You can buy a new Denso compressor on Ebay (made in Japan) for $309 shipped or a re-manufactured one for $209. Search for Jensen Auto. I just replaced my compressor with a new one ... I figured the extra $100 was worth it. Vacuuming the system right now, hopefully I'll feel some cold air soon.
If you do the work yourself, Autozone loans out vacuum pumps for free (deposit required) so that'll save you ~$100.
Good Luck
