Freon vs R154A air conditioner fluid

Compressor has gone to heaven in my 87 Carrera. Should I switch to the new air conditioning fluid now or refill with freon. Is the air conditioning ok with 154a or do you really need the freon for adequate cooling.What about an extra condenser. Is that worth doing?
Thanks, Val

Your car rolled out of the factory with R12 refrigerant in its system, most folks you might ask will recommend you stay with it. The more modern 134A refrigerant will have less cooling capacity and runs at a higher head pressure. The higher pressures could make your aging system spring a leak. As far as the future of R12, my guess is as soon as the supply of the no longer in production R12 runs out, the industry will magically invent a drop in replacement. Also, most Porsche AC experts will recommend the addition of an under car condensor, they run right under the floor pan and add a significant amount of capacity to the condensor system. As always, ensure the folks doing you AC work never run your AC with the engine cover up, no airflow through the condensor makes head pressure skyrocket and you'll spring a very expensive leak.

[This message has been edited by troy (edited 08-08-1999).]

I replaced the coolant in my GMC vehicle due to price considerations. The old coolant was four times the price of the new. Since I had to buy a compressor anyways, the extra parts ended up being about even to do the trade.

The results were very good. The air coming out was VERY cold. It was well worth the conversion.

Just my $.02 worth.



[This message has been edited by mikez (edited 08-09-1999).]