Electric Air Conditioning

[franjo_66]

Just wondering if anyone out there has any experience with electric air con units for classic cars like ours.

I've hesitated from installing the normal set up on my car given the consensus around the 230SLs potential weakness at the crankshaft snout  when adding air con to the mix.

However I came across this outfit in the UK and they have some really good electric kits for Porsches and cars of our vintage.

http://classicretrofit.com/electrocooler-compressor-and-ecu/

The advantages I see are no stress on the engine, and no major modifications needed to install and would be easy to reverse if desired.

Regards
Franjo

[Chris_ATL]

That's a really interesting concept... Would be particularly helpful in traffic as the engine struggles in the heat.

I'd assume you might need an uprated alternator and battery to be safe

[waltklatt]

Thank you Franjo for finding this cool A/C compressor.
It is a small unit, but think the application location has to be in a ventilated place.
Perhaps removing the old compressor and fabricating a bracket that affixes to the motor would be best.
Other places would be a bit tight as hood closes and no room.
That's a good option.
Walter

[doitwright]

Many new cars are using electric A/C compressors, electric steering racks, electric fans, electric water pumps, probably even electric brakes. For our cars, a Sanden rotary compressor should still work fine. Not nearly as much drag on the engine as the original York and most importantly, easily serviceable. The cost of this example of electric compressor combined with an upgraded alternator is crazy expensive and significantly alters the appearance regardless of where you plan to locate it.

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Guys,
I have looked at this classic retro fit aircon and it really looks great. I am interested in replacing the old aircon in my 911 as well as fitting one in my Pagoda and E Type as soon as they have the Pagoda and E Type ones sorted.
Regards
Chris

[Shvegel]

I question their claim of "No loss of engine power".  Can't find the full load amps but This unit is fused at 80 amps.  The electricity to run it has to come from somewhere.  There is no free lunch.  If memory serve the 230's have 35 amp alternators so a bigger one would be a must. 

[JamesL]

Jonny at Classic Retrofit is an aircooled Porsche chap  - as you can tell from the fuse-boards, CDIs and the like, The also have a beefed up alternator (911 based but...) to take the AC load
The Porsche chaps in the UK seem very positive about his stuff

[wayne R]

Hi   cfm 656,   Chris, Before you remove your A/C from your 911, let me tell you,
your stock A\C  can be great with all stock parts  again, i was on Pelican  Porsche forum
for many years and helped many owners with Porsche air con,the reason is i have owned
69,72,79 and 84.
Go to the bottom of our forum---Other cars,you will see my stock 84,  except for that every thing
was original, but i did a complete A/C resto on that Cararra for under  $800 us dollars,run at 42 %.
If you want help, let me know, .
The electric A\C talked above, give it another 12 months, then decide ,what you read is not always
what is practical.   regards  Wayne.

[cfm65@me.com]

Thanks Wayne,
Much appreciated and apologies for the late reply.
We are off to the UK for a few months but I’ll make a note to contact you in the New Year( probably around April or May).
Regards
Chris

[wayne R]

Thanks Chris ,  no problem have a great trip away,  i guess  you know i am from
All Black territory  NZ.

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Wayne,
What can I say? ‘You win some and you loose some’, is the best I can come up with.
Cheers
Chris
Cape Town