Looking for some input. Specifically if anyone has replaced or repaired their a/c or components in their a/c in their 80's 911. Looking at two 80's 911 and pretty confident as long as the pre inspection goes well that my first Porsche will be an 88 coupe. My question to you all is many of the cars I have been looking through have a/c units that apparently have to be topped up or have belts or components disconnected. I have called to a few after market companies who say their products work the best. I'd like to know from the guys and gals who drive them if it's true. So if anyone would care to drop me a line I would be very appreciative as I feel a little lost in all the choices. New at this, but Zims Auto technik, Griffiths, RennAire, and I'm sure there are more all claim low temps at the vent and no mods as if the components are stock replacement. Any thoughts or ideas welcome.

 

88s have the bigger vents, and there are some kits that do drop the temp.. My AC blows cold..

 

I have an '87 Coupé and had the full Griffiths system put on and cannot speak highly enough of it! It's an amazing system that made my A/C as cold as my 2006 Carrera S's. I live in FL and, even if I leave my car sitting in the sun for hours in the Summer, all I need to do is turn it on high and, within 5 minutes, I can put it down to the second highest fan speed. It really is that effective. I've had an '84 Targa with stock A/C and it was horrible so, as soon as I got this '87 Coupé, I installed the system and never regretted it. It is pricey but well worth it if this is, like in my case, my daily driver.

 

Thanks for dropping me the line. What made you go with the Griffiths system. Had you called around for any other systems or had someone refered them to you? Also did you DYI or have an a/c specialist install it? Does it fit in just like a factory part or are there major mods to do? I'm looking for a reliable a/c system as you mentioned this is going to be a daily driver. Thanks again for the feedback, so well worth it. Cheers

 

What made me go with the Griffiths system was an extensive review, including installation, on a back issue of Excellence in which they installed it on a Targa. Such were the results, and the source of information, that I didn't even contemplate buying from anyone else. I had an independent do it because I don't have the equipment at home to do any kind of work regarding A/C refrigerant. As to wether or not it is a DIY project, I guess that depends on your level of competency and I cannot assess that, of course. It does fit like factory except for the 2 extra condensers that are tucked into the left rear wheelwell though they are out of sight and protected by well designed rock guards - I mean, I've tracked the car and have put 30k miles on it with the system with not a single issue whatsoever. I think that speaks for itself as far as reliability.

It is definitely well worth every penny. I hope that the more people know how well these systems work, the more they would value a car with it on. I had a person interested in buying the car a while ago but wouldn't pay me more than any other comparable car without the system. Guess what happened - I still have the car because I refused to sell it without getting anything extra for the effort. The guy can go and buy one then without it and bake his butt off for all I care. Have him then spend the money and time getting it if he really needs it - maybe for him it was a second car but not for me, as this is my daily driver.

I hope this helps.

 

I own an 87 911 and it still has the original Nipon compressor and the original condensing coils. I had to replace the refrigerant hoses a few years back because they started to checker on the outside from age. I also replaced all of the "O" rings in the couplings. I converted the unit from R12 to R134A a number of years ago when R12 became hard to get. I top the charge off each spring with a couple of cans of refrigerant but after that it blows cold air all summer. I live in Maryland and we get some rather hot humid weather in the summer months. After I get the car cooled off (it's black) I can usually turn the fan down to the medium speed and still be comfortable. Pipes

 

That's good enough for me. I remember coming across an excellence issue mentioning two or three issues a couple years back that were all about a/c in an 80's 911 with Griffiths being the supplier, but never tracked down the back issues. However, I was really hoping someone like yourself would have first hand experience having installed one and given that your very happy with it; suits me fine. Thanks for all your help.

 

No problem! Glad to be of help.

 

I had the piston compressor taken out of my 79, and replaced with a rotary compressor from, I believe, Rennaire in Anaheim, CA. They had a good kit as I recall. a heavier flywheel also helps. the rotary compressor helped with colder air, not freezing, but colder, and the flywheel helped to prevent stalling at idle speed at stop signs, etc. point is the air-cooled engine will not give A/C like the water cooled, but with some mods a pretty cool output can be obtained. its worth the $$$ to to it right. good luck...