Houston, we have A/C

RC76 · 05-22-2003, 07:37 AM

Picked up my baby yesterday after getting a new blower motor and freon recharge. I know I probably should have tackeled the blower motor myself, but I didn't have the time or tools; plus I couldn't have my car out of commission for too long. Anyway, picked it up, and the darn thing is blowing hot air, took about 10 -15 minutes before cool air started flowing. After 20-25 minutes it was getting a little cold in there. I guess there is something to the saying that if the 911 is left outside in the heat, don't expect the A/C to come to the rescue. This morning, blowing cold after sitting in the garage all night. Based on this I think I can make it through a Houston summer with the 911, I hope??? Although those 100+ degree days will definitely be a challenge.

Question, does everyone's A/C blower cause a racket when on 3, the highest setting? Thanks.

jmz · jmz's Garage

I couldn't make it through one of our summers w/ anything but a C2 or newer car unless the a/c had been highly improved from stock. I spend alot of time in the car and would have to be wrung out quite often if I depended on a Porsche 911 a/c. Hopefully you have a short drive to work and don't spend alot of time on the road during the day.

masraum · 05-22-2003, 08:20 AM

911 ac is ok if you drive to work and then drive home, but yes, the fan is loud on 3.

scottb · 05-22-2003, 08:56 AM

Don't let your expecations get too high. I recently replaced my compressor and installed barrier hoses. I had the system charged with R12. On a moderately warm day, I get 38 degree vent temps. But, on a warm Southern California day, the best I can do is mid-40s. That may sound cold, but it really isn't when you're sitting in traffic.

Many people have gone with the Performance Aire underbelly condenser. That seems to be the upgrade of choice.

Scott

masraum · 05-22-2003, 08:57 AM

Anyone know what the cost is of one of those underbelly condensors??

scottb · 05-22-2003, 09:12 AM

They're not cheap, but apparently very effective. Check out Performance Aire. I'll probably be having one installed next month.

Scott

88911coupe · 05-22-2003, 11:03 AM

Not sure if Perf. Aire lists prices but the underbelly condensor goes for about $395.

masraum · 05-22-2003, 11:42 AM

Hell, while $400 isn't a drop in the bucket, it doesn't seem that pricey for a tough large condensor, especially if it makes a big improvement on the AC.

RC76 · 05-22-2003, 11:45 AM

Luckily I only live about 20 minutes from work and I am not out during the day. Got one of those office jobs, even though I miss the outdoors sometimes, this is probably the best way to be in Houston. The heat is ridiculous.

On another topic, not in a position to move up to a C2 at this point, so I'll try to stay hydrated and deal with the hot days as best I can. Maybe in a year or so I'll get a primary car w/ A/C, something cheap and reliable. See ya.

rstoll · 05-22-2003, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by scottb
Don't let your expecations get too high. I recently replaced my compressor and installed barrier hoses. I had the system charged with R12. On a moderately warm day, I get 38 degree vent temps. But, on a warm Southern California day, the best I can do is mid-40s. That may sound cold, but it really isn't when you're sitting in traffic.

Many people have gone with the Performance Aire underbelly condenser. That seems to be the upgrade of choice.

Scott

Scott, are you certain your front condensor fan is running??

88911coupe · 05-22-2003, 12:25 PM

Houston is one of the few places worse than Dallas in the summer. My '88 makes a lot of fan noise when on 3...nothing grinding or squealing, just loud air movement. Not sure how good a '76 will be, even performing at its best. Porsche "improved" the a/c in '87 and it's still marginal at best. I am definitely leaning towards the underbelly cond since it seems to have worked for everyone that added it. Do a search and you'll get a lot of info. I have not seen much info on how to improve the airflow, other than removing the bowtie vent. Some have done some substantial work on the tubes running from the evap. but I can't seem to find the posts that went into details.
Maybe someone can find it.

jriera · 05-22-2003, 12:44 PM

Buck, this this thread --> She's back home...With AC!!!!!!!!

from Mark Wilson and his AC 'revamp'

Hope this helps.

88911coupe · 05-22-2003, 12:56 PM

Jordi,
Thanks for the referral...that's good thread but I was actually referring to modifications some guys have made to how the cold air gets blown into the cabin. I also think there are some that have improved the return air vent as well. I can't seem to find this. I am keeping track of all the posters who've done ac work so maybe I'll just PM them and see if they can inform me what they did.
Thanks again,