To A/C or not to A/C...

[Brian 162]

I replaced all my lines, repaired both condensors, and the evaporator and I hardly ever use it.

[Hugh R]

Replaced lines, put in bigger condensor fans (under the tail), switched to R134a and I get low 30s on a 100 degree day in LA.

[MOMO3.2]

It all started so innocently. I pulled the compressor out of my engine bay.

That lead to the removal of the entire A/C system, then the "HI FI" system, then the entire interior, then the engine lid replacement, then the manual sport seats, center console, jack, spare, 13.5lb battery, Momo Steering Wheel, Bilstein Sports, 9" Fuchs...Whew!

Carrera 3.2 - 375lbs = FAST!

Mike

[schoward]

$2-3K for R134 full re-do which will likely need to be charged every year unless barrier hoses are used (and then who knows if/how much longer it will last.)

Did this on my 81 and enjoy it (achieved 30s vent temps) but skip it if in Massachusetts. Not enough bang for bucks, recharge $ and maintenance $.

[Elu]

I posted a long posting on my A/C rebuild. I live in New Mexico and if you don't have an A/C here in the summer you will fry. Even with the windows down on a 100 degree day it's miserable. The straight answer on the cold issue is yes, you can make it blow cold. I have to keep mine on low because I get way too cold with it on medium or high. I installed a new compressor, barrier hoses, and I only have the one condenser on the trunk lid and I installed (2) electric fans that pull air from the outside into the engine compartment and I attached them to the clutch on the compressor. And I have a pro-cooler and that's it. Nothing fancy, no extra hoses and I use R134. I really can see no reason to have to have (3) condensers and all that mumbo jumbo crap. Use your head and don't listen to what everyone says. You can have an A/C that works without issue. I spent about $1500 on the stuff and did the work myself.

Good luck!

[1fastredsc]

Roll down the windows and put your right foot to the floor. It's an ac system called 270, 2 windows, 70mph

[aquaregia]

I live in Dubai and my old 911sc targa does not have ac, drive it all year around even in 4o plus degree heat, thought about fitting AC but it would not work effectively and ad weight and drain bhp.
I would not bother.

[brendon]

If your current sytem is complete and not leaking you may want to try this route: http://www.redtek.com/products_refr.html It appears to be an upgrade option that doesn't require all the new parts like an R134a conersion, and supposedly cools better than R12; at least that's what I got from their propaganda on that link.

Someone else posted this link here a few weeks ago. I have no idea on how well this stuff works but is relatively cheap so might be worth a try.

[Emission]

Originally posted by aquaregia
I live in Dubai and my old 911sc targa does not have ac, drive it all year around even in 4o plus degree heat, thought about fitting AC but it would not work effectively and ad weight and drain bhp.
I would not bother.

Welcome to the board!

I guess if you can survive Dubai, I can survive the "heat" of Southern California!

[89911]

I hear the devil himself has gutted his 911 of it's AC!

[Jim Sims]

"I hear the devil himself has gutted his 911 of it's AC!"

If you can get hotter than hell you can cool a portion of hell.

[sand_man]

Originally posted by brendon
If your current sytem is complete and not leaking you may want to try this route: http://www.redtek.com/products_refr.html It appears to be an upgrade option that doesn't require all the new parts like an R134a conersion, and supposedly cools better than R12; at least that's what I got from their propaganda on that link.

Someone else posted this link here a few weeks ago. I have no idea on how well this stuff works but is relatively cheap so might be worth a try.

Interesting, indeed...

[Jim Sims]

From an earlier post:

REDTEK is a hydrocarbon refrigerant replacement; it is flammable and it will provide good cooling. However I do not recommend the use of these types of flammable refrigerants. People forget why they have not been used in the past - they are dangerous if used incorrectly. I'm fully expecting to read about uninformed and/or short-cut prone mechanics and DIY consumers blowing the hoses or heads off compressors when they charge a system full of air with a refrigerant such as REDTEK. Even without a spark, the heat of compression (think diesel engine) will ignite the air and hydrocarbon refrigerant mixture and can result in an explosion. Most manufacturers of automotive A/C components and systems will consider their warranties void if you use these types of replacement refrigerants.

If you elect to use REDTEK or something like it (again I don't recommend using them) ensure you have a leak tight and fully evacuated (40 micron vacuum with a real refrigeration vacuum pump) system.

[Elu]

Jim....good point.

[Jastx]

tedder,

My experience is similar to Elu. I upgraded the parts and it works great now, comparable to modern systems in temperature at the vents. For me in Dallas, it makes a great difference, but it cost more than $300 for parts, did labor myself.

With your '86 you have the big side vents. If you get a competent A/C guy to pull vacuum to make sure you're not leaking and replace with R12 (if it hasn't already been changed to R134) you'll get reasonable cool, especially in MA. A fellow Porsche enthusiast who had also done A/C for a living did mine. He told me leaks can commonly occur at the cheap valves on the compressor (you can replace them) and at another seal on the compressor at the clutch. Start with a checkup to see where you are.

Personally, I don't think removing the A/C is a good idea to preserve the value of your car, but that's up to you.

[msk1986911]

Tedder:

What will you be doing with the excess and absolutely worthless parts? I might be interested in the front blower.

MK

[SpecCarrera]

I decided to commit to keeping my Targa for a long time and got rid of the a/c and the lower resale value-- it wasn't charged when I bought the car, it's a Targa-- I just take off the top-- wasn't that bad last weekend at Coachella... (except for my starter buggin out!) car has a bit more power, and better air flow to the added 930 tail...

[SpecCarrera]

I decided to commit to keeping my Targa for a long time and got rid of the a/c and the lower resale value-- it wasn't charged when I bought the car, it's a Targa-- I just take off the top-- wasn't that bad last weekend at Coachella... (except for my starter buggin out!) car has a bit more power, and better air flow to the added 930 tail... an orange 911 is using my removed system in Florida where it makes sense....