That's bullsh!t, $1100 to replace the aircon!!! Jeezus, just buy a second hand one from the wrecker, there not very expensive at all. Better yet, buy my old one, it's in perfect nick, only changed it to an EF one to install serpentine belts. Check the Market section on FF
Even getting a new one, as stated will cost round $600, is still gunna save you around $500 if you install it yourself.
It'd be round $100-$150 to get it regassed
as well, so you shouldn't be looking at more than $200-$300 for a second hand AC, around $700 if it's brand spaankers.
Legally your not allowed to degass the system yourself, but since it's got no gas anyway, it's a simple bolt off old, bolt in new process. I seriously can't justify why they'd charge that much...
For a bit over their quote, i've gotten a brand new EF radiator and AU water pump, second hand EF 110amp alternator in A1 condition, tensioners with new idler pulley, AC compressor, powersteering pump, harmonic balancer, timing case, all necessary brackets and a set of AU thermo fans and all necessary wires, relays and a thermo switch.
All I need to do now is get a custom fitting made for the AC, gas it up, and you've got yourself ALOT more than just a new AC compressor. Obviously this is doing the work yourself, but doing it all this way, it's made me realize how little work is involved, and now i'm alot more aware of whether a mechanic is ripping someone off or not.