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-   -   Do you use A/C with top down? (http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53003)

1rooster 06-30-2014 04:58 PM

Do you use A/C with top down?
 
Me.........NEVER

BruceH 06-30-2014 05:18 PM

Try living in Texas, that would be a Yes!

rdass623 06-30-2014 05:21 PM

I live in new Orleans.....Hell Yeah

SoCalBlackbox 06-30-2014 05:21 PM

I have a convertible I have A/C and I live in SoCal so the answer would be yes.

Timco 06-30-2014 05:22 PM

Yes45678910

keysguy 06-30-2014 05:23 PM

yes, the South Florida heat is brutal, most of the time I only drop the top in the evening or at night. When it gets down into the low 60's or high 50's I sometimes drop the top and turn on the heat.

Dlirium 06-30-2014 05:30 PM

Absolutely....

RedTele58 06-30-2014 05:37 PM

Absolutely.

And at times I have the top down, heat full blast w/ the seat heaters on.

Living in Oklahoma means you have to adjust. :D

JayG 06-30-2014 06:08 PM

Yes, all the time. Keeps the AC compressor nice and lubed

Joe B 06-30-2014 06:17 PM

Hell no! In Wyoming air conditioning is lowering the top :p!

Porsche9 06-30-2014 06:24 PM

When it's 111, like predicted for tomorrow, no. It would be like putting a nice cube in a gallon of boiling water.

gerber28 06-30-2014 06:36 PM

Sure do, I'll kick on the A/C to activate the radiator cooling fans.

Top_Ramen 06-30-2014 06:39 PM

If I didn't have to worry about my plastic back window cracking in the winter, I'd probably drive the car top down with the heat on full blast. lol

JayG 06-30-2014 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porsche9 (Post 408077)
When it's 111, like predicted for tomorrow, no. It would be like putting a nice cube in a gallon of boiling water.

so you are one of the few Zonies that don't come to San Diego for the summer? LOL

gomarlins3 06-30-2014 07:47 PM

Yes. Sometimes a heater as well.

RawleyD 06-30-2014 09:13 PM

I used to, when the A/c was working. :chicken:

tomc88 06-30-2014 11:54 PM

I remember in an office once someone said 'should we open the windows when the AC is on?' and Boss saying 'close the windows - you can't air-condition the world'

Nine8Six 07-01-2014 01:49 AM

Not sure if its only me but the performance of the 2.5 seems to be different when the compressor is at mid or full blast. Feels (more) sluggish when the AC if ON dunno. Trying not to use the AC too often as I'm mostly using the 986 for joy rides here

Jamesp 07-01-2014 03:04 AM

Yes .

Luckyed 07-01-2014 05:11 AM

Yes, but I turn the temp up to 79 or 80 to keep it from running too hard.

jsceash 07-01-2014 05:25 AM

Yes lower vents

mrs. robinson 07-01-2014 08:30 AM

Yes and I also use the lower vents when it's really hot outside. I put the top down every time I drive unless I'm heading to work or it's raining. Cool weather, hot weather, top is down!

r9i8c7k 07-01-2014 09:05 AM

Wife uses it all the time...SoCal...

kk2002s 07-01-2014 10:47 AM

Never have. if it gets that hot I put top up and AC on (once)
I was just joking with my wife about putting AC on with the top down
I should use my AC more(used it 2,3 times in 2 years- daily driving) to keep it in shape
I have always rarely used AC in any car

I do use the heater when colder

fab986 07-01-2014 10:56 AM

Only when it gets really hot... like last Sunday, it was 97˚F here in the Bay Area.

tanque55 07-01-2014 11:51 AM

Top down, Windows up, AC on!

Coffinhunter 07-01-2014 12:04 PM

Absolutely!

There are times it gets too hot and the top has to go up, but usually the top is always down and I almost always have the AC going.

kiyakubuke 07-01-2014 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nine8Six (Post 408107)
Not sure if its only me but the performance of the 2.5 seems to be different when the compressor is at mid or full blast. Feels (more) sluggish when the AC if ON dunno. Trying not to use the AC too often as I'm mostly using the 986 for joy rides here

not just you. AC on any car draws power from the engine. the more powerful the engine, the less you may notice. I can imagine that running AC on Electric vehicles is devastating to the battery life.

