944 Aircon upgrade
944 Aircon upgrade
Author
Discussion

silverS2

Original Poster:

102 posts

242 months

Saturday 30th December 2006
quotequote all
Has anybody actually upgraded a 944 to include air conditioning, and if so what is involved?
I believe all the turbos came with aircon, and quite a few others were specified with it, but I was wondering if it's possible to just bolt it straight onto my S2 as an upgrade.
I would'nt be too scared about getting my hands dirty but if the whole dash has to come out to change the heater matrix and pipework I'll probably not go there.

Can anybody tell me what the main compoments are needed aside from the pump, switch & condenser?, and if the parts come up regularly (I do hear of folks taking them off in the states for more performance what are the costs like.
Thanks,
Andy.

Thom

1,758 posts

277 months

Saturday 30th December 2006
quotequote all
I don't see how the matrix could be fitted without taking off the dashboard.
Quite frankly you're in a for a lot of hassle if you decide to fit the AC to a car that hasn't had it from the factory, even though some aftermarket kits were made.
Though it works well the AC on 944s has never been the last word in refinement and pumps up significant power from the engine.
AC is standard on turbo 250bhp (88 S ; 89 ; 90 ; 91).

If you really need AC sell you car and get another one that already has it.

Edited by Thom on Saturday 30th December 16:45

doctorpepper

5,550 posts

268 months

Saturday 30th December 2006
quotequote all
from what i understand it is a dash off job and also feckin' expensive to get all the bits and bobs required

melv

4,708 posts

295 months

Saturday 30th December 2006
quotequote all
My first 944S2 was upgraded by AFN at Reading, er, about 12 years ago at a cost of £2K -so, yes, it is possible......

silverS2

Original Poster:

102 posts

242 months

Sunday 31st December 2006
quotequote all
Thanks for the responses, I've had a couple of replies from breakers and I can get the whole system for £500, apparently it includes everything I will need (pump brackets condenser, wiring and matrix) but the guy wasn't sure if I will need to change the heater matrix or just the blower assembly under the bonnet.
Is there anybody out there with a 944 that has aircon fitted that can tell me where to look to see if I have the wiring fitted in my loom as standard, and basically what the plumbing looks like (does it go into the blower unit or do the pipes disappear into the nether regions of the dashboard?) I'd appreciate any help before I get myself into something I may regret.
Andy.

davyboy

746 posts

285 months

Sunday 31st December 2006
quotequote all
I've got it fitted, but it doesn't work, the condensor has a hole in it.

I'd even let you have it for free if my car still worked afterwards

silverS2

Original Poster:

102 posts

242 months

Sunday 31st December 2006
quotequote all
Generous offer Davyboy, the question is what is involved in getting it all out?, The compressor and condenser and pipework (just a radiator from what I can see, and eisily re cored)would be a doddle to swap over, as would the switch in the dash and pulleys etc.
my only concern is that if the whole matrix is different it will involve gutting the inside of the car.
You would'nt know if the aircon gubbins is located under the bonnet in the blower unit by any chance would you?, now that would be a doddle to get out and swop over.

It would be nice to think the wiring is already in for it so I would just have to plug it in, unfortunalely the car's in aberdeen and I'm in the north sea so can't have a look.

Out of curiosity does the A/C make a big diffreence to the power?, just wondering.....

davyboy

746 posts

285 months

Sunday 31st December 2006
quotequote all
I know I would need a braket making up for the alternator if the A/C was removed. Apart from that....I know nothing.

Riverside

319 posts

248 months

Sunday 31st December 2006
quotequote all
davyboy said:
I know I would need a braket making up for the alternator if the A/C was removed. Apart from that....I know nothing.


I've never done it but surely you would just use the appropriate bracket & belt from a 944 without aircon?

silvers2

Original Poster:

102 posts

242 months

Sunday 31st December 2006
quotequote all
Riverside said:
davyboy said:
I know I would need a braket making up for the alternator if the A/C was removed. Apart from that....I know nothing.


I've never done it but surely you would just use the appropriate bracket & belt from a 944 without aircon?


Thats what I thought, apparently it's quite common in the US of A, when the A/C goes belly up they disconnect it to liberate the extra BHP by fitting a new bracket and belt.
What I really need to know is how much of the A/C is under the dashboard, and what it's like to get at.
Andy.

diver944

1,855 posts

306 months

Monday 1st January 2007
quotequote all
silvers2 said:
liberate the extra BHP by fitting a new bracket and belt.




Like this one www.paragon-products.com/product_p/pp944.acdel.kit2.htm