Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch availability

[AndrewL]

It looks like my AC clutch is toast. I've searched here and online extensively without finding a definitive answer. I suspect the one listing for a ac clutch compressor to suit a ZR-1 is erroneous because it lists it as being compatible with both base cars and ZR-1's.

Can anyone confirm if the clutch is available separately or do I have to buy a whole compressor to get a new clutch assembly?

Link to the ad which I suspect is erroneous: https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/auto-accessories-of-america-1988-1996-chevrolet-corvette-air-conditioning-a-c-compressor-clutch/

[Z51JEFF]

It looks like my AC clutch is toast. I've searched here and online extensively without finding a definitive answer. I suspect the one listing for a ac clutch compressor to suit a ZR-1 is erroneous because it lists it as being compatible with both base cars and ZR-1's.

Can anyone confirm if the clutch is available separately or do I have to buy a whole compressor to get a new clutch assembly?

Link to the ad which I suspect is erroneous: https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/auto-accessories-of-america-1988-1996-chevrolet-corvette-air-conditioning-a-c-compressor-clutch/
There is some info in regards to the clutch I believe on this site somewhere. This is an issue that's been addressed before so the info is out there. At one point I had planned on getting a spare for my stash. Google A/C clutch ZR-1 and it should pop up.

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

Been barking up this tree for a bit. If I may add to the confusion, from the same site there is a listing in the link below for a clutch that ?fits? 1990 ZR-1s only. To my knowledge, there was no difference in the pulley diameter, connector or clutch design that is different year to year for ZR-1s. Unfortunately, these sites have a lot of help that is not familiar with specialty vehicles within the Corvette brand.

https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/auto-accessories-of-america-1996-chevrolet-corvette-air-conditioner-compressor-clutch/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20602559671&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImvGej76wgwMV0BGtBh16gwHREAQYBSAB EgLSdvD_BwE

[geezer]

AC clutch for base L98 is #10158036. LT5 # is '90 # 10158044 &'91 is #10157970.
Compressor for base L98 '90-'91 is #10135601. LT5 '90-'91 is #10090565.

As per part #'s base & LT5 are not interchangeable?

[Z51JEFF]

I started looking for the clutch and assorted parts a few years ago and got side tracked,I'm on the hunt for a clutch coil if anybody happens to see one. Part number for the coil is 10157969 I believe.

[Z51JEFF]

I just checked ROCK AUTO and they have the clutch assembly.

[AndrewL]

You guys are brilliant.

AC clutch for base L98 is #10158036. LT5 # is '90 # 10158044 &'91 is #10157970.
Compressor for base L98 '90-'91 is #10135601. LT5 '90-'91 is #10090565.

As per part #'s base & LT5 are not interchangeable?

Thank you, finding out the part numbers was next on my to-do list. I appreciate you sharing the information. I'll also email that vendor to let them know their listing is incorrect.

I just checked ROCK AUTO and they have the clutch assembly.

Thanks Jeff, just placed an order for the clutch with them. :cheers:

[-=Jeff=-]

I believe the 1990 Clutch has a different electrical connector than the 91-95, but I could be wrong. I know it changed on the L98 cars my 89 connector and the 1991 connectors for the L98 cars were different

[Z51JEFF]

You guys are brilliant.



Thank you, finding out the part numbers was next on my to-do list. I appreciate you sharing the information. I'll also email that vendor to let them know their listing is incorrect.



Thanks Jeff, just placed an order for the clutch with them. :cheers:

I bought the last GM clutch coil they had.

[1991 Corvette ZR-1]

I just checked ROCK AUTO and they have the clutch assembly.

I see those on RockAuto, but are they for DOHC? I would not think Chevy would allow something like a different AC pulley diameter for an LT5. I have an old screenshot of that same clutch and the old site I got this from stated it fits DOHC compressors as well.

[Z51JEFF]

I see those on RockAuto, but are they for DOHC? I would not think Chevy would allow something like a different AC pulley diameter for an LT5. I have an old screenshot of that same clutch and the old site I got this from stated it fits DOHC compressors as well.

It states the application is for a DOHC 5.7. I bought both the OEM coil and the aftermarket clutch assembly.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

On top of this, Top Flight Automotive has not been any where near Top Flight for me. I had parts on order with them for over 6 months and cancelled my order.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[AndrewL]

I bought the last GM clutch coil they had.

I bought the complete aftermarket clutch assembly they had just so I can drive the car. I'll pick up a spare compressor for the parts shelf soon.

[Z51JEFF]

I just got the GM coil and it's not the same as the coil in the aftermarket clutch. Is it possible that the aftermarket clutch assembly isn't exact as the OEM clutch? Both the aftermarket clutch assembly and the OEM clutch coil I got from ROCKAUTO with part numbers that correspond with LT5 DOHC.

[Z51JEFF]

I also found a new GM part number that supersedes the OEM clutch assembly part number,I didn't note the number put the part shows several places has it in stock at $260 for the OEM clutch assembly.

[-=Jeff=-]

What is the new Part number?

[Z51JEFF]

What is the new Part number?

One of the part numbers is 10243785 which is the OEM clutch package.

[AndrewL]

Updating this thread in case it helps somebody in future.

I bought 4321248 from RockAuto and found I had to modify the clutch in three ways to make it work on my car (hopefully I remember the detail correctly, I did this six months ago and am relying on my photos to prompt my memory):
1. There was a locating lug on the ac compressor which wasn't required and fouled the compressor, so I had to remove it.
2. A locating hole was in the wrong position on the clutch. I rectified this by drilling a locating hole in the required position.
3. The electrical connector was of a different style, so I had to remove the old female connector from my broken clutch and wire it onto the new clutch.

These changes didn't sit well with my OCD, but in lieu of being able to find a plug and play clutch its what I had to do to fix the clutch so I could drive my car.

[AndrewL]

Thought I'd share an update.

Last time I drove my car I noticed a belt squeal on start-up. I finally got some time to investigate, and after checking belt alignment it's pretty obvious that my Rockauto ac clutch pulley sits noticeably further out than the OEM ac clutch pulley. Kind of embarrassing that I didn't notice this straight away.

Unfortunately I tossed the old clutch so have to rely on photos to compare now..

Left is the OEM clutch taken from the drivers side, right is the Rockauto clutch from a similar position. Note the distance from the black compressor bolts to the inside edge of the clutch pulley.

I suspect the RockAuto backing plate that the pulley fits onto is thicker than OEM ZR-1.

Back to the drawing board for a replacement that fits.

[Corvette95]

I just found this site. Was looking for a rebuild for my LT1 compressor - they say can rebuild ANYTHING ... https://automotivebudget.com/products/exotic-vehicle-a-c-compressor-rebuild-service