V2Rocket

anyone ever have luck using a smaller ac condensor? the one i have is the 944 original and it has taken a real beating from rocks and 70mph bees. the hardlines that run in front of the drivers side of the condenser are also in the way for some stuff.

does the condenser really need to be so big? if so, can someone point me in the direction of a condenser that would fit decently well and have better line connections? thanks

fortysixandtwo

If you reduce the condenser size, expect to have reduced air conditioning performance.

Arominus

^^^^ what he said, Id be reluctant to shrink the condenser size especially if you have converted to 134a.

V2Rocket

are late style condensers any different than early? iirc they arent but who knows

Mike C.

I don't know about the later cars but the early ones use old tube&fin construction which isn't up to modern standards for performance per unit frontal area. Modern auto AC systems use a parallel flow condenser design which is more efficient/has greater heat transfer area... So if you really want to reduce the condenser size (not recommended) you will want to try a parallel flow so you don't lose as much performance, especially if using R134.

V2Rocket

ive found some interesting things on parallel flow, thanks.

so you recommend keeping close to the original size even if the parallel flow is more efficient? if so that might still be doable since these look to have their fittings off to the side which works for me

Mike C.

I don't do AC for a living but from everything I've read, the condenser size is probably the most critical component to a good performing AC system. Making it smaller is just going in the wrong direction. A few square inches is probably not going to make much difference but if reduced by 20% ? That's a lot of effort to find out your AC is sub-par.