I need to know if the AC condensers (this thing that sits in front of the radiator) are the same across Volvo 700/900 engines. I have a 745 turbo diesel and want to install AC, could I take the condenser off a 960?
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George Holmer, Belgium, Europe, 1987 745 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler (D24TIC/M46) 200k; 1988 745 Turbo Intercooler (B230FT/M46) 290k; 1988 745 GL (B200E/M47) 190k

The 900's with R134 systems (i.e. 1993 and up) definitely have a different condenser than the 740/760s. The early model 900 (1991-92) is probably the same. Check with a dealer or any of the mail-order parts stores- you'll have an answer shortly.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 'Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!'

They are not the same, since the R134 condensers are engineered for that fluid. However, they may all fit the same space. If you removed a compatible system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, tubing, etc.) from one car, whether it be a 740/940/960, you should be OK. Remember that the air plenum, controls, and evaporator are substantially different as well. This would be a major refit project and you will likely need a lot of parts from the donor car.

Cheers, but I am now somewhat unsure. I thought that it was the metal cylinder looking thing on the strut housing that needed replacing for the R134a conversion, not the radiator looking thing at the front. So you are saying that I need to get an R134a condensor or do you call that something else?
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George Holmer, Belgium, Europe, 1987 745 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler (D24TIC/M46) 200k; 1988 745 Turbo Intercooler (B230FT/M46) 290k; 1988 745 GL (B200E/M47) 190k

The receiver/dryer (the silver cylinder near the strut tower) must be replaced either when converting to R134 or after the system has leaked or been opened. It is inexpensive and not a big deal. If the car already has a/c, then you can reuse the existing components when converting to R134 with the exception of this cylinder.