Boatsonthebrain

Anyone know how complicated/expensive it would be to add A/C to an '80 SC that didn't have it installed originally? Would go with Griffiths or similar for the components but would want the interior controls, etc. to be stock Porsche parts. Would the wiring/relay(s) be a difficult issue? Yes, I'm expecting the 'why would you even want to add a/c' comments
Thanks in advance for any specific thoughts on the difficulty of install.

rusnak

I think the most difficult part would be the electrical side. I don't know if the '80 had any way to compensate for the load on the engine at idle. I'd home in on that question and then work your way down to the switch and clutch. The mechanical side shouldnt be that bad. You might be better off buying a complete AC from a wrecked 911.

Ed Hughes

That is the only way I'd attempt such a project. Griffiths will only have the big/easy stuff. It's all the other unknown/misc. gizmos that will be the pain.

I know you are expecting the questions why.....I'm assuming this is a Euro or a special order US car? To me, the car will lose value adding the A/C.

I drove mine in Dallas for 7 years with no A/C, it is only for wimps. Mine is not a daily driver, though.

Amber Gramps

I can think of several of us that have all the parts sitting in boxes in the garage. the rear deck lid looks so good without all that crap in the way.

Ed Hughes

I'm not so sure. I didn't remove every component affiliated with A/C.

Boatsonthebrain

Thanks for the initial thoughts everyone. The car I'm considering is indeed a Euro model. The asking price gives every indication of the car being at the bottom of the depreciation curve, so I'm not too worried about impacting the value of the car by installing a/c. I am considering the car as a daily driver 90% of the time and, though I live in New England, there are many a spring and summer day where a/c would be a huge plus.

Griffiths sells a stock-looking variable speed evaporator fan control with wiring harness and 'all necessary terminal connectors'. Would I need to take a look at the Porsche wiring diagrams for an '80SC Euro to try to trace the various connections that would need to be added? Seems like a big (expensive) project but, for me, it could be worth it in the end.

What else would I need besides the solenoid(s) and lots of cash?

Amber Gramps

What's in the smugler's box right now? (under the carpet, behind the tire)

What about Rennaire? Have you Priced them out?
All positive feedback on them around here.


http://www.rennaire.com/rennaire_system_1.htm

Everything else can be found at

www.911pcar.com

cal44

What about buying a 911 with air conditioning? There are so many cars for sale I believe the pickins' look pretty good. I have air in my 911 and couldn't car less...........I never use it.

Amber Gramps

Did I say she's a lister worth looking at?

theiceman

..okay ... moving right along ......

Even cars that had air conditioning in that era realy are still functional and effective today. If you bought one with AC I doubt it would work ,, ususally they say " refreshed Ac ' which means it is leaking like a seive and I recharged it to sell it but it won't work in about a week.
But I do think the most effective way is to get a hold of someone ( i think there are even a few on this list ) that have completely removed everything for the weight gain , now you have a KIT to start with and you can replace in the kit what you need to get it going.

Boatsonthebrain

Took me a minute to remember what question I had in the first place after seeing Douglas' post. Anyway, does anyone know if there was a different wiring harness for the A/C models vs non? If so, I'm guessing it might be a more difficult proposition even if I had a 'kit' from another 911 to start with.

rusnak

It's just wires. Nothing magical about adding AC. If you don't have one, get a Bentley manual and study the wiring diagrams, both power and ground.

To do this, you should put pencil to paper, and draw out the ac system components and power supply. You should understand this in your own "plan view" before buying components. Get a parts list together, then start placing WTB ads and call um, the hot chick to check prices.

To me, the hardest part will be all the connectors and stuff for the compressor, the temp probe in the evaporator, temp switch, resistor pack that controls the evaporator, etc. Like I said, you should buy a complete system from someone who "backdated" their 911 and would like to be paid some cash for the stuff. If a used parts dealer can box up everything that you need, then that convenience is worth something too.

I forgot to mention, I believe the Griffiths fan eliminates the resitor pack, but you'd have to check on that. I'd avoid the high dollar boutique solutions unless you can't get the Porsche stuff, or if the high dollar stuff solves a problem that you've run into. You have to buy a lot of stuff as it is, what with the condensers, two fans, switch, evaporator, reciever dryer, compressor and mounting bracket, and all of that hose. Makes my head hurt just thinking about it.

TT Oversteer

Shorts, tank top, flip flops, open windows. Save yourself the $$ and the heartache. It's a Rube Goldberg system with many parts that was made to work (not very well) on a car that was never designed to have AC in the first place. Just my .02 after removing my whole system.