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Aftermarket Aircon Condensor Radiator: Recommedations Please

boggie

boggie

New member
Hi All,

After 5 years in storage, I am returning my 996 Turbo X50 to the road. It needs some light recommissining and on my list of jobs to get it back to top condition, is resolving the leaking aircon system. On of the condensing radiators has sprung a leak (as evident from the lack of cold air and a dark patch on the radiator, where the oil has escaped and spread). The genuine Porsche items are arounr £300+VAT each (I plan to replace both) but the tech at my local Porsche specialist suggested that aftermarket might be the way to go. However, there are quite a few makes out there and it seems some are a better fit than others. E.G. On the Design911 site, they list the following:
  • Mahle Original
  • Mahle Premium
  • NRF
  • Auto Air
Do any of you have recommendations please?
Also, what about fitting a protective mesh grille to stop leaf litter etc from getting onto the rads and causing corrosion, whilst I am at it?

Thanks,
B
 
Hi,
I went through the same thought process when having to change the condensers on my turbo around five or six years ago. I don’t have the link any more, but I went aftermarket and was guided by the reviews of others who had done the same. It cost me around £115 for the pair back then, so I figured I could do the job several times over and it would still be cheaper then OE parts. I took a chance and I’m really glad I did - they still look as new and have performed perfectly!

I‘d definitely recommend going aftermarket. I didn’t bother with the grilles, for the same reason mentioned - I simply couldn‘t see the point in fitting them when I could change the condenser(s) for such a reasonable cost.


I hope this is of some help. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions.



All the best
John

 
Can that agree after-market is the way to go but not fitting a mesh screen while the ´nose cone´ is off is a mistake. The mesh can be bought cheaply , it’s so easy to do, fitted in minutes when cone is off and prevents one of the main reasons the condensers fail.
 
I agree. Aftermarket (not sure which) then fit the mesh. I think I wrote a report on how to do it in the members section running reports.


Or you can buy a ready made one from Zunsport.
 
After market condensers are good and relatively simple to change out, I fitted Hella ones. Don't forget to replace the drier along with the O rings. as far as putting mesh on intakes, I have done it using expanded aluminium mesh, and it does significantly reduce the debris that collects in the corners
 
Aftermarket Hella or Mahle are good just avido the Chinese copies. If your still in doubt ring a couple of specialists for quotes and ask what condensors they are using/quoting.
 
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