mystert

I am rebuilding my AC system and picked up a Behr replacement condenser from a trusted vendor and it is just too big to fit the stock condenser frame. The original measures 1 3/8" thick x 10 5/8" wide and slides easily in and out of the bracket seating properly. The new Behr replacement is 993-573-011-02. number but the part number supersedes the original 964 part number. This new part measures 1 3/4" thick x 11" wide and it wont fit without modifications. I picked up a bracket from a 1995 993 from a friend of mine and the condenser that came out of it(P/N 993-573-011-00) is exactly the same size as my 964 part. The frame is the same size as well. Is this part just manufactured wrong or do I need the latest and greatest 993 bracket from Porsche for $$$$ to fit the replacement?

dhc905

I just did this and the modification you need to do is pretty simple, it requires some bending of the top bolts to accomodate the condenser (you bend them back so you can still bolt the fan back in) and bending the bottom to accommodate the two bolts as you push the condenser all the way in.

However, what I haven't figured out is why the screw holes don't match up. I'm picking up a new thermo-resistor to put in so everything is out of the car now, so I can take pictures tonight if you're interested.

Given I'm doing this blind (as well it seems), would be good to share notes!

-nick

I remember running into this same issue when I went to replace my leaky condenser. I ended up buying a used 964 unit from DC Auto. I had it pressure tested at a radiator shop for peace of mind before installing. That may be easier than trying to make the 993 unit fit.

mystert

I really curious to why Behr made it the size they did. Is the Porsche part the same size? Was there a one year only change to the condenser and bracket in the last years of 993 production? Maybe there is a TSB on how to refit this to our cars? Just seems a bit strange to me.

Vandit

It has to do with the design of the unit. The new units are serpentine design and the old ones were tube & fin.

It is fatter but it will fit if you massage the bracket frame a bit.

mystert

My car is a 92 and has the serpentine design like the Behr replacement. It's not only thicker but wider.

mystert

Here you can see the two condensers side by side and their measurements.

dhc905

Yup. It's different.

dhc905

one issue With the larger size is that the thermoresistor will not fit without modification (you can see the outline of the old resistor). Plan would be to cut/file a small section from the metal lip on the condenser to allow the resistor to sit flush.

rkwfxd

Would it be possible to take the stock condenser to a radiator or ac shop and have it refurbished?

dragon993

Hi i'm running into the same problem... got the Hella/Behr condenser and its around 1/3" longer and thicker than the OEM

Is there a new bracket to get or have I got the wrong one?

I've triple checked the part number and it's ok....

mystert

Its not the bracket, they just make the wrong part. I tried a bracket from a 993 and the only difference in the shape is to fit the restyled bumper on the 993. Still doesn't fit. I returned it and used one from Dansk. Even that was a little too big and the quality was not as good as the Behr one. I managed to make it work

dragon993

thats really horrendous. so Behr/Hella just make a part they say is for a 964/993 but probably is just a re-numbered part from somewhere? and it sounds like this "big condenser" issue has been around a long time....

abarthguy

Tag says 'made in Thiland' so that may be one issue.....

dragon993

evaporator and condensers are quite different parts?