Is there actually really anything specifically better about the AMK compressor vs Hitachi??

Or is it just that LR switched from Hitachi to AMK at one point so people assume it's an upgrade? All I find is people saying "it's an upgrade" but not one piece of actual info on what's better about it - compression? heat dissipation? pump hours? pump speed?

Cheers!


EDIT: removed first question since I found the answer on my own after I posted .

2008 LR3 HSE - 110k miles

 

No advantage. In fact in many ways the Hitachi is better but only because it is more serviceable/rebuildable. But spec for spec, they are incredibly similar - but different enough that the software switch is needed.

 

They only moved to the AMK because the Hitachi factory was wiped out during the Fukashima tsunami, AMK was already being used by Mercedes and Porsche/VW so i guess it was easier to switch than funding another supplier.

 

sweet thanks, that's about where I was thinking as I tried reading between the lines at the lack of specific reasoning for why AMK was an upgrade (hence the question).

Since I'm at 100k miles I think I'm gonna just splurge on replacing like-for-like (aka Hitachi) and then keep the old one, do the rebuild kit on it, and stash it in the shed for a rainy day.

 

I got a used hitachi and fitted it while i rebuilt my original compressor and kept it under a rear seat, first sign of it playing up i swapped my original back in after 10-12 months - not bad for 17 years old.