AC ok in 87-89?

[GaryR]

I'm planning an RSR backdate but want good AC. The last (road) 911 I had was a 93 964 and the AC was great (was R12). As the TRE backdate kits are for pre-90 only, is the earlier AC ok? How about 84-87? I am pretty sure SC AC will require a complete overhaul to be effective. I know overall good/leak free condition is essential either way but I don't want to have it as a separate project if I don't have to.

If it means replacing the main components with modern equivalents so be it, just would like to have an idea up front.

Thanks!

[Barrpete]

If you want good AC in a Carrera you will need to upgrade. Assuming everything was perfect in a stock system it's only so-so.

[rnln]

for a long time I thought 911's ac is simply a piece of S. because I had spent much time and $$ on repairing/recharging without good result. But recently, after reading many successed stories on this board, I gave it another tried and it turn out well. If you expect it to be as well as a modern car's ac, then the answer is no, not even closed. But it can be well enough to survive in SCal summer. On a 100 degree day, it can blow around 60 or 65 at the vent. On 89 degree day, I got around 40+. Some days, I got it down to a little below 40. I am ok with it now, even recharge once every summer.

[GaryR]

Thanks. In the 964 the AC was as good as most modern cars, and I guess I may as well plan on a complete update of all AC components when I build her. Main thing is to get a car that hasn't been hacked up and has everything in place, or I guess I can run with the windows down...

[CrossT]

Even if you spend some $$ on it to get the temp down, there still is woefully insufficient volume.

todd
89 targa

[rnln]

Almost the whole past summer, my 911 AC's temp at the vent is the same or sometimes even better than in my Lexus when it's turn up 3 clicks. But I felt freezing in my Lexus while felt only cold in my 911. I think it is the volumn of air blowing toward you is the key.

[89911]

I think investing in AC in 911's is really a matter of where you live and how much you use your car. If I live in AZ and I'm commuting with it, AC is a must. If you live in CT and you can handle the dozen or so days in the summer when it gets hot, I would leave the AC alone or even remove it. I've had mine out of my 89 for 5 years and it doesn't bother me a bit. Besides, spending more money to add weight and rob power from you sports car just seems counterproductive.

[g_vaxed]

I live in the NorthEast (NY/NJ/CT) and can tell you the
AC in my 993 was used from April to October...

To think that 'someone' paid $47K for my 87 coupe back
then and not get a proper working ventilation system is pathetic.
I will do the upgrades one day though... the point is, I should have to !

One of the main reasons I bought my 993 was because of the superior
AC / Ventilation system. The heat literally comes on it 3-5 minutes.
Defroster works perfect!

[GaryR]

Originally Posted by g_vaxed

I live in the NorthEast (NY/NJ/CT) and can tell you the
AC in my 993 was used from April to October...

To think that 'someone' paid $47K for my 87 coupe back
then and not get a proper working ventilation system is pathetic.
I will do the upgrades one day though... the point is, I should have to !

One of the main reasons I bought my 993 was because of the superior
AC / Ventilation system. The heat literally comes on it 3-5 minutes.
Defroster works perfect!

Funny how people think it's only hot here for 2 weeks mid-summer... It's a simple matter of comfort to me. I'm going to build this car for a fun weekend cruiser, I have a full-out race car and I get no kicks out of flying around on the street anymore, just want a fun street car and my absolute favorite look is a longnose RSR. Had a 997S, couple 964's, been there done that....


Thanks for the replies, anyone happy with an updated AC in a mid-year 911? Figure new compressor, lines, and dryer/condensor (what else?)..

[porschenut]

I grew up in Wilton, CT and it gets downright hot and muggy in the summer months.

To upgrade your A/C, you may need additional condenser units and a better evaporator.