1973.5 911 AC upgrade

[ljowdy]

I've done several searches on this and other boards and so far, no luck.

Can anyone with experience tell me about upgrading a stock 1973.5 911T Air Conditioning unit. I've been told that the condenser won't stand the increased head pressure of a converted R-134 freon compressor nor a compressor originally set up for R-134.

At approx. $55.00 per pound for R-12, it seems logical to upgrade and make the system compatible with the cheaper R1-34.

It also makes sense to update the compressor from the standard York model to a rotary that works better more efficient and uses less engine power.

If anyone had done any of these modifications please let me know what compressor you used, what condenser, R-12 or R-134 and if you updated your compressor to a rotary, did you have to fabricate a new compressor stand.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[Tom F.]

I know of a 911SC that runs a very similar A/C system with R134, a rotary compressor and a new receiver dryer, but other components are stock. A/C seems to work fine. Of course, we don't need it much around here.

[ljowdy]

thanks for that info.... Please keep the information coming

[blucille]

I'd like to know more about the SC upgrade as well....our 1978 911 SC needs AC work, and I figure a new, rotary compressor, if I can find an appropriate mount, makes the most sense. The car was fitted with only a rear condensor from the factory, but still, if I can get some chilled air into the car, I'd be pleased.

-Lewis

[Type911]

Larry,

You should contact http://www.scottsind.com/ in Anahem, they have done
many early 911 A/C upgrades.

Here is a link to an A/C upgrade they did to Ray Crawford's 1970 911S

Early 911 A/C Upgrade

[JCR]

Wow, great info in that post! Thanks Chris. Almost makes me sorry I removed all my factory A/C stuff. Almost.

[ennisk1]

Let me add this info to the mix since I saw that Lewis also has an SC. Not sure if he has a set up for early cars, but call Charles Griffiths in New Jersey (www.griffiths.com). He has a complete package that will freeze you out of the car. My '79 SC had factory air that was all but useless here in South Florida. I purchased one of his kits based on a recommendation from a friend of mine that is a Porsche mechanic. It adds an additional condensor in the rear portion of the driver's side rear wheel well. Because of this I am not sure if it will fit in a non-flared car.
I also did a new compressor, new front condensor, evaporater, receiver/dryer, and all new hoses. This was not cheap ($2,000+). However, for those of this that live in the South, it was absolutely necessary as the car was undrivable in the heat of the summer. Charles is great to talk to and knows his stuff. All the pieces fit with the exception of one minor item that he quickly shipped to me. It is a 20+ hour job to install and I highly recommend letting a qualified person do it. I started it and immediatly realized I was in over my head.

[Lee]

I just upgraded the AC on my otherwise stock 78 Turbo. I replaced the compressor with a rotary, changed the lubricant to one compatible with R 134, new dryer, and new lines. Everything works wonderfully, although it's probably not quite as cold as it would be with with traditional refridgerant.

Most people I talk to agree it's esssential to replace the hoses with updated barrier hoses, as the earlier ones are quite porous, so I would not overlook that step.

Lee

[ljowdy]

Thanks everyone for the great information. If anyone has further comments, please post. The more information I have, the more knowledgable I will be when I do the conversion

[sithot]

Griffiths...

http://www.griffiths.com/porsche/ac/911ac/index.html

Nice folks. I've seen their work on an old 930. Multiple condensors (not enough area stock). Same idea that Scotts did with the belly pan condensor. They hide them in the wheel wells.

Good luck,

Tom