mootsvamootsrsl

I truly enjoy driving my 964 and was considering upgrading my AC uint to some of the griffith air products or even considering switching to classic retrofit kit's electric AC systems. I tried doing a search on here and couldn't find out much on that. If you happen to have experience with switching over to electric AC or upgrading your system using griffith would love to hear your feedback.

F/51 LRS

I don’t have experience with my 964 since I pulled the A/C, but I put a Griffith’s (Kuehl) compressor in my SC with the stock condenser and it does a pretty good job taking the edge off of 85-90* humid Houston weather.

It bolted right in, the instructions were very comprehensive, fast turn around, and seems like a high quality product. I’ll definitely be buying more of their products if I decide to go wild with my A/C.

spartansix

Doing the Classic Retrofit kit is tempting but very expensive once you factor in the upgraded alternator and replacing your evaporator.
I would like to do it but I can't justify it in these uncertain times.

Vandit

The only Griffith AC product that is differentiated from a stock component and can be considered an "upgrade" is the evaporator. This is the unit that sits in the suitcase between the gas tank and the firewall.

All other Grifitth components are just substitute factory replacement parts, not upgrades unless your system needs a replacement components.

The Classic Retrofit electric AC for the 964 is an electric AC compressor and a bespoke condenser & fan unit. It uses the factory AC suitcase including the factory evaporator.

Do you know what is wrong with your AC? The evaporator tends to be a failure point on our 30yo cars but that might not be your issue. The labor cost to do that job is big if you are going to wallet-mechanic the installation.

Circling back, you could install a Griffith Kuehl evaporator and pair it with the Classic Retrofit AC electric compressor and bespoke condenser/fan unit. But first, you gotta figure out what you're trying to fix and/or looking to accomplish.

griffiths

Yes and no.
Our 964/993 evaporator is a twin manifold plate and fin. The factory evaporator us tube and fin.
Our 964/993 condenser is now a parallel flow. The early factory condenser was a tube and fin and the later version is serpentine.
Our 964 engine bay ac lines are barrier. The factory are not.

Vandit

Thanks for the clarification.

I purchased and installed your evaporator 6yrs ago maybe, and the upgrade to parallel flow happened a few month later. My Kuehl unit is serpentine.

I'm not sure when you made the switch to parallel on the condenser but I purchased a new Behr unit at the same time I did my evaporator, and yes the new units are serpentine design, and it was a challenge to retrofit into the old tube & fin bracket.

Regarding the barrier hoses in the engine bay. Do the late-model 964s with factory-filled R134a use barrier hoses?

abarthguy

I had the Griffith Evap installed not long after getting my '92 Carrera in 2013. Original unit was toast. My local AC specialists did the install with R-12 for about $1,100. Works perfectly! Thanks for a great product!

griffiths

Nice blue 964

mootsvamootsrsl

Im in the same boat

Peteinjp

That makes 3 of us. I've been following the development of the system and calling in to check on the progress for years but not that its out, I have a thought time biting the bullet ATM. I have Griffith's stuff aside from the rear lines and it works great (wish my mechanic had followed the charging directions because they are very detailed to get the best performance...)

Anyway- big want but in the middle of a engine rebuild its a tough bill to swallow. Some day.....

Pete

LPMM

+1 but too many projects right now to justify the cost. My evap is leaking and I will most likely stick with a Behr replacement and then go from there if additional components need replacing.
Anyone have the FVD evap? I can't tell if it is a black & white pic or if it is an aluminum version of the Behr one.

Spyerx

You live in SoCal OC? C'mon you don't need AC! DRIVE FASTER! Ok, it gets warm in the valleys. But its not humid here.

The Griffith products are great, I've bought bits and parts for several of my cars over the years, for AC and Fuel systems.

FWIW, a suggestion for an an AMAZING AC shop in SoCal, who KNOWS these old Porsches: Steves D&S Auto Air in Costa Mesa. Last time I was there he was installing some Griffith's parts in a 911.

mootsvamootsrsl

would you happen to have a contact there

Spyerx

yes, Steve :-)

Jacke2c

I upgraded my A/C with the Griffiths evaporator, changed all the o-rings, and the oil in the compressor myself. About a days worth of work (not counting the vacuum time, and watching overnight!). Cools my car down very well. Took a 400 mile trip at 95 degrees outside and inside temp according to my electronic dash thermometer that plugs into the cigarette lighter, the inside was kept at a nice 64-70 degrees (wife gets cold and had to turn it up, but that is always a good problem to have!). I initially could not get it to cool down as much as I thought it should. I called Griffiths (top notch company with superior replacement parts) and they reminded me to check the hot air doors on the air handling valves in the suitcase. My foam seals were almost non-existent and I had to adjust the doors/flaps to close a little tighter. It works like it should now, using r-134. I would venture to guess that most 964 owners that have poor functioning A/C is because the flow control flaps from the engines that are located in the suitcase do not close fully. Also, the diverter valves can stick partially closed... you should hear a small "clink" sound when you close the door coming out of each rear wheel well as those vales have loose tolerances and should pivot freely.