Static A/C Condenser Question
 

For those of you using the Performance Aire static underbelly condenser:

Is it just a parallel flow condenser strapped to the underside? I saw folks quoting ~$400 for this unit but I see universal paralllel flow condensers for ~$150 all over the net:

http://www.acsource.com/product.asp?0=212&1=254&3=130

Am I missing something here or can a DIYer buy one of these and save a few hundred bucks?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/pflow1.jpg

The Performance Aire under car unit is of much more robust construction as it has to be able to absorb reasonable damage from road debris. I suspect a standard parallel flow condenser would not "live long" in under car mounting service. Cheers, Jim

If you think the less-expensive condenser could bear the weight of lifting your entire car on it, then go for it. ;)

The Performance Aire condenser is incredibly strong. Considering its exposure to the outside world, it has to be.

I didn't really consider the car on the lift thing. I've never had it on a lift in the last 6 years but I suppose that is a consideration. I'm guessing the PA condenser is not made of aluminum then? Or is it just heavily fortified?

The PA unit is reputed to be "bulletproof." Completely different construction when compared to a conventional condenser.

Yes, the fins that would normally be made out of something like brass or aluminum are steel. And the lift example is just to demonstrate its strength (rather than something you'd do on a regular basis). But you will get hit with rocks and debris, down there, and I've even slammed into one particularly aggressive speed bump with mine. It took the hit just fine.

A/C condensers must withstand fairly high internal pressures (~300 psi) and have excellent thermal transfer properties. It's placement in the underbelly of a 911 is not the ideal location but the best given the alternate locations available. Still, this is not ideal as it now must be robust enough to withstand hits from road objects (are you guys using this to lift the car too?). If it's made of steel for strength, it's not going to transfer as much heat as a structurally weaker, but much better aluminum one.

I think a generic aluminum condenser is worth a try. Make it as big as will fit, but install it with enough screening and protection from hard objects while allowing adquate airflow.

MHO,
Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

Sherwood,
That's kinda what I was leaning toward. The 19.5 x 30.5 shown above goes for $130. I'm guessing I could add a screen over it (just like Porsche did with the up front OEM unit). I really have no need to lift the car using the condenser.
Thanks

Eric,

Did you ever complete this mod?