89 Speedster/ Adding AC ?

ken davis · 05-13-2007, 08:37 AM

Hey guys,

Question: I am restoring my 89 speedster which I have since new. I drove for 10 years and the moved to an area where I needed a larger/heavier duty vehicle. I am now at the end of a repaint/re-interior and top etc...looking great. The car did not come with air and I had a thought last night about adding A/C because of the souther ca. heat.

a) how hard and costly would it be

b) would it impead the already underpowered every day nature of the car when not running

c) are the part readily available...

again I am just a lowly owner and not very well versed as to the mechanicals...have just loved the car since day 1 and never tire of looking at it...any info would be great...thanks kenkdavis5474@aol.com

the · 05-13-2007, 08:54 AM

"So. Cal. heat"??? What, like those dry, 80 degree days?

0-60 in the high 5s or low 6s is underpowered?

ken davis · 05-13-2007, 09:04 AM

ooh a bit terse no....many days here well in the 90's and in the summer the valley gets well into the 100's... the car is underpowered in my opinion...actually probably more the tranny set I up I think...but as I said I'm just a driver not a gear head...the car is slow in many situatiions IMHO...remember I have owned it and drivin it (unlike most 89 speedsters/hence the restoration work) since 89-90

the · 05-13-2007, 09:42 AM

just giving you a hard time on the so cal weather that everyone else is jealous of.

All the parts are available for the AC system, but if you're not a DIY'er, I think it would be really expensive to put in a factory '89 AC system in it, starting from total scratch.

The best way would probably be a combination of new and used parts, for example, used brackets, switches, wiring, etc. But to pay a shop to pull all that together for you is likely to be expensive. And to buy all new factory parts, every little switch, bracket, etc. and have a pro do the install would likely be some ungodly number.

It would add some weight, but with the AC off, the compressor just freewheels and doesn't suck any power. With the AC off, I don't think you'd notice any performance difference. I went the other way from you, removed my entire AC system, and I didn't feel any performance difference.

Miguel Antonett · 05-13-2007, 05:51 PM

Too much trouble. Sale it to me...

BigMan_99 · BigMan_99's Garage

Not to be nasty but "underpowered"? Having spent the last two years driving mine quite regularly I've never thought of it as underpowered. Maybe compared to a 997 or rice rocket I guess. Maybe it's all that wind in my hair thing or the stupid ass grin I have on my face after every drive but underpowered?

Seriously, mine doesn't have A/C either but as the said, adding it would be very expensive and complicated. I agree with Miguel, sell it to him and buy a nice Turbo with A/C. If restored properly you would have lots of change left over for some real go fast bits.

aigel · aigel's Garage

It would be a major hassle and would have to be more than just a stock retrofit to work properly. I would not do it, especially on a car that's a collector's item. It would require to cut the body and bolt to it. It will make the car slower, as it weighs about 75 pounds all together. I would just drive when it's cool and not worry about it.

George

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

compressor, lines, dual condensors, receiver/drier, expansion valve, evaporator/blower unit, brackets, , etc. - $2500 minimum plus labor to install. 10 hours? maybe another grand. 20 hours? 2 grand. i'm thinking 3.5 -4.5k roughly for all new parts, but not aftermarket.

ken davis · 05-14-2007, 06:20 AM

Great info...thanks guys.....

carnutzzz · 05-14-2007, 06:30 AM

You'd be better off selling it and buying one with AC.

Now might be a good time to get it on a dyno and make sure all of the horses are there. A compression test couldn't hurt either.

I agree- these cars can feel a bit anemic unless you are really winding it out.

Wickd89 · 05-14-2007, 06:50 AM

Agree with Bigman.

Fix it, sell it, and get a Turbo cab for the same price. You'll get more power and the AC.

I would keep the speedster. Do not need AC with the top down anyways. ..... Juste need AC for the top up and why would you use it in this mode given the option........

ken davis · 05-14-2007, 07:13 AM

I would never sell the speedster...thats why I have had it since 89'...it's a special car visually at least...thats why i'm restoring it at great expense I might add....

I'm convinced...its will remain non A/C...

BigMan_99 · BigMan_99's Garage

Good call ken...

wolf · 05-14-2007, 09:06 AM

kycarguy 935 · 05-14-2007, 03:14 PM

My buddy added A/C to his non-A/C 89 Speedster in 1991 in Orange County. He paid $2,000.00 back then for everything installed from and independent Porsche shop. 16 years later the labor prices and parts prices are a lot more to be sure. I would porbably keep it non A/C also.