911SC Air Conditioning

I recently purchased a '81 911SC. It has factory air conditioning (older compressor). It seems to have leak in the condenser (in the decklid). I am pretty sure the AC is non functional.
I would appreciate any feedback regarding AC in 911s.`Should I remove it for good? Is there a performance increase with it out? Is the going to be a problem later on anyways? Thanks.

I suspect that removing everything 'practical,' meaning just those engine compartment components, i.e., the compressor and condenser, pluging the hoses to the 'front' of the vehicle, could save 30-40 lbs. If those components are stored plugged-up and covered out of the way in our garage, you could always retrieve them for any future sale, but if you really do rip out everything, in order to save that approximate 200 lb. weight penalty attributed to A/C, it would undoubtedly reduce the resale value of your car. There is no practical way I have ever heard of to remove 'traces' of the installation.

Sure, there is a performance penalty or cost just for hauling around that extra 150-200 lbs. ... even if it is not operating the compressor. And, operating a fully charged system 'eats' 18-20 hp ... or so I have read. The hp drain can be measured with a stopwatch, 0-60, or in a quartermile time, or just in a seat-of-the-pants sensation!

I suspect R-134a conversion is a viable option in the future, if you fix the condenser leak. I don't think, personally, you would want to do anything drastic to preclude doing the 134a conversion in the future to restore functionality to the A/C!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

The AC in my 86 Targa is also non-functional, and I've considered removing it for weight considerations. That would be cool for me, but sure would hurt resale, I'm convinced.

It's already been converted to r-134a, which is certainly a step in the wrong direction - as 134a doesn't do nearly as good a job as our environmentally unfriendly freind Freon does. And, to top it off (ooo, bad pun!) there's a small tear in the rubber of my AC line that leads to the front of the car.

Is there any type of patch I can use for this line, or is it a replacement thing?



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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2

Mark, There are 'special' splice kits for A/C hoses sold by NAPA and other parts houses. Cut the hose squarely at the hole, slip the metal splice in place, and apply the two worm-gear clamps on either side of the splicer piece!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

I don't see what the big deal is about removing at least parts of the air conditioning system, if it is not functioning or if you just don't want/use it.

You can easily remove the compressor, bracket, condensor(s), the lines running from front to rear, and the receiver/dryer bottle on a leisurely Saturday. These items comprise most of the AC system. I can't see how this would hurt resale, because if you ever wanted to sell the car, you could just put it all back on in a few hours.

Brian