air con advice please

[bolt59]

have just looked at a 88 carrera with air con, a bit of a rarity in the uk, could friends across the water please give me your opinions on it, as you seem to have it fitted in a lot more 911,s,many thanks

[GeorgeM]

Pre 964 A/C systems weren't all that great, but if they're working correctly and topped of, they do provide reasonably cool air in below 90 deg F OATs. If the car has been sitting in the hot summer sun for a while, it seems the A/C never catches up.

There are ways to make it better, like the SuperCool system, which runs about $300 for the kit here in the U.S.

Griffiths Technical deals with Porsche A/C systems and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Mine works okay. I just don't drive the car on those super hot summer days.

You can always remove the compressor if you want to save weight.

[Boss]

Based on my experience in Dallas, TX with my 87 I would agree with George's analysis. My A/C will keep the car tolerable when it's over 100F outside IF it has been parked in the shade.

Two things I would add:
Unless the hoses in the system have been replaced with the newer "barrier" style, the A/C will lose about a pound of refrigerant per year. So if you want optimum performance, the system needs to be topped off every spring.

I believe the marginal capacity of the system precludes converting to 134a refrigerant without making other improvements such as a larger/additional condenser.

Hope this helps.

[GeorgeK]

air con in the UK:
1-Remove
2-Enjoy less weight

GeorgeK

[Don Wohlfarth]

In 86 Porsche went to larger vents in the dash that made some improvement on the otherwise marginal a/c.
You may want to check the temperature of the vents with the a/c on high speed and fan on high. Rule of thumb, something close to a 20-25 degree difference from cabin temp.
In the left front wheel well close to the door hinge there is a canister which is the filter/drier. At the top of this canister there are 2 hoses connected to a fitting that looks somewhat like a tee. In the center is a sight glass. It may be behind a plastic cover that keeps it clean. Have someone run the motor about 2-2500 rpm with the a/c on and look at the sight glass. If it looks clear there is either a complete refrigerant charge or the system is completely out of refrigerant. If the a/c cools there is a complete charge. If it looks cloudy or you see bubbles (no, not that Bubbles ) the system is low on charge.

[89911]

We just removed the entire system off an 87. There are so many fittings and hose connections, no wonder the things never worked. Germans know performance, but they don't no airconditioning. It wasn't until Audi starting using GM AC parts that they started getting their cars cool. For the UK, the AC sounds adequate. For me, the windows impair my ability to hear my engine!

[GeorgeM]

I was in error on my post. Not SuperCooler, but Pro Cooler.

I have a couple friends that are enjoying significant improvements in their a/c temperatures.