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)

[nditiz1]

Adding some facts into this thread.

The CR AC will run off of the 3.2 90amp stock alt. What happens at idle is the compressor will cycle a lot more almost instantly. I have the CR(WSOP) in my 77 targa and if at a light for more than a 1min 30 sec it will cycle. If I keep the revs higher than 1500 it will not cycle off. Also, you will be limited by how much you can force the compressor to work. If memory serves me I have pulled close to 90amp blasting the AC and other 911 functions during peak times.

Now, the half kit is probably the best setup unless CR has developed 914 specific kit. The half kit is only including the compressor and 1 fan/condensor. You will still need to figure out the evaporator and blower. Ideally you could hook it into the aftermarket 914 underdash setup.

If you wanted to use the CR kit with a 4cyl, I think it could be done with a higher output 90amp alt OR even better is the HO alt kit that I have seen on here before. I want to say it was a 200amp bolt on kit. That would generate a ton of needed power for the setup.

[Steve]

Adding some facts into this thread.

The CR AC will run off of the 3.2 90amp stock alt. What happens at idle is the compressor will cycle a lot more almost instantly. I have the CR(WSOP) in my 77 targa and if at a light for more than a 1min 30 sec it will cycle. If I keep the revs higher than 1500 it will not cycle off. Also, you will be limited by how much you can force the compressor to work. If memory serves me I have pulled close to 90amp blasting the AC and other 911 functions during peak times.

Now, the half kit is probably the best setup unless CR has developed 914 specific kit. The half kit is only including the compressor and 1 fan/condensor. You will still need to figure out the evaporator and blower. Ideally you could hook it into the aftermarket 914 underdash setup.

If you wanted to use the CR kit with a 4cyl, I think it could be done with a higher output 90amp alt OR even better is the HO alt kit that I have seen on here before. I want to say it was a 200amp bolt on kit. That would generate a ton of needed power for the setup.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) but Classic Retrofit is not the same setup as mine. As far as I know they use the same compressor, but have a simple on and off switch that connects to a sophisticated proprietary computer controlled controller board that monitors the alternator and current draw in the car. Mine is a traditional cheap hot rod setup. I can run the compressor continuously or use the evaporator temp control to cycle it. The only safe guards in my system is the binary switch on the dryer and an 80 amp breaker on the compressor.
There sophisticated compressor is $3700.00 versus mine was under $1000. PMS builds 914-6 AC systems using CR. You get what you pay for. I’m a low budget hobbyist. https://www.classicretrofit.com/en-us/colle...t-ac-compressor