A/C question

[DucIt]

I’m looking to buy my first 911, I’ve found an 82 Targa that’s in very good shape, 70K miles with good records. The only problem it didn’t come with factory A/C. A small classic car dealership is selling the car and they received a quote to install it for $5500, I’m in S. Florida and A/C is a must. I would only buy the car and have it installed if it looked factory without extra vents being added. Has anyone installed A/C and had it look factory correct. Were you happy with the outcome. Thank you for any input.

[RSTarga]

call Kuehl, factory a/c is insufficient.

[RNajarian]

If you are handy you can do it yourself. +1 for calling Kuehl

[pavegeno]

Keuhl with two left-rear wheel well condensers was the answer for me in Tampa. Installed in my 1988 back in 2008 and still going strong in the southern Alabama heat and humidity. Best money I ever spent on the 911G. Vent temps in the low 30s.

[DucIt]

I guess my question is does Keuhl use the factor vents? Some of the kits I've seen use added vents under the dash which I don't like the look of.
Thanks.

[pavegeno]

Originally Posted by DucIt

I guess my question is does Keuhl use the factor vents? Some of the kits I've seen use added vents under the dash which I don't like the look of.
Thanks.

https://griffiths.com/mr-ice-project/

[darrin]

Originally Posted by pavegeno

https://griffiths.com/mr-ice-project/

Looks like the Mr. Ice project started with a 911sc that came with AC from the factory. I'm not having any luck finding a post/thread about retrofitting AC into a 911sc that was not delivered with Factory AC -- doesn't mean it can't be done, but sure would be nice to follow somebody else's process.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by pavegeno

Keuhl with two left-rear wheel well condensers was the answer for me in Tampa. Installed in my 1988 back in 2008 and still going strong in the southern Alabama heat and humidity. Best money I ever spent on the 911G. Vent temps in the low 30s.

This!

I drive my 85 911 in the heat. Just back in June, I drove out to Palm Springs, CA area. It was 107 outside and after 11 hours driving due west on I-10 with the sun shining in the windshield right on me, I was getting 37 degree air blown all over me.

The dash was so hot I could not hold my hand on it, and I was totally cool and comfortable.

And I have the 4 condenser hurricane blower, all new hoses, and his variable speed switch, and temp controller with the LEDs to tell me when the compressor is cycling on and off.

His system simply works. Just call Charlie, and describe what your car is, and your goals. His system is expensive, but as you look at each part and read the best instructions you have ever read, you will appreciate the real quality. I have had my system for over 12 years. It just kicks the heat out and make me happy.



On the way back from California, I took a long detour to southern New Mexico. This is the NM Museum of Space History, and International Space Hall of Fame. A really long name for a cool museum. My 911 was parked in full sun at 105 degrees. It was HOT in the car when I got in, about 135 degrees. Within 5 minutes it was blowing wonderful col air and inside of 10 or 15 minutes I was totally cool again. That is the real test of any AC system.

[aoncurly]

Is this car a US spec 911SC? I think all the US spec'd cars came with factory AC and perhaps this car had it removed by a previous owner or are they just getting the system operating? The factory AC would use the existing vents for cooled air with controls in the center console.

[Peter M]

Duclt
To get the performance you want you will need to add extra vents as the standard air vents are insufficient in size. Kuehl sell these as well as all the other upgrades referenced above.

Despite the claims above, most sensible owners drive a modern car on the really hot days.

[GH85Carrera]

Yea, his new center vent to replace the bow-tie is wonderful!

[Mocker]

Originally Posted by Peter M

Despite the claims above, most sensible owners drive a modern car on the really hot days.

Long live insensibility.

[blucille]

I have a 79 ROW SC that never had AC, but it has the center vent for fresh air. The smugglers box has no holes. This winter, I'll be installing the Kuehl AC system that came out of '83 SC

[DucIt]

Originally Posted by aoncurly

Is this car a US spec 911SC? I think all the US spec'd cars came with factory AC and perhaps this car had it removed by a previous owner or are they just getting the system operating? The factory AC would use the existing vents for cooled air with controls in the center console.

I was told by the place selling it, it did’t come with factory air, it doesn’t have controls in the console, no brackets where the compressor would be or anything else that indicates it had A/C but since I’m new at this I could be missing something. Is there a way to verify what the car came with from the factory?

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Peter M

Duclt
To get the performance you want you will need to add extra vents as the standard air vents are insufficient in size. Kuehl sell these as well as all the other upgrades referenced above.

Despite the claims above, most sensible owners drive a modern car on the really hot days.

My more modern car is my daily driver 1986 El Camino with just 381,000 miles that I have owned for 32 years. It has great factory AC. It is not a great highway car for long trips like the 911 is. And the 911 is a lot more fun.

Why be normal??

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by DucIt

$5500, I’m in S. Florida and A/C is a must. I would only buy the car and have it installed if it looked factory without extra vents being added.

The existing stock side air vents in the dash offer minimal airflow. And so the reason for adding the below the dash vents towards the outsides. Yes they stick down and can be a knee knocker but I prefer that option (in Miami) over the stock vents. Makes a significant difference.

$5,500 seems a reasonable installed price but in the end it's all relative to the quality of the system, install, cooling performance, and warranty. If anything is poorly done, the price is too high. You'd do well to speak with Charlie Griffith before getting into this car if AC is a major factor. He knows Porsche 911 AC inside & out.

Nice Targa!

[aoncurly]

Originally Posted by DucIt

I was told by the place selling it, it did’t come with factory air, it doesn’t have controls in the console, no brackets where the compressor would be or anything else that indicates it had A/C but since I’m new at this I could be missing something. Is there a way to verify what the car came with from the factory?

If you can get the VIN number, you should be able to call Porsche North America and have them tell you if your car is US spec or not. Perhaps some members on this forum could also tell you from the VIN. I have my 1981 US spec 911SC original window sticker and it includes "tinted glass, air conditioning" as a standard. Alot of owners do AC-delete and remove everything to save weight or possibly, the original owner requested and paid extra to have the factory delete the AC. A Certificate of Authenticity would show AC-delete as an option, but a certificate runs about $150. IMO, $5500 to install AC is reasonable, but it really depends on what they are including.
As an option, you could decline their installation and have a reputable shop install AC to factory-like installation using upgraded components others have mentioned, but it will probably cost more than $5500, again, depending on what needs to be done.
Also, has a PPI been done? I don't know how reputable the seller is, but you could pay to have a PPI done and they can tell you what was original as far as the AC is concerned as well as other items that may need attention.
That is a nice Targa - I wouldn't wait too long. Good luck!

[DucIt]

Thanks for all the replies. I bought the car and will be installing the AC when I get around to it, I will just drive my truck on really hot days.

[darrin]

congrats! looks like a beautiful targa

[DucIt]

Originally Posted by darrin

congrats! looks like a beautiful targa

Thank you. I joined PP in 2012 and finally got around to getting my first Porsche.