AC upgrade-the removal process

rfuerst911sc · 12-30-2004, 10:51 AM

As some of you know I am upgrading my AC on my 83SC.Today I started by removing everything,the rear condensor,the evaporator,the receiver drier and all the lines.I am a one man show so it took me about 5 hours but it wasn't too bad but a lift would have been nice.Tomorrow I am going to install the underbelly condensor I purchased off ebay,it is a unit made by Sahar Industries it looks just like the unit Performance Aire sells,I got it for $250.00 and it includes 2 barrier hoses.I believe I am going to install a condensor with a fan in the drivers side rear wheelwell as the 1st condensor,then plumb to the underbelly and then on to the oem front condensor,I do believe this will keep up with Florida weather.I am going to replace all the seals on the evaporator box and the expansion valve and receiver drier,then have all the hoses made with barrier type hose locally.I am debating on staying with R12,Duracool or R134A.I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.The previous owner had already installed a Sanden condensor so I'm good there.

rfuerst911sc · 12-30-2004, 10:54 AM

I meant Sanden compressor,too many beers !!!

scottb · 12-30-2004, 12:21 PM

I'm interested in the Sahar Condenser. Can you post some pics before you install it in the car?

dmarv · 12-30-2004, 02:15 PM

Here is my 2 cents about refrigerant. R-12 works the best, but is not the cheapest and future availability may be and issue down the road.

R-134 requires a larger condensing area and/or more airflow to condense than R-12. It also has slightly higher head pressures than R-12. You are adding condensing area so the first point may be mitigated and the Sanden compressor can handle the higher head pressure without a problem.

Duracool, and other R-12 replacements, work great. I would refer you to my post in your first question regarding flare to o-ring adapters. A couple of points I would like to make about replacements, they are designed as replacements, not "top off" chemicals. Do not add replacements to a system, change the entire system if you use them. Last, make sure the warranty of your components will still be valid if alternate refrigerant is used. The makers of the components I sell will only warranty their product if R-12 or R-134a is used PERIOD. I have had compressors returned to me by the manufactures because replacement refrigerants were used.

rfuerst911sc · 12-30-2004, 03:37 PM

scottb I will post some pics of the condensor tomorrow.It appears to be a very nice unit and quite rugged in its construction.

rfuerst911sc · 12-31-2004, 11:16 AM

Here are 2 pics I took this morning before I installed the unit.It measures 14 x 48 x1" plus thick,it is a very stout unit and the fins I believe are stainless steel(and sharp).The unit fit fine,it took my son and I about an hour once we had the car in the air and on jackstands.We fiddled with various locations under the car until we found the perfect spot where everything seemed to line up bracket wise.It also came with 2 heavy duty "skid" bars that mount under the unit,I believe these are to protect the fins in case you hit like a speed bump,these bars will contact the obstruction before the fins or tubes will.Also just like the Performance Aire unit the forward most tube is a single tube and hollow,it is not used to carry refrigerant,it is designed to take a impact and protect the tubes behind it that are carrying refrigerant.Overall I am very happy on the construction,fit etc.I am still debating on whether I need more than this unit and the front oem fan assisted unit,I know Jack Olsen is running that same setup with R134A I believe and he's happy with the performance.

jbrinkley · 12:37 PM

please keep us posted, this re-do is next on my list. I think it got hotter in louisiana just because I got a 911.

edit, I got something else to say, I'm glad loren isn't in the AC industry. My wife just popped another cork, happy new year!

Hugh R · 12-31-2004, 03:13 PM

Do a search on Jim Sims on the board. He is very knowledgable. Jim says if you use the replacements, they don't carry the refrigerant oil throughout the system and that you should add in a few ounces of R-134a oil to the system before you charge it.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

That is a nice looking unit! Was there a part number or anything like that on it? Perhaps the rest of us could get one of the local SoCal guys to go to Sahar Industries (LA) and talk to them about a group buy.

Erakad · Erakad's Garage

This is at the top of my list too...keep waffling between a driver side front fender and the unit you have. However, I'd like to do away with all the remaining condensors. Keep up the play-by-play!

12-31-2004, 05:38 PM

rfuerst, can you post contact info for sahar industries?
thx

rfuerst911sc · 12-31-2004, 06:01 PM

I don't have any contact imfo on Sahar Industries as I purchased this unit used on e-bay,however when I was doing my research before purchasing the unit I searched on the web and found that they are located in California.I have never seen the Performance Aire unit in person just pics but I believe this unit is just as rugged and will perform well.I will continue to post updates as I make them.I'll probably be idle for a few weeks as I gather all the other bits and pieces to complete the upgrade.In regards to a model number or part number the unit I purchased only has a tag on it saying Sahar Industries,but I'm sure if you call them they probably only make one model this size.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Yes, for once, it is just what you would expect it to be:
http://www.saharindustries.com

rfuerst911sc · 01-01-2005, 10:58 AM

Today I finally made up my mind to order the additional ac condensor from MTG Inc. in N.J.,they are a limo parts vendor and they have a 2 row condensor that measures 141/2 wide by 12 high by 11/2 thick,with the 11 inch fan it measures 4 inch thick,this will fit nicely in the drivers side rear wheelwell behind the tire.Yes I'm aware it's hot back there with the exhaust but with a 11 inch fan plus the underbelly condensor and the front oem condensor I'm not worried.The part number is AC-8041 for those that are interested.Also placed an order with ACKits for a new expansion valve,receiver drier,a small bottle of Nylog and a generic o-ring kit,all the parts I ordered are for o-ring fittings rather than the flare fittings.I'm guessing I'll have the parts in about a week and then I can start fabbing mounting brackets for the rear condensor and then start making new barrier hoses,stay tuned !!!