355 Owners - How's the A/C in 105+ temps | FerrariChat
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355 Owners - How's the A/C in 105+ temps

Discussion in '348/355' started by Michael1, Jun 30, 2005.

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  1. Michael1

    Michael1 Karting

    Jun 27, 2005
    60
    Newbury Park, CA
    #1 Michael1, Jun 30, 2005
    I drive through an area, the San Fernando Valley, in the Los Angeles area, where the temperature is routinely above 100 degrees F, often 105F or more during the summer and fall, so A/C is a concern for me. I've seen as high as 115F. My current car, a C5 Corvette, red with black interior, handles this with no problem, even at 115F. The fan speed never even gets to high, and unless you open the window or look at the outside temp guage, there is no indication it is even hot out.

    I'm starting to look at 355's, but one question has come up. For everyone in hot areas, can the 355's A/C handle 105+ F ambient temps?

    Thank you for your insight.

    Michael
     
  2. mgtr1990

    mgtr1990 Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2005
    1,580
    Naples Florida
    Full Name:
    Martin Graham
    #2 mgtr1990, Jun 30, 2005
    I am located in Dallas Texas and my 355 Spider is marginal and can get damned hot, but I have had several convertibile vettes and they were not much better.
     
  3. julian355

    julian355 Karting

    Mar 12, 2005
    197
    orange county
    Full Name:
    julian
    #3 julian355, Jun 30, 2005
    I lice in orange county and my 1995 spider the a/c blowes like ice!
     
  4. F355Bvc

    F355Bvc Formula 3

    Dec 4, 2003
    1,723
    Lawrenceville. GA
    Full Name:
    Vince Canipelli
    #4 F355Bvc, Jun 30, 2005
    96 355B, Metro Atlanta ,GA. ac adequate, but won't freeze you to death by any means.
     
  5. Doug H

    Doug H Karting

    Apr 17, 2005
    239
    #5 Doug H, Jun 30, 2005
    101 today. Had a long drive and took the P-Car. The 355 AC is better than old P-Cars ACs, but not as good as the AC in 996 models. I was also a little concerned about taking the 355 out on the hot day. Do these do okay in the heat. Kind of new to the 355 ownership.
     
  6. big kahuna

    big kahuna Karting

    Oct 29, 2004
    57
    greensboro/bangkok
    Full Name:
    kelly hahn
    #6 big kahuna, Jul 1, 2005
    mine really never cools down on a hot and humid north carolina summer day. you are better off to roll down the windows and get a better listen to the sweet music coming from what sits behind you. cheers, kelly
     
  7. Michael1

    Michael1 Karting

    Jun 27, 2005
    60
    Newbury Park, CA
    #7 Michael1, Jul 1, 2005
    This is very helpful.

    I'm curious, given the age of the 355, have you guys ever had your A/C recharged? That can affect the performance greatly. I don't know if that is part of the annual service or not.

    Michael
     
  8. Z1Doctor

    Z1Doctor Karting

    May 26, 2005
    93
    On the Water
    Full Name:
    CatchMe
    #8 Z1Doctor, Jul 1, 2005
    new2me 355 and it blows cold.... I was told by my mech. that it will blow colder with the addition of some freon. 95 with 17K. Florida heat no prob. drove today, I did tint the windows also in hopes of controlling the melting issues....
     
  9. TimsBlack16M

    TimsBlack16M Formula 3

    Jan 27, 2005
    1,365
    Agoura Hills, CA
    Full Name:
    Tim
    #9 TimsBlack16M, Jul 2, 2005
    I periodically drive my 99' 355 to work in the San Fernando Valley (Warner Center). I have never had a problem with the cooling. Tim
     
  10. MufflerMan

    MufflerMan Formula 3

    Jun 12, 2005
    1,564
    Sacramento Ca
    Full Name:
    Colby Sandman
    #10 MufflerMan, Jul 2, 2005
    I live in Sacramento Ca and drive my 355 often in the heat. It was over 100 today and my car had no issues.
     
  11. Robin

    Robin F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,931
    Arlington, VA
    #11 Robin, Jul 4, 2005
    AC in my 99 works like a champ. Was out for a drive last weekend in a typical DC summer day... 90ish with humidity so bad you start to sweat as soon as you step outside. The gf and I were both shocked at how quickly the car cooled down inside. Literally took 10-15 seconds to get ice cold inside. Had to turn it down a bit even...also did plenty of sitting in traffic that day and the car never had an issue.

    -R
     
  12. alanhenson

    alanhenson Formula 3

    Dec 2, 2003
    1,357
    #12 alanhenson, Jul 6, 2005
    My 355s AC worked fine here in Dallas on the hottest days.
     
  13. dbcooper

    dbcooper Formula Junior

    Feb 7, 2005
    281
    Costa Mesa,Ca.
    Full Name:
    Tim Romero
    #13 dbcooper, Jul 7, 2005
    The 355 is a model that is late enough to have an efficient A/C,so unless somethings wrong with the system, you should keep cool.
     
  14. lusso64

    lusso64 Formula 3

    Apr 12, 2004
    1,535
    Simi Valley
    Full Name:
    David
    #14 lusso64, Jul 7, 2005
    My BLACK 95 355B has no probs at all sitting in heat on the 101 during the afternoon peak. Cools quickly and stays there. Engine temp holds nicely, as does oil.

    Do be careful with engine temp though - the right side cooling fan tends to cook fuses for some reason, and you won't know it isn't working until the temp gets up.

    Dave
     
  15. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 14, 2003
    61,116
    In front of you
    Full Name:
    BCHC
    #15 darth550, Jul 7, 2005
    I recall it was the volume of air that was lacking, not the temperature (much like my 993 cab) The car didn't get hot unless I was stuck in traffic. The 550's were the same.

    Living in the 818, you should know the drill with convertibles. Drive at night during the summer!

    If you go out during the day, make sure you park in the shade, have a towel to cover the console or put up the top at every destination! ;)

    My solution to the 818 problem was the absolute best....I MOVED!
     
  16. JSL

    JSL Formula 3

    Jan 5, 2002
    2,212
    California
    Full Name:
    J.S. Leonard
    #16 JSL, Jul 7, 2005
    I live in Fresno, any questions?

    Actually, my 355 works fine. Blows pretty cold. Have it serviced regularly though. BTW: Heat is one of the main reasons I have a Berlinetta and not a spider.
     

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