Electric A/C anyone?, Comments, dialog, experience? Options

[slowrodent]

OK..I've read a bunch of semi-recent articles online regarding electric air conditioning kits in cars. One was a 911 that is employing a rather pricey euro-kit and the owner seemed pleased... Most articles focus on the large current draw and the overall (in)efficiency of the kits on the whole. Yet, I can't help but feel that the 914 (tiny car) is a perfect application for such a kit - particularly if your engine can push a larger alternator. (Mine is a v6 and would have no problem doing so).. Allows you to frunk-mount the compressor and simplify the overall install (yes, big gauge wires are required, but in my case at least.. no interior exists so no worries)

Plus relatively cheap kits are waaay-abundant.

So thoughts, insights, experience? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[Jack Standz]

Has anyone here had success swapping to a GM or other alternator and figured out a way to cool it. It gets pretty hot in that spot especially in the desert. Running the compressor the resistance on the alternator is going to add to the engine load creating more heat. The A/C kits have come down in price, it would be nice to add this for mid summer.

Don't know if you would call it a success, nor how completely relevant it is to stuffing a high output GM alternator in a 914 to run AC. But, something like 40 years ago out of desperation, we did put a GM single wire alternator in our Westfalia VW camper. IIRC the GM alternator was about $30 all in and the Bosch Type IV alternator was close to $100.

Don't recommend it.

[Shivers]

Has anyone here had success swapping to a GM or other alternator and figured out a way to cool it. It gets pretty hot in that spot especially in the desert. Running the compressor the resistance on the alternator is going to add to the engine load creating more heat. The A/C kits have come down in price, it would be nice to add this for mid summer.

Don't know if you would call it a success, nor how completely relevant it is to stuffing a high output GM alternator in a 914 to run AC. But, something like 40 years ago out of desperation, we did put a GM single wire alternator in our Westfalia VW camper. IIRC the GM alternator was about $30 all in and the Bosch Type IV alternator was close to $100.

Don't recommend it.

My engine is coming out anyway. If I can figure out a way to cool it, that could be worth the work. Bet I can go to a boneyard and find something cheap for mock up