nikkinutshop wrote: If the C6 was so reliable and cost effective to produce, it would be in production.
What did it in was its size and weight. It had a run from the late 50's early '60's (where it replaced the short lived A-5) until the mid-80's when GM was downsizing everything trying to meet Cafe ratings.
I can't use one on my 3406 Cat because of the length. I might be able to squeeze it in if it swapped positions with the alternator, but that would mean I couldn't fit the Delco 25SI I prefer. As far as cost to produce, it would be low, one of the reasons it lasted so long.
The aluminum body compressors can be die cast so are cheap but can't last anywhere as near long. There are people cloning the A-6, just like they are the 25 si They still have a place because of their good engineering that means they have a very long life and are rebuildable at the end, something the cheap new stuff isn't.
we have gone from expecting things to last to a use it until it breaks, then throw away mentality. People are willing to accept needing a new compressor at 5 years/ 130,000 miles and don't stop to ask why.
The core units I buy off the .net only need freshening up, clean the bores and re-seal. If I get a real bad one, I save it for parts. If I bide my time, I can buy a complete core with clutch for less than a "refurbished" clutch, which just means they trued the surface with a belt sander!
The same hold true for alternators, true, you can buy new cheaper than rebuilt, but the slip-rings are so thin, that the wear out with the 1st set of brushes, where as I can buy a 25 Si and put new bearings in it and have it outlast the engine overhaul. I have 4 now, one for each truck and a spare ready should it be needed.
New and disposable isn't better than old and rebuildable. It may bring more profit for the mfg, but that is not my concern.
BTW the R-4 disaster that GM replaced the A-6 with (flat short and fat) is a prime example of what happens when bean counters rule over engineers. Its 4 cyl "Scotch Yoke" design was notoriously bad.