AC upgrade that works on 81 sc
 

HAs anyone used Retroair or Giffiths, or any other system for that matter? I would consider installing if it can use the same dashboard components - don't want a second dash under the first.

thanks

lots of info out there, do some searches. Does your car already have AC?

https://griffiths.com/porsche/air-conditioning/911-930/mr-ice-project/ MR Ice project for 1982 model

I purchased and installed this kit:

https://griffiths.com/product/911-kuehl-507-compressor-kit-1-replaces-old-york-2/

It works great.

Regards,

mlfox

Your avatar does not denote your location, which, should be the primary
deciding factor, thus delineating your requirements.

I just finished the A/C conversion from R12 to R134 on our '86 3.2 replacing only
the pump, new barrier lines, dryer, and adding a Renn-Aire Hi flow evaporator.

It is not a job, as I found out, for the un-initiated A/C guy.

If you decide to proceed, pm me with your email, & I'll send you some pics.

Best,

Gerry

That is so true. As Bob K. has pointed out in the various a/c threads, vent temps in the 50s on +/- 80 degree days (achievable with a stock-type system in a good state of tune) works great for areas such as Akron OH, but will not do Jack **** here in TexAss! :)

Low 50's with basic charging techniques and R12 filled to factory spec. It was just me doing basic due diligence. Expansion valve, R/D, system clean out,, evap debris removed off of bottom of evap, new oil, vacuum and charge. Later 90's Griffith's Tech Sanden. Pretty stock-type. Did not pull a full "Ronnie" nailing every potential air leak or adding insulation.

Never messed with the thermostat.

I bet high 40's would be possible with some rigor and study.

craigmakes3:

Below is an AC "thread". See post #16. Follow links identified into the value adding posts. It covers a lot of ground.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/823307-my-ac-burns-me-up-help.html

If you can stomach it, read a few other posts in this thread and see what wwest, the bead blasting link poster in your thread had to say. You will understand why it was summarized with Eric's (SilberURS6) work in my post.

I bought a car that had new hoses, compressor and evaporator. I would get 40 degree vent temps on 75 degree days, but they would increase to 65 degrees on 90 plus days. I just added a third condensor from Zims and had the two hoses fabricated, evacuted and charged. I am interested to see how they do on 90 degree days. I had 29 degree vent temps driving home yesterday.

I put in the full Griffeth setup with the two wheel well condensers. I live in the AZ desert where we'll see 120. Up to 105 vent temps can run in the 20's. It only pulls down to 75 degrees when it's 115+. Very happy

A FULL RONNIE... HAHA!

(See you ref'd my AC saga Bob!)

Ronnie does extremely righteous work.

Have you seen his special van? It's sick and a sleeper. Low 12's in the 1/4. Seat bottoms pivot upwards allowing access to staging cell. 18 years to craft. Envious.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1449895575.jpg

Thanks Bob, and you're well on your way to my level of craftsmanship greatness, butt might I suggest that next time, you paint the lettering before drinking your nightly 24-pack?!?!?!

http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/...path-prefix=de

Nobody goes full Ronnie.

Satisfied Griffith's customer here.

From Griffith's:
- dual wheelwell condenser
- compressor
- barrier hoses
- front condenser
- evaporator
- receiver/drier

Other stuff:
- new front condenser fan blower motor + inline fuse
- new fan speed switch
- rear decklid condenser
- OEM evap fan

Didn't get to drive it too much in the hottest part of the summer this year because I didn't get done until around August and I was out of town a lot for work but I have taken a couple of long road trips since then and it gets super cold. Very nice when you're driving an all-black car.

Who's yalls' daddy?!?! Center vents, passenger seat, and headliner . . . upper 90s here in ole' Texass this past summer!!! Getcha suuummmm!!!!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1449648881.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1449649026.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1449649052.jpg

Nice work on evap-ice maker Ronster albeit curious shape on the ice. Must be an old pipe evap.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1449931923.jpg

Retroair
 

Here is a link to my retroair install which I did about this time last year. :cool:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/911-930-turbo-super-charging-forum/842475-retroair-complete-system-my-non-c-car.html

Nice install.

Don't rule our Rennaire. They make some nice kits that cool you off as well. I did parts of their kit of my old 79 and git great vent temps.

More A/C information please....
 

I guess I didn't really give much of a description of what I am trying to do. i have a 81 sc coupe, with a '79 motor. I stripped out everything related to the non-functioning a/c system, so i am looking for an entire system to replace it. I hope to avoid any additional vents, fans,etc., mounted in or under the existing dashboard. I live in New England, which now gets hot as hell in July and August, and is probably more humid than the Southwestern States.

Thanks

Are you saying you didn't keep the parts you stripped out? It would help to understand what needs to be replaced.

If you want better than factory cooling then you need to increase the condensing capacity. There are a few different ways you can do that. Assuming you keep the stock decklid condenser, you can upgrade the front condenser and/or add extra condensers. Griffiths has both a front and rear condenser that mount in the rear driver side wheel well.

Griffiths has everything you need for a complete system,except maybe a rear decklid condenser, if that's what you need. Can't speak for the other companies.

With the '81 you have the tiny slit side vents like my '83. I have an under dash panel so I can't put the extra vent in that connects to the 'bowtie' vent under the dash. I just took the bowtie cover off and it seems fine to me without it.

Talk to Charlie and he can give you a recommendation.

Assume you know his website is Griffiths.com and he goes by Kuehl on Pelican.

I hope you know you're about to spend a boat-load of cash. Starting from scratch is a blank canvas for some, and a very, very deep hole for others.

Phoenix in July is hot as hell. New England is merely obnoxious.

Even if you source used parts it will be well over $1000 if you do all the work yourself.

You may be able to buy a complete used system. Probably the cheapest in the long run if it has integrity. (This kind of purchase can also be your worst nightmare)

Craig,

Maybe these parameters will help you make your decision.
You need integrity for any system, and some performance upgrades.
If we stepped back in time, 1981, and you just purchased your car from a dealer in the summer and drove it off the show room floor with the AC on, you'd turn around and drive it back.

The components you decide on will be your choice. However, designing the right system with the right components (so you don't have to do things twice) requires some thought.

Compressor - a 507 style bolting onto your original York base plate and support brackets. Some suppliers have simple adapter brackets, some provide a set that allows belt tension as well as alignment.

Hoses - barrier stock diameter, pre-cut and with fittings attached and properly orientated.

Drier - new naturally

Evaporator with TEV - there are choices; some are meager improvements and some are max'd out to their best.

Thermostat - get a new one.

Condensers - because of your climate area, it can get hot and humid on the best driving days. Condensers rule!
i) Engine deck lid, I'd suggest reviewing your existing unit, if the tubes and braze joints look good, flush it out and straighten out the fins with tweezers.
ii) Upgrade your front, again like evaporators there are meager and mighty.
iii) You will need more condenser area, hence consider a fender condenser to add on.

Vents and Blower Motors - you an probably get away with improving upon what you have with a simple Kuehl Center Vent. Crank up the blower speed with a better blower motor.

Those are the basics.

Everything you need to know about improving the SC system is mentioned
here: The Mr. Ice Project as well there are plenty of projects found throughout Pelican; one well detailed is A/C Upgrade Project starts tomorrow!

Happy Holidays