Heat Pump Development Q&A (Electric Heating for Air-Cooled 911s)

[Jonny Retrofit]

Hi All,

We have been somewhat overwhelmed with emails regarding the heat pump since we put out the youtube video below. - thank you! Thought it might be easier to address many of your questions here so let's begin!

When will it be ready?

We are hoping to have the system ready for Summer 2025  but this depends on how our test schedule goes.   We will post updates our social channels.

How much will it cost?

Until we have finished the design of all the parts we will not know final pricing.   Our aim is to make the system attractive pricewise, compared to buying an SSI system and restoring all the heat exchanger, flappers etc.

Can I be a tester / get a beta unit?

The system will have been tested for several months prior to release.   We work with specialist Porsche shops prior to general release.

Can I get on 'the list' for first unit?

There is no list, the system will be available when it is ready!  That's the only fair way of doing it.

Will there be an upgrade path for existing AC customers?

Yes, we will release a kit of parts to update from AC to heat pump.

What about 964/993?

Yes, we will have a solution for these cars.   There is slightly less space in the 964/993 frunk so it might not be possible to fit with the spare wheel.

Will it fit other cars.

Potentially, any car could run the heat pump system but it is more suited to air cooled rear/mid engined cars.   For water cooled rear/mid engine, it saves having to run heater pipes to the front of the car.

 

[Lukas M]

Hi Jonny,

 

Very cool that you keep working on improving the CR AC system, I'm excited about the new generation with heat! The best part for me is that it removes a bunch of weight, parts and complexity from the rear of the car, and lets you using cheaper oversized headers, without the system gaining significant weight vs. just the electric AC.

 

I have a few questions:

- I have seen that the new compressor goes in the front now, even for LHD cars. Does it take up more room towards the front of the car than the old battery did? We are in the process of adding an RSR style oil cooler duct to the nose of one of the cars we are building, so I am wondering if this could interfere where it protrudes inside the frunk.

- Does the smuggler's box stay completely empty now? This would give us room for adding electric power steering, which in my experience is very nice for parking in town with wide tires and lets you run more camber, while not interfering at all at faster than walking speeds.

- Will the new system come with a battery mount? From the video and pictures it looks like you are using a Odyssey 680 or 925.

 

Cheers,
Lukas

 

 

[Fredin PHX]

Will the new heat pump system still require a 175 AMP Alternator?

[Jonny Retrofit]

On 4/11/2025 at 9:18 PM, Fredin PHX said:

Will the new heat pump system still require a 175 AMP Alternator?

Yes it will.

[Jonny Retrofit]

On 2/27/2025 at 2:54 PM, Lukas M said:

Hi Jonny,

 

Very cool that you keep working on improving the CR AC system, I'm excited about the new generation with heat! The best part for me is that it removes a bunch of weight, parts and complexity from the rear of the car, and lets you using cheaper oversized headers, without the system gaining significant weight vs. just the electric AC.

 

I have a few questions:

- I have seen that the new compressor goes in the front now, even for LHD cars. Does it take up more room towards the front of the car than the old battery did? We are in the process of adding an RSR style oil cooler duct to the nose of one of the cars we are building, so I am wondering if this could interfere where it protrudes inside the frunk.

- Does the smuggler's box stay completely empty now? This would give us room for adding electric power steering, which in my experience is very nice for parking in town with wide tires and lets you run more camber, while not interfering at all at faster than walking speeds.

- Will the new system come with a battery mount? From the video and pictures it looks like you are using a Odyssey 680 or 925.

 

Cheers,
Lukas

 

 

You have taken up a fair chunk of frunk!   You would have to come up with your own mounting solution.