oth evaporators and heater
cores have a dramatic
affect on the comfort level
inside a Corvette. Another
thing they have in com-
mon is that their replacement is a job
many owners dread. Fortunately, each can
be replaced separately at different times
because there is very little labor overlap
for these procedures in a C3. Part 1 showed
heater core replacement and restoring the
effective operation of the heater box and
ducts. Part 2 details the replacement of
the evaporator, which some Corvette own-
ers—particularly those of us in southern
states—may argue is more important than
the heater core.BY JOHN PFANSTIEHL (^) I PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE AUTHOR
Core Values – Part 2
[ TECH]
Replacing the evaporator can be easier
than replacing the heater core on many
C3s. Disconnecting the VIR (Valves-In-
Receiver assembly), which was used from
1973-’77 (early), can be the toughest part
of the job. But even then, take some con-
solation that this job is much easier than
on many late-model cars and trucks. As
an example, some European luxury cars
require four full days of shop labor to
replace their evaporators.
If your car has a VIR, one modifica-
tion that makes this job so much easier
is to install a VIR replacement kit. Your
C3’s air conditioning is then converted to
an orifice tube system like most modern
A/C systems. An orifice tube system is
much simpler and easier to work on. Plus,
an orifice tube can be selected (or easily
changed) for the inexpensive and read-
ily available R-134a refrigerant. If that’s the
route you decide to go, it’s recommended
to install a modern, efficient compressor
that is designed for cycling at the same
time. (The compressor is cycled on and off
while driving in an orifice tube system.)
Grab your wrenches and some Zen, and
let’s replace a C3 evaporator.VETTE
Source
Corvette Central
(800) 345-4122
http://www.corvettecentral.com
Replacing the C3 Heater Core and Evaporator
22 VETTE 19.07