914-6 air conditioning, Advice on compressor choise Options

[turboman]

Hi, I am in the process to install an original 914 VPC system in my 914-6.
Like all my projects, I work on a budget.
First I bought all the parts about 5 years ago, then I refurbished all parts, (professional cleaning, expansion valve) installed the condenser in the front trunk as designed, temporary installed the evaporator console under the dash, and start the preparation process for the compressor installation.
I want the installation to be as close as possible to a factory one.
For me, is not an option a compressor under the engine, a serpentine belt or similar. I prefer to work extra time, and reach a perfect end product.
I used a double pulley from a 74 911, in order to install the pulley and have space for the dual belts, I have to shave a bit the original engine support and the engine cover (see photo).
I fit a 2.2 or 2.4 bracket. So far no problems, the end result looks very nice
Now I need to choose the compressor.
The York is out of question, due to size and efficiency. My options are a Sanden, a Denso or a Panasonic. Any one fitted with a one groove pulley
Not being familiar with the air conditioner compressors, and the way you need to calculate cooling capacity vs cabin volume, I would like to ask help form all of you.
1. Which compressor will suit my needs the best?
2. Which compressor is the smallest one?
3. The best compromise?
I will keep all of you posted of the progress on the installation and the need or not of a firewall modification.
Thanks
Francisco

[horizontally-opposed]

I wonder how many reading this will get understand the value of your statement, Mark? 4-5K for AC! Unless you have a "rare 914" that money won't be coming back. That's about the cost to convert to a nice 2.5 or 3.0 Subie which would come equipped with a rotary compressor. I'm not suggesting anyone yank out the old air sucker and do an H20 conversion just for the pleasure of having AC. Just pointing out that these cars weren't designed with AC in mind. That being said, yes you can add AC to a go-cart if you want but how much are you willing to spend in time and/or $$$. I hadn't planned on AC when I did my conversion but the compressor was part of the Subie package and that made AC an easy option, for me, to implement. As mentioned above, these cars weren't designed for AC so the insulation sucks. On a hot day I turn it on "Full Cold" until the interior is cooled down. Within 10 mins I lower the temp to it's warmest setting as the cabin is so small. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

^ There is this logic, of course. It's hard to fault, and a good foil to this conversation. Should be weighed by anyone thinking about adding A/C to a 914.

On the other hand, "not on hot days" or "not in this heat" is a subconscious thought that has passed through my head (probably more often than I'd like to admit) since being spoiled by my first car with working A/C, an Xerati. Much later, a 986 really made the 914 a tough sell in summer heat. My 911 SC with a black interior A/C delete was just plain awful as a daily, and didn't stick around long. It was faster than my 914 (in a straight line, anyway), but offered little else in terms of upgrades other than power windows. Felt no newer, really, and no more useable. Sold it and bought my first new car, a 2003 WRX.

Living in the Bay Area, I'd have to think long and hard about the value of A/C vs its cost, weight, and complexity in a car I cherish for its simplicity. But what is the price of owning something you're less likely to use as often? The price of the memories you skipped making, consciously or subconsciously? Lately, my 914 has been driving so well that I've come to realize that I'm not sure if I need a modern Porsche...and what part of my enjoyment in a modern Porsche boils down to a power window on the passenger side and...A/C. Yes, they do everything better, but…a well-sorted 914 is a magical thing.

How much more would I weigh all of the above if I lived in a place where a significant portion of the driving season was hot and/or humid? Would I pay $5k to increase my time in the car each season, maybe thinking of it at $1k per season over five years? Hmm... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

And if A/C can be added for $1-2k?