To remove A/C or not?

teamfee3 · teamfee3's Garage

I'm new to the forum and have an '86 Carrera Coupe with factory AC that does not currently function and that I would not use if it did. Beyond the obvious benefits of removal (weight, power, simplier) would it hurt resale value if it had non-functioning AC on the car vs. removed in a box. It's a clean 78K car that I am going to use everyday for a while and eventually buy another everyday car. I will periodically Auto-X and track it.

Resale matters because I really wanted, and will end up with, an '87-89 or long nose car, or likely a conversion project, but this one was too nice to pass up.

ossiblue · 12-06-2008, 09:38 AM

My opinion only. Since you are indeed going to sell the car in the (apparently) near future, I'd keep the AC installed. The weight will affect your track times (I presume) but the hp drag will not because the clutch is not engaging the compressor. If you want to be safe, just remove the belt to the compressor. To reach a happy compromise, you may wish to just remove the compressor and evaporator from the engine compartment--save weight and they are easy to reinstall before you decide to sell.

I think having a factory AC helps in resale, even if it doesn't work. Keep as many doors open to potential buyers as possible and fixing an AC is much cheaper and easier than reinstalling the components.

BTW, your car looks truly great. I can see why you just couldn't pass it up.

Zef · Zef's Garage

+ 1...if you plan to sell the car...keep it installed.

the · 12-06-2008, 11:06 AM

Removed in a box AC = no AC at all for resale purposes.

GBG1000 · 12-06-2008, 11:23 AM

+1

Wow- nice looking car!

porschenut · 12-06-2008, 11:25 AM

It depends on why it's not functioning. If it can be fixed just by replacing a component such as the compressor or clutch, then it's obviously worth more on the car than in a box.

The key is how much money it's going to cost the next owner to get the A/C working. If it costs more to reinstall the parts, leave it in the car. If it will cost the same or more to get it working (e.g., replacing all the hoses is a lot of labor), then it shouldn't make much difference. I say leave it in the car just to be safe. The next owner will prefer it that way.

A big deal is made on these boards about reducing weight. Will knocking 1 second off of your lap time be worth the hassle and probable loss of resale value? My advice is just have fun on the track and forget about lap times. 60 lbs. isn't going to make any difference in how the car feels. If you want to save 60 lbs., remove 7 gallons of gas from your tank.

the · 12-06-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porschenut

The key is how much money it's going to cost the next owner to get the A/C working.

Actually, it's how much money the next potential owner thinks it is going to cost to get the AC working.

That's why the ads always say "Just needs a freon charge!"

kodioneill · kodioneill's Garage

black car no ac = hot car

carlosR · 12-06-2008, 12:07 PM

Your car is a beauty. I'm thinking about the same thing for my 77 911S but I think I will remove the compressor so I have more room in the engine bay. If/when I sell this car it's in the box in the trunk if they want it.

canamfan · canamfan's Garage

Ohhhh, keep that sweet car looking they way it does, real sweet, don't remove the "working a/c"!!!! my opinon, if I was shopping around for a 911 like that one, I would pay extra for "working a/c", just my opinion

MOMO3.2 · 12-06-2008, 12:17 PM

Yes, very nice looking Carrera. I would DEFINITELY keep the A/C in there.

Mike

Hesse James · 12-06-2008, 12:52 PM

Nice car! Don't forget to list here when you want to sell

best regards

Heiko

Wickd89 · 12-06-2008, 01:05 PM

Nothing like a black Carrera. Great looking car.

++1 on keeping compressor in a box, and leave everything else in place.

Noel · 12-06-2008, 06:00 PM

The current economic conditions will have more of a negative impact on the resale than removing the A/C, in my opinion.

the · 12-06-2008, 06:03 PM

So, I guess the conclusion is keep the AC, but remove the current economic conditions.

spence88mph · 12-06-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

So, I guess the conclusion is keep the AC, but remove the current economic conditions.

hehehe, what a gorgeous car! I just removed my compressor and the mount for it which was foolish as it leaves a big hole in the engine tin and will be a ***** to get back on. My vote, remove the compressor (not it's mount) and lid condenser, will save you a fair wack of weight, the compressor is very heavy.

911st · 12-06-2008, 07:41 PM

It would only save you about 45 lbs.

86 is a great car. It has uprated rear springs and biger ft and rr sway bars. The seat is lowered for more head room. And, it weighs 100lbs less than a 87-89 G50.

Keep the 915 car. Take the spare, jack, compressor out of the trunk and fit a light weight battery for 100 lb savings.

Slip a cat bypass or pre muffler in it, sport muffler, and SW chip for a 2700 v 2900 lb car and about 230-250hp.

If you are going to turbo a car, get a G50.

Noel · 12-07-2008, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911st

It would only save you about 45 lbs.

Excellent point on the weight. There is less weight to a 84-89 A/C system than with the SCs systems. I weighed all components from my system at it was about 80lbs.

KFC911 · 12-07-2008, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the

So, I guess the conclusion is keep the AC, but remove the current economic conditions.

Hmmm...my AC is in a box, and the economy is in a coffin. Coincidence, or should I immediately reinstall my AC as my patriotic duty to help the country recover?

KFC911 · 12-07-2008, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teamfee3

I'm new to the forum and have an '86 Carrera Coupe with factory AC that does not currently function and that I would not use if it did. Beyond the obvious benefits of removal (weight, power, simplier) would it hurt resale value if it had non-functioning AC on the car vs. removed in a box. It's a clean 78K car that I am going to use everyday for a while and eventually buy another everyday car. I will periodically Auto-X and track it.

Resale matters because I really wanted, and will end up with, an '87-89 or long nose car, or likely a conversion project, but this one was too nice to pass up...

Given you've already purchased a NICE Carrera, I personally would not even consider selling it for the purposes of acquiring a G50. If you do intend to sell it however, keep the AC. I removed mine completely from a pristine example, but resale is not part of the equation that I was concerned with. Welcome, and nice car!