R134a A/C upgrade question

955i911sc · 01-23-2005, 09:12 AM

I am restoring my 81 Targa, the A/C was inop when I got it. The compresssor compresses no more.... question is are the hoses and lines on the car compatible with pag-oil as used in R-134a systems or will I need to replace all the hoses and the o-rings or will a complete system flush do?

If not then I could cetainly put those big dollars to use someplace else for now. The weight loss is substantial as well as the clutter factor reduction. Heat backdating will be done as well.

In short my resto-goals are mild weight loss and performance/handling gains, reliablity increases/ mostly street driving with the occasional track event with

Thomas Owen · 01-23-2005, 09:53 AM

Do a search on a/c repair and replacement. On this Board, we have covered everything from a complete removal to all sorts of modifications. And I mean all sorts...Depending on the hoses you have, it may be best to replace them before going any further. The hoses and fittings can be supplied by a number of sources, and new compressor can be fitted and off to a shop you go. You must realize that you may not see the vent temperatures you hope for living in Arizona.
Get some ideas about what you hope to accomplish with the a/c, besides just saying 'it works'. It needs to be effective and sometimes that take modifications.
Look for posts by 'Jim Sims' and 'a/c', or send him a PM. He is very knowledgeable about what can be expected from the stock a/c and what can be done to make it somewhat functional.
Good luck -

rfuerst911sc · 01-23-2005, 04:17 PM

In my opinion you will not be happy with the stock AC components and running R134A,not enough condensor area to cool properly.If you are planning on R134A you better plan on adding an additional condensor and I would replace the lines with barrier hose,the R134A molecule is smaller in size than the R12 and will leak quicker,however it is cheap so refilling is not too painfull.You also should change out the receiver drier and the expansion valve.

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

Change the compressor to a sanden, or seiki seiko and use R12 in lieu of R134a. R 12 may cost a little bit more, but it worth it.

955i911sc · 01-23-2005, 05:24 PM

Thanks for the info and advise, today I found the front condensor trashed from battery acid, pan is okay, the reciver drier is surely done by now, the front condensor blower motor is eaten... the evap fan is noisey and will probably lock up soon...... The engine is out, all the suspension is off anyway so I guess I have finally answered my own question.... all is removed and piled up in the garage. The money required to make it all funtion will have to wait, I will put the expense into good suspension bit and upgrades... Luckily my car was optioned with Bilstien`s... A/C another time as it will not be a daily commuter anyway.