I'm willing to accept that a new ac compressor from the dealer is probably better than a rebuilt one, but I'll never pay that kind of money. That leaves the aftermarket rebuilds.

So: can anyone out there really tell me if there is a bona-fide difference between a so-called cheap rebuild and a good one?

I got curious after NAPA wanted around $220 for a GM R4 type used on my 84 300cd. They said they also had a cheaper one, but it was garbage and they really don't like even offering it for sale. I shopped around at Pep Boys, Auto Zone and Advance Autoparts. I finally bought one at Advance as they were almost the cheapest at $148, but they also had the best price on a reciever dryer to go with it.

The unit is made by Factory Air, a subsidiary of Standard Motor parts. I wrote to them asking what the differences were between units like those NAPA sells and the cheaper ones, etc. Here's what they said:

"We are the supplier to both NAPA and Advance, but their pricing structure is
completely their call once we sell them our compressors. There may be a
difference in services offered by each store that make up some of the
difference in price.

I hope this helps a little.

Thanks for your interest in our product."

Robyn Hartwell
Four Seasons
Communications Manager
972-316-8178



Okay, then, with that out in the open, what the hell am I paying for at NAPA or anywhere else, and what's the difference in the rebuilds if everyone buys them from the same place?

-Gil