964 A/C installation?

[73pcar]

Recognizing the spectrum of impossible to feasible (and then easy to very difficult), I would appreciate hearing thoughts on the installing factory A/C on a non-A/C equipped 964. Obviously first-hand knowledge would be ideal. Thank you.

[Discseven]

I have no idea what 964 config is but azzuming it's set up relatively close to 911, you're looking at getting and installing:

• Rear lid condenser
• Compressor and bracket (need oil specs for new compressor)
• Compressor belt pulley on crank and belt
• Possible rear fender condenser with fan (Kuehl product)
• Entire 40'ish feet of barrier hose with retainers & fittings
• Front condenser
• Front condenser fan
• Receiver/Drier
• Evaporator & blower in smugglers box
• Thermo sensor in evap
• Vents if not existing
• Ducts to vents
• Electrical controls (AC controller) & wiring
• Wiring to power
• Wiring to compressor (and rear fender condenser)
• Wiring to front condenser fan

If you're patient, no problem. PITA if you're not. If AC is all new to you, lots of research is good --- or talk to Charlie at Griffiths Technology, a.k.a. Keuhl. He's best there is for Porsche AC IMHO.

[RedCoupe]

Having an 86 Carera as well as a 964, the AC systems are very, very different, save for the way the compressor mounts to the engine. There is only a single condensor on the 964 that is mounted longitudinally in the LF fender. The trunk is narrower in the 964 to accommodate this as well as a larger oil cooler mounted the same way in the RF fender. There is much less flexible AC hose in the 964, and more hard line. And, finally, the AC controls are integrated with the heater unlike the g-series cars. To add AC to a 964 not originally equipped would likely require a donor car for the myriad of components required, or perhaps a universal system could be adapted by a clever fabricator.

[Jonny H]

We have a 964 version of our 'ElectroCooler' AC kit in development.

It uses the existing blower 'suitcase' which must be retrofitted with a standard 964 evaporator. This is quite a job as it requires removal of the fuel tank and then splitting of the 964 suitcase to fit it. The kit will also use the standard 964 condenser and fan assembly.

Other than that all parts will be provided in the kit including the electric compressor, ECU, hoses, drier and fittings. The compressor will mount in the spare wheel well so you will lose the spare and it will be controlled by the standard CCU (if it is an AC car) or by a separate push button if a non AC car.

The kit is likely to retail around £2500.

Here's a picture of our test mule

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by Jonny H

We have a 964 version of our 'ElectroCooler' AC kit in development.

Not to hyjack on you 73... but on premise that it'd be interesting to hear status on "electric" AC from Jonny....

I've followed some Jonny-posts on electric direction but not all. Can you provide info on where product's at right now? What vent temps are you getting in 90dF ambient?

[RSTarga]

The standard 964 evaporator is prone to leaks. Griffiths makes a more robust unit I think.
I thought AC was standard in 964’s

[kuehl]

Originally Posted by 73pcar

installing factory A/C on a non-A/C equipped 964.

I'd suggest you may want to start with reviewing the Factory parts schematics.
Look at the the Porsche PET, if you do not have one you can go to this SITE and download a pdf version:
https://www.porsche.com/usa/accessoriesandservices/classic/genuineparts/originalpartscatalogue/

Look at section MG8, SG13 and start with Illustration 813-00

Then start contacting various dedicated Porsche salvage yards for the parts.
Compared to a pre 964, to install air, there will be some not difficult but challenging-doable things. In terms of refrigerant hoses or piping, an early 911 is a bit easier because of the rubber hoses, whereas the 964 has a lot of aluminum tubes, some a bit of a pita to ship.

Yes, the project is feasible, a perfect 'winter' project.

Now, if your question was more related to someone buying a 964 without AC compared to one with AC, naturally you'd go for the car that already has AC.

[73pcar]

Thank you all for providing such detailed and helpful responses. So good, in fact, that you've made my decision to NOT pursue a 964 (911) that does not already have a factory unit installed.

[kuehl]

Well..... if you can find a non AC car in great shape at a good value that would more than offset the time and material to install AC, that would be something to ponder.

[Duc Hunter]

Originally Posted by Discseven

Not to hyjack on you 73... but on premise that it'd be interesting to hear status on "electric" AC from Jonny....

I've followed some Jonny-posts on electric direction but not all. Can you provide info on where product's at right now? What vent temps are you getting in 90dF ambient?

Not to speak for Jonny...but I am wrapping up an install of his kit here in Florida, and its been int eh 90's now. Hope too have an update next week on performance, once I finish my install. That said...vent temps are not the issue. As has been said on other threads about his A/C, the REAL issue with 911 A/C is an inability to move enough air over the evaporator to cool the car. The stock system, if memory serves, in a pre 964 911 can only move the equivalent air volume of the interior of our 911's every 2 minutes. his system, using the same vents int eh dash, can do it in 40 seconds. My 2012 BMW X5 never gets vent temps much below 50F at full blower power. Many here would say "thats not a low enough vent temp...." in a 911. But it cools wonderfully b because it moved enough air.

Having installed what I consider the to be the best of the "standard style 911" a/c systems (Retro-Air), and knowing that I can see vent temps in the low 30's easily on that system, I know cool vent temps. After I spun up Jonny's blower I can says blower in my other car would transform it's performance because it can move enough air.

Muy 2 cents, just buy his system and put it in, don't sweat his vent temps vs your or other systems.