Calling the Subagurus, using the stock subaru AC in a 914 conversion? Options

[FourBlades]

I really like the subaru conversions being done here lately.

Got me wondering how hard it would be to adapt the subaru AC components to a 914.

I realize that new barrier hoses will be needed because of the length.

The ac console may not fit either.

Where does the AC compressor sit on the motor and would it fit in the 914 engine bay?

Thanks,

John

[Tom_T]

John & DB -

Unless you're getting the Subie AC essentially free to modify & install (& not even pick-a-part gives them away), and use caution with the aftermarket conversions which are usually worse butcher jobs than some of the less conscientious Porsche+Audi dealers did on the 914s back in the day & all too often never working properly (i.e.: the local AC shops & car modder shops).

Otherwise IMHO, you're better off getting the updated new R134 system (by same guy who designed the original DPD 914 AC) & install it, since it's all specifically designed & set-up for our 914s & is pretty much a bolt-in unit/system. I don't know if their available directly from the mfgr. &/or other suppliers/retails, but AA carries them in 2 flavors:

http://www.autoatlanta.com/detail.php?Part...l_number=184681

http://www.autoatlanta.com/detail.php?Part...l_number=184680

I think that when all is said & done, you'd spend more dough in mods, parts & the Subie or other Hot Rodder AC plus your extra time to modify everything - price your time at what the shop charges or what you could make working extra, or to pay a shop to do so - than the cost of these plus less time to install it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

Hope my 2 cents & the links above are helpful. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[DBCooper]

John & DB -

Unless you're getting the Subie AC essentially free to modify & install (& not even pick-a-part gives them away), and use caution with the aftermarket conversions which are usually worse butcher jobs than some of the less conscientious Porsche+Audi dealers did on the 914s back in the day & all too often never working properly (i.e.: the local AC shops & car modder shops).

Otherwise IMHO, you're better off getting the updated new R134 system (by same guy who designed the original DPD 914 AC) & install it, since it's all specifically designed & set-up for our 914s & is pretty much a bolt-in unit/system. I don't know if their available directly from the mfgr. &/or other suppliers/retails, but AA carries them in 2 flavors:

http://www.autoatlanta.com/detail.php?Part...l_number=184681

http://www.autoatlanta.com/detail.php?Part...l_number=184680

I think that when all is said & done, you'd spend more dough in mods, parts & the Subie or other Hot Rodder AC plus your extra time to modify everything - price your time at what the shop charges or what you could make working extra, or to pay a shop to do so - than the cost of these plus less time to install it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

Hope my 2 cents & the links above are helpful. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Thanks, Tom, appreciate the links but there are problems with that option. I'll never buy from from AutoAtlanta again, so it's a non-starter for me, but beyond that those AA prices are three times (!) the cost of a complete Vintage Air system (I called it "classic" air, my mistake, sorry). And we're talking Subaru's so we all already have a radiators in the front, meaning most of the AA kits wouldn't fit anyway. For a regular 914 that may be a good option (as long as you can deal with AA), but not so much on our cars.

It's actually simpler for us. We usually get the the compressors, pulleys and brackets along with the engine, so you don't even need the whole kit. With their mini-unit (the 914 cab isn't big) you just need an evaporator that fits the space in front of the radiator, a dryer and the underdash unit. All 134a. Since the radiator's already there the only complicated part is getting the custom hose lengths and running them. We already have cooling hoses in our cars too. I ran mine underneath my car, but since the A/C hoses don't get as hot as cooling hoses I intend to run them through the cab, so even that is pretty easy.

Pretty easy in theory, anyway. Like I said, I haven't done it yet.

.