AC or no AC - that is the question

[cantdrv55]

For the guys who've removed their AC, was there an increase in hp? Or, did you remove the AC for easier access to everything on the right side. I bought the car with no AC compressor or condenser but there are hoses, rcv/dryer and the small component in the smuggler's box. I'm wondering if my car will feel sluggish if I reinstall and use the AC. Thanks.

[yelcab1]

Chris,

Take it off.

[aigel]

Does it still blow "cold"? If so, leave it in until it breaks, then out with the garbage. You live in the SF bay. You don't need a/c.

I have pulled mine and am amazed at the patchwork of the retrofit Porsche did. Remember that they had to put it in for customer satisfaction, but the car was never designed with a/c in mind. Also, a/c systems in Germay were very uncommon at the time. I think they even had a lack of expertise. Certain rules of physics are also challenged, e.g. by the mile long a/c lines going from the front of the car all the way to the back.

George

[KobaltBlau]

It won't feel sluggish. it doesn't even weigh that much. if yours isn't on the car though it will take a bit of work to get installed and going.

[EdT82SC]

More HP? Doubtful. Better acceleration due to less weight? I think my car felt a tiny bit faster. The compressor belt was disconnected for years, but all the AC components were still in the car. I took everything out one afternoon. I didn't weigh it all but I hear it's 65-70 pounds. On my SC that's conservatively 2.5% weight loss. So theoretically it should go 2.5% faster.

[clevy70911T]

I doubt it blows cold without the compressor I took mine out after hearing about it's "marginal at best" performance. I might regret it this summer for a few days, but I sold my coupe for a targa. The belt was off, so I figured it was toast. I recently found an inspection in the receipts from the previous year stating it was functioning fine. I would wait and see how this summer goes before making a decision. Plenty of compressors for sale here and on Ebay if you decide you want to reinstall it. I'm kinda in the same situation, but I plan on having the top off most of the time.

Originally posted by aigel
Does it still blow "cold"? If so, leave it in until it breaks, then out with the garbage. You live in the SF bay. You don't need a/c.
George

[ruf-porsche]

Only reason why I brought my current Porsche was the fact that it was A/C. My previous PORSCHE a 74 911 Coupe didn't have A/C and my two Lotus don't have A/C. Since the Porsche is my summer car, I wanted one with A/C.

Nothing like driving the PORSCHE with the top off and the A/C blasting away on a nice summer day.

[oneblueyedog]

AC in- in Texas. I've restored my system to a Seiko Sekki compressor and all new barrier lines. Charged 6 years back with R-12, it hasn't needed a charge yet.

The new compressor is less bulky and probably lighter than the York. RPM at idle drops about 50 rpm.

Maintenance wise- 4 bolts and remove the belt and drape over the protected fender.

Women passengers like it.

[drl911]

I can confirm the total system weighs ~70lbs. Somewhat PIA to remove the long hoses, but they are a significant part of the total weight.

Another not so minor point is how much more room there is in the engine compartment.

[JBO]

The famed Peter Zimmerman on Rennlist is selling his SC as he decided he can't stand another summer with no A/C. I would not have bought one without A/C, though I don't use it much at all. If you live in a warm climate and have to drive the car during the heat of the day, it can be unbearable without A/C, and ruin the driving pleasure.

[ruf-porsche]

Originally posted by oneblueyedog
AC in- in Texas. I've restored my system to a Seiko Sekki compressor and all new barrier lines. Charged 6 years back with R-12, it hasn't needed a charge yet.

The new compressor is less bulky and probably lighter than the York. RPM at idle drops about 50 rpm.

Maintenance wise- 4 bolts and remove the belt and drape over the protected fender.

Women passengers like it.

Hey oneblueyedog

Did you use the old fan belt when you switch to a seiki seiko compressor or did you have to get a different length belt.

[djmcmath]

"Weight is the direct enemy of speed." Accelerating more quickly, cornering harder, and stopping faster are all direct functions of the mass of the car. 70lbs may not seem like much now, but then you'll get lightweight seats, and replace the factory sound damping, and pull the bumper-pads off, and pretty quick you'll have a real lightweight. Then, the difference will be obvious. My first drive without all the extra junk was amazing -- the difference was so obvious I was stunned.

Dan

[juanbenae]

chris, i have my old compressor if you want it. it never worked in my car, but then again i took it out within weeks of getting the car in the middle of winter. its yours if you feel it would work.

my reason? all that you metion. access, weight, and if i am in my car i am feeling cool even if its hot.....

[84porsche]

I could understand if you have a coupe, more of a need for A/C but a Targa or a Cab, no real need for it at least in CA. I have used my A/C twice since I have had the car. Usually when it is exceptionally hot, I drive the other car with A/C because the Porsche engine tends to get exceptionally hot with no cool air or open roads (traffic) to keep the engine cool.

[vash]

chris i have seen you drive. get the AC....just kidding.

i have to admit, if/when the time comes when my AC is blowing plain ole wind, it is going to be a tough decision on whether to upgrade the system or put it into a box. i love taking roadtrips to far away cafes and oyster bars at the ends of twisty roads. and it is more comfy for the ladies. and any 911 will eventually make you deaf driving with the windows down all the time. i see people with earplugs all the time. if you are not going to buy that SS aircompressor, i am gonna buy it when i get back.

[cantdrv55]

Thanks for the replies everyone. My wife helped me decide. I'm getting AC.

Toby, thanks for the offer on your compressor. I'm going to pick up a Seiko-Seiki today or this weekend.

If today is any indication how hot it's going to be this summer I'm going to need AC. Driving in the Sacarmento heat w/o it is nuts.

[no substitute]

The Seiki may not be the panacea you hope for. There is an article on AC that works in a past issue of Excellence, somewhere in the past year. If you go after a rotary compressor, make sure it is rotary and not a piston type made by a different manufacturer.