Carlisabadman986 07-01-2014 01:52 PM

I like to let the AC blast for a few minutes to cool down the interior, then drop the top. I don't like hot leather. But in general unless its really hot I don't run the AC with the top down.

heliguy 07-01-2014 04:10 PM

Hell yes! It's hot in Florida!

turbo23dog 07-01-2014 06:14 PM

Yes. And I find that my engine runs cooler since the AC keeps the condenser fans running.

AndyA6 07-01-2014 07:20 PM

Yes, try Utah in the blazing sun!

Porsche Chick 07-01-2014 07:27 PM

If it's that hot, I put the top up and I use the A/C.

But if it's just a little warm, I have ventilated seats, and those work quite nicely, thank you. :D

Perfectlap 07-01-2014 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerber28 (Post 408081)
Sure do, I'll kick on the A/C to activate the radiator cooling fans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbo23dog (Post 408191)
Yes. And I find that my engine runs cooler since the AC keeps the condenser fans running.

I do the same. Full blast. I close the vents so I don't freeze my legs. Especially if I hit any traffic in these high summer temps. Then I watch my low temp thermostat do its thing as the needle starts tilting to the left. Basically if I lived anywhere that has lots of 90+ degree days and plenty of traffic...I'm running the AC if its top up or down.

Porsche9 07-01-2014 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayG (Post 408085)
so you are one of the few Zonies that don't come to San Diego for the summer? LOL

Actually I am a born and raised Southern Californian. If I go to SoCal it's to the Pasadena area to visit my brother. Half the people here are from California getting away from the high cost of living and the others half from the Mid-West to get away for the long winters. But I know what you mean a ton of people head to San Diego. I just put the hardtop on.

cardiffgiant 07-02-2014 04:26 AM

I don't have to a ton in my area, but I definitely drive with the AC on when it's really hot out. Especially while I'm rowing the gears and navigating the lights on my way to the highway.

Nine8Six 07-02-2014 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiyakubuke (Post 408161)
not just you. AC on any car draws power from the engine. the more powerful the engine, the less you may notice. I can imagine that running AC on Electric vehicles is devastating to the battery life.

Interesting. Knew it would draw a bit more current but to a point of reducing power by almost 1/3 (feels like it anyway) that is a bit harsh. And a news to me for sure. Maybe the 2.5 is not geared for that huge compressor ;)

Fine with blasting the AC on the other cars I have here... feels different for sure but no major power loss as the 986-like.

kiyakubuke 07-02-2014 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nine8Six (Post 408275)
Interesting. Knew it would draw a bit more current but to a point of reducing power by almost 1/3 (feels like it anyway) that is a bit harsh. And a news to me for sure. Maybe the 2.5 is not geared for that huge compressor ;)

Fine with blasting the AC on the other cars I have here... feels different for sure but no major power loss as the 986-like.

the electrical power is only engaging the clutch on the compressor. the actual compressing (pumping) is done by the belt that is linked into the engine rotation. so obviously it takes energy to turn the compressor, more so when it is on and pumping freon (about 30hp).
however, 1/3 power loss does seem excessive. could be an issue with the pump or clutch. if it is not working correctly and is more difficult to turn, it could be putting more load on the engine. I would remove the belt, and apply 12V to the clutch wire with a jumper clip. Try to turn it by hand, If it turns moderately easily then the unit is normal. If it is really hard to to turn then the compressor or some other aspect of the AC may be defective.

Nine8Six 07-02-2014 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiyakubuke (Post 408285)
the electrical power is only engaging the clutch on the compressor. the actual compressing (pumping) is done by the belt that is linked into the engine rotation. so obviously it takes energy to turn the compressor, more so when it is on and pumping freon (about 30hp).
however, 1/3 power loss does seem excessive. could be an issue with the pump or clutch. if it is not working correctly and is more difficult to turn, it could be putting more load on the engine. I would remove the belt, and apply 12V to the clutch wire with a jumper clip. Try to turn it by hand, If it turns moderately easily then the unit is normal. If it is really hard to to turn then the compressor or some other aspect of the AC may be defective.

Oh I see now. I was convinced it was linked to an immense additional power (current) consumption lol. Didn't realized it had to do with the AC pulley/pumping resistance. I'll get this one checked as soon as the engine panel is removed for sure.

* maybe not 1/3 but for sure it is missing more than 10-20 hp (on the butt-dyno scale anyway). Given I only have something like 200HP on the 2.5... that's a lot missing. Hate the AC!

So it's just mine then. I'll get that AC compressor checked out. Thanks for helping btw

Fintro11 07-02-2014 09:47 PM

yes all the time and I live on the West Coast of Canada !


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