Ferrari A/C

Kind of an off subject question, but how well does the A/C work in most modern F-cars? I have lived most of my life in warm weather climates, (La. Texas) , and IF I'm ever in a buying situation, It might be a consideration.

 

Keep in mind that, compared to the average commuter box, sports cars -- including Ferraris -- have steeply raked windscreens. That's a lot of greenhouse area to collect heat while the car is parked.

The best aircon in the world is going to take a while to cool an interior that's stabilized at 120F.

It's not just cooling the air. You have the seats, steering wheel, carpets, console, etc., all radiating heat into the air until they cool from where they reached while the car sat in the sun.

Heck, it takes my house aircon hours to cool the house (and all its furnishings) down, if I leave the AC off all day.

 

DGS made a good analogy and statements.

However, the 360 A/C is quite good. I have turned it on when temp was 100 degrees, and it cooled the car very quickly.

I would much prefer an non-climate control system. I like the standard heat and separate A/C systems such as in Chevy vans, etc.

Climate control systems are a a pain as I see it.

 

A/C in my 97 F355 is just adequate. In 100+ degree heat, with the compressor set to the max I am just comfortable. However, if I compare it to my 02 Camry and 07 X5, ist is a lot less effective in cooling.

 

For the 550/575--Exactly halfway between a 1980s Porsche and a brand new BMW. Not bad

 

My 360 spider has great AC.

 

When I first got my '91 348 TS, the A/C would blow cold air and I would be comfortable driving around but it felt like it was on the edge of not being comfortable. Now, I will say that I am in Oklahoma and it can get to 110 degrees in the summer with no problem (more than that at times), so A/C is a requirement for driving the car in the summer. After reading a post about someone who was having a problem with their recirc flap on their 348, I checked mine and found that it was broken as well. This meant that the flap would just hang down in between either position of recirc or outside air. I machined a replacement part for the flap and now it works just fine. The A/C will now freeze me out if it is not in the middle of the day with 100 degrees outside. I was able to the first time to set the thermostat to cut off instead of having it run all the time. Does it work as well as the A/C in my Honda? Probably not but it is close. So all of you 348/355 owners out there, check those recirc flaps!!

 

Like Robie said, it works fine in my 575M. Remember Ferraris call for frequent service of the A/C. Much more often than on ricers, Euros, or American cars. On the 575M, the manual calls for replacing the dryer/filter and refrigerant every two years. Probably overkill on the filter/dryer, but about right on the refrigerant to keep it operating in top condition. Also ensure the evaporator drain is clear, or you may get water in your passenger compartment. Much worse problem in humid climates.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

The F355 was the first V8 Ferrari to have an adequate A/C for the Texas/Arizona kinds of heat. As far as I know, every Ferrari after these have adequate A/Cs.

 

I don't live in a crazy hot area, but I've driven it and parked it in 100 degree heat, and the A/C was fine both in the 360 and 430.

-- Gordie

 

My 348's A/C will freeze my glasses. Now, the blower motor is not overwhelming, but hey, that's why God lets us buy convertibles.

 

Some sort of "new fangled" device that somehow 'conditions the air'... no idea.
Take the top off, drive FAST. Turn RIGHT at red lights and GO FAST. Repeat
as necessary until you get where you are going, which most often is really
pretty much no where.

Works for me

 

I drive the F430 top down in Las Vegas heat with the AC on full and I don't have much problems. With the top up, it's as good as any vehicle.