was preferred with 134a. My understanding is a parallel flow provides more surface area to cool.

https://www.originalair.com/3-reasons-to-upgrade-to-parallel-flow-ac-condensor

[5th T/A]

I have read the parallel flow condensers are better, but I don't have any personal experience. My 1980 TA has been converted to R134, is still running the original condenser and compressor and works great. If my condenser fails, I wouldn't hesitate to replace it with a modern parallel flow one.

[firebirdparts]

This came up earlier, I think in this forum, and it gave me an opportunity to investigate it.  I am well versed in heat exchanger design.  The parallel flow condensers have really tiny tubes, and they have to.  There are like 5 little holes through each flat "tube" you can see.  If they could squash a tube flat enough, that would be reasonably okay, and evidently they are able to do it with multiple flow paths in each structure.



This does improve heat transfer on the condensing side, no doubt, but the main difficulty is actually on the air side.  That is why they use fins; you need them.  I suppose the ability to manufacturer it that way has gotten easier and so now they can do it economically.  If they say it's better, then I don't have any reason to say it's not.  But like I said, the main problems is really putting heat into the air.

[Wallington]

Lobby?

Makes sense to find one if you already need to replace a faulty unit. Mine worked perfectly, but had to pull it apart to remove a section, at least that was my excuse to spend money. I swapped mine over, not gassed up yet, nor would it show any obvious difference anyway. You can only go by what they say. Most would not ship overseas, each shop has their own part number for what is likely the same item.

# AC2270PF

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265989981888

Meant to be a bolt-on fit for Olds/Pontiac versions it fit ok, even when working by yourself and really need a hand not to scratch paint. I was going to swap the factory end brackets over but was more work than I was bothered with. A much lighter and cheaper version of it but does the job. The unit is also lighter. Core is 1" thick which is apparently a lot more than other vehicles using this type of cooler which makes it HD.

Firebird 77-81 AC condenser AC2270PF (1) by Ben, on Flickr

Firebird 77-81 AC condenser AC2270PF (2) by Ben, on Flickr

Firebird AC condensers GM and Parallel-flow AC2270PF (1) by Ben, on Flickr

Firebird AC condensers GM and Parallel-flow AC2270PF (3) by Ben, on Flickr

Firebird AC condensers GM and Parallel-flow AC2270PF (4) by Ben, on Flickr

Firebird AC condensers GM and Parallel-flow AC2270PF (7) by Ben, on Flickr

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

I also believe the parallel flow condensors are better for when converting to R134a, because I've generally heard all the original components, while tolerant of R134a and will still cool, don't work nearly as well with it as they do with the old R12.

[General Mopars]

Thank you all, these replies have been extremely helpful. I ordered a parallel flow condenser,