cinellipro

Apologies if this subject has been excessively covered, but I can't seem to find sufficient discussion about 911s living in hot humid climates. I am considering an above mentioned 911 coupe or targa as a daily driver and the wife has given her thumbs up on the purchase. All it took was sitting her in the driver's seat of an 87.
I know not much can be expected from the AC, but I drive 6 miles each way to work. My real concerns are about potential heat related and reliability issues on the mechanicals.
I found a couple of coupes with just under 100k miles, but with extensive records.
I was hoping to get your experience and wisdom for this newbie.
Thanks and cheers!

sonett43

Buy a 964 or 993 while you still can find a good one....the improved ac will let you enjoy the car with your wife
No amount of upgrades to the ac for a g50 or carrera will make it acceptable in Florida.

Seeeu911

I've had a few Carreras in that age range and lived in Fla for 20 years now. It's very very hard to get them cold enough for a DD. I've replaced every hose, massive condensers in the engine compartment and big drier under front wheel well. there is 40 feet of AC hose in a 911. Many good vendors and parts advertise in Panorama and Excellence.
Pelican Parts if you are a DIY guy is your friend. Also the forum there will have the discussions you are asking about. My son and I made a summer AC project a few years ago and eventually it was very very cold. We replaced 90% of the components. Compressor hoses condensers, all except the switches on the dashboard ! Eventually it was cold Enough to be comfortable to wear a suit for work in Orlando summers. Mechanically the 911 is rock solid. A well maintained car with service records is key. It will be an older car... Things age and need repair, rubber, trim etc. being aircooled I had no problems with overheating in traffic but I was religious about oil changes. Then I drove a 996 and realized for me it was a better DD.

Hunt3R

One time I was driving my 86 911 in the middle of the summer, middle of the afternoon and the sun was cooking everything, and even with the A/C running I was sweating on my seat and I ended up getting stuck in traffic on I-95 between Jacksonville and Orlando because of a wreck. I was just sitting there for like half an hour slowly inching forwards and my temp gauge eventually got close to the upper 2/3 mark (120C) but it never quite hit it. And that was the hottest I ever saw that engine run by far. Typically I worry more about getting the car up to full temp before I get to where I'm going. And with only a 6 mile commute I'd definitely be more worried about the engine not getting hot enough, even in the middle of summer in Florida.

cinellipro

Thank you for your informative responses. I'm okay with a not-so-perfect AC as the car will be in a covered garage at work.
I am a DIY guy wherever possible and a bit of a fanatic about full synthetic oil changes. I had a 914 many years ago and did what I could on that car, but it was in a different climate (California).
I've got my eyes on an 87 coupe with full records at a local dealer. I found this place by chance while taking an alternate route home a few weeks ago. This dealer has over 50 911s in various forms and years, and I'm quite happy to see such a large selection and focus on 911s.
Cheers

rodneyr

I have been talking to a lot of individuals about the A/C in the Carreras and the A/C is not good especially in a warm climate. Even if the A/C is re-done it is only marginal for a few weeks at best.

Bola964

It's very hot down here. Specially now.
Buy yourself a 997 as a daily driver, and eventually a 3.2 as a weekend car.

cinellipro

Practically unbearable heat today. Just left the Biltmore for a Mozart recital with my parents. Father's day. I can see how an anemic AC may be a problem in the long run.

Rico

What is the name of the dealer that has all these 911's?

Bola964

It's probably Lucky Driver. No one I know has more than 10 old cars at any given time down here but them.

theiceman

I just hang out at the collection and lust .. and its air conditioned ..lol then off to Houstons for lusting of a different kind .. although i heard they changed the name ...

cinellipro

The dealer is Luckydriver. Cannot speak about its reputation, but they have the largest collection of 911's I've seen in South Florida. Houstons on Miracle Mile has indeed changed its name, same owner.

Rico

Thx

Ed Hughes

A- You'd be nuts to take an 80's 911 and make it a DD in today's silly pricing games.

B- Dovetailing with the above, I've always found the car feels so much more special on weekends, when having another vehicle as a DD.

C- A 6 mile daily commute would be QUITE hard on the car.

cinellipro

Ed. Are you saying an 80s 911 cannot handle a 6 mile commute because it won't be enough time for the engine and tranny to heat cycle fully, or is it too fragile because of its age?