I just attempted this same swap this week, the two heads are totally
different in the bolt pattern. Won't work.

Karl

----- Original Message -----
From: <KENWILFY@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 1999 9:21 AM
Subject: Is There Internal Difference between SD-508 and SD-709 compressor?

> I want to know if anyone knows for sure if there is any internal
differences
> between the two different Vanagon Air Conditioning compressors (SD-508 for
> 83-85 Vanagons and SD-709 for '86 and newer)?  If they are the same
> internally then the only real difference is the "head" of the unit (the
back
> end where the lines connect to the compressor) which can be swapped over.
>
> The reason why I ask this is that I have a nice low priced supplier of new
> SD-508 compressors (I can sell these for $175 new) but I am having a
> difficult time finding a supplier for the SD-709 compressors new (and the
> price would be more expensive if I did).  But if they are the same
internally
> and you can just swap the "head" over then I could offer new compressors
for
> the later model Vanagons at a reasonable price and with excellent
> availability.
>
> I have swapped the head over from a SD-508 compressor to a Rabbit
compressor
> and installed one of these in my '84 Vanagon last year with good results
(its
> really easy as there are no moving parts to deal with).
> Anyone know for sure?
> Ken Wilford
> Van-Again
> John 3:16