1965 365hp AC

[Larry M.]

Was air conditioning available in 1965 on the 327-365hp engine? Thanks.....

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

Was air conditioning available in 1965 on the 327-365hp engine? Thanks.....

Sure was . With or without transistor ignition. IIRC, that was the last Chev engine with air cond. and solid lifters until the 1972 LT1.

[William C.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

Yes, it was. All engines except FI and 396. A real '65 setup has many unique features especially in the compressor case making a replacement easy to spot generally. Has a rather large pulley on the compressor to limit compressor RPM.

[Domenic T.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

William,
You may have educated me about the case in another post a while back but can you tell us again what the difference is on the outer case.

I seem to have only 2 different versions of the casses in the shop and it is in the crimping to size it for the seal.

I do see a difference in the pistons as the ones that are believed to be true vette compressors had dished pistons instead of flat tops when I rebuilt them.

DOM

[William C.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

Early compressors have a swedged area where the diameter was changed toward the front of the compressor. Later cases have a welded two piece construction with the weld seam visible. If you have a copy of Dobbins "Fact Book"of the '63-67 Sting Ray, page 39 shows a '63 compressor with the swedged area toward the front of the case, easily seen where the diametrer changes , page 157 and 150 show the same view of the '66 and later style case with the welded section. (Look for the flat narrow section just to the rear of the front mounting flange, and compare it to the picture on page 39) Easy to see at 10 feet away if you know what the early case looks like.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

Dom -- here's a pic of the two cases; one on RH is earlier type (swaged to front bracket) whereas the later type has a circumferential crimp.

You can see swage better on this '65 L76 VIN 03651, as well as the large pulley.

[Norris W.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

To be clear, was the large pulley unique to the 365 or would the L79 with AC have had it also?

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

To be clear, was the large pulley unique to the 365 or would the L79 with AC have had it also?

Good question, and one that's bugged me for several years. According the '65 TIM&JG, 5th ed., categorically NO. "base, L75 and L79 had 5_3/4" outside diameter compressor pulley". Only the L76 had the 6_3/8" O.D..

Yet if high rev's were the determining factor, you could also order 4.56 rear ratio in the L79 (as in the L76, L78 and L84), at least until (say) March 1965, at which point GM dropped availability for the 350hp.

Hopefully, those with original L79 C60 cars can comment.

[William C.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

I believe the issue was peak compressor RPM as opposed to sustained RPM. The RPO numbers you have showed with the exception of the large-pulley L76 were not available with A/C. I have always heard the explanation that the Compressor RPM overspeed was the issue, so the rear axle ratio is not an issue, and as A/C was not available on two of the three mentioned, the L76 really is the only question.

[Domenic T.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

William & wayne,
Thanks, That's what I learned about the casses on the previous post and wanted to make sure that was the only difference.

I am in the process of finding a company to make the metal rings as I am out of them and the other rebuilders are admitting that if they go into the inner works they have to use the old rings.

I was sent a compressor that was rebuilt and still in their box and found nothing replaced or cleaned in the guts of the unit.

I am finding out that the ring manufactures do not make small rings and am looking for a company that will make them that is in this Country.

DOM

[James W.]

Re: 1965 365hp AC

Good question, and one that's bugged me for several years. According the '65 TIM&JG, 5th ed., categorically NO. "base, L75 and L79 had 5_3/4" outside diameter compressor pulley". Only the L76 had the 6_3/8" O.D..

Yet if high rev's were the determining factor, you could also order 4.56 rear ratio in the L79 (as in the L76, L78 and L84), at least until (say) March 1965, at which point GM dropped availability for the 350hp.

Hopefully, those with original L79 C60 cars can comment.

Here's a picture of my late production 220XX, L79 with factory a/c equipped '65 showing the 5-3/4" OD compressor pulley. I'd like to have the unit rebuilt but if the parts are not available I guess I'll wait a while.

Regards,

James West