installing A/C on 914

[armosrules1]

I would like to install A/C in my 76-914,First is it hard to find everything i need?And is it a hard job ot do. Thanks

[rfuerst911sc]

Hard is relative to your skill set, are you a DIYer ? If yes then it's not that hard. First you have to consider which route to take. You can either gather used OEM parts or buy new aftermarket or a combination of both. I would not use the York compressor it is a boat anchor. I personally don't like the 914 OEM condensor in the front trunk, the huge cutout in the floor just seems like a hack job to me. If I end up adding AC to my GT clone I will use a Sanden compressor with a fan assisted Porsche 993 condensor. I will mount the condensor in the passenger side rear quarter panel in front of the wheel. I will use a Procooler drier and will purchase a modern under dash AC evaporator unit like the hot rod guys use. All that's left is making the hoses and a few electrical items and you would be cool.

[Tobra]

don't do it, when you want it the most, it is worst for motor, 914 is already underpowered enough

[Joe Bob]

Take the top off....

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Installing A/C on a 914 CAN be done, but it really, honestly isnt worth the amount of time and money. You need an engine that produces much more power than the Type 4 to run the compressor.

[74Westy]

I just removed the AC from my 73. I took photos of some of the installation. I still need to remove the compressor from the engine but I do have every piece and an installation manual.

Email me at mjverrilli@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Mike

[zxniner]

Just completed a complete install of AC in my 1974. Did it just like the original, cutting the front trunk and all, except I used all new, current technology parts. Couldn't be happier. Depends on your intended use of the car. Mine is a year-round weekend tourer. It wasn't cheap but I'm no longer a "do it yourselfer." Without labor it probably would have been $1,000 for parts. Of course, I still would have had to take it to a AC shop to charge with refrigerant.

[whartwig]

The 1976 914 that I bought about 6 months ago had a non working airconditioner installed. The tires in the passenger front side wheelwell rubbed one of the two hoses through. I replaced it and charged it and guess what-I have airconditioning in Florida (A necessity for 6 months of the year). I found a description of the installation of the air-conditioner units installed by the dealers somewhere, but have forgotten where. If you have a fax machine I could fax it to you. It is about 20 pages long. There is no web site description in the printout. I did find it on the web so it does exist on the somewhere. There was also a compressor for sale on EBAY last week. Send me your fax number to whimsey@comcast.net and I will see if I can get it to you. Good luck. It is very nice in Florida, but does take some power.

[Idcelr8]

Something you may consider is an idle cut-out for the compressor. These attach to the throttle linkage somewhere and are nothing but a switch that cuts the power to the compressor when you are at idle, such as a traffic light.

The low horsepower of the stock 914 engine is very apparent when an A/C is running. You will not have A/C when you are stopped, but you will not have to set your idle up to compensate for the power drag caused by the compressor.

And if you need the compressor to kick back in you just step on the gas and bring the RPM up.

[mtb001]

i have a/c on 2.0, it will almost kill the engine when sitting at stoplight, is there a way to pick up signal from throttle position switch, to activate relay and open circuit to compressor or would this interfere with fuel injection control at idle position?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

You can get a solenoid valve that allows air to bleed into the manifold from upstream of the throttle when power is applied to it. Use the same wire that engages the AC clutch to open that valve. That should raise the idle when the compressor is on.

--DD