T350T - Aircon a must??
Discussion
Hello, first post! 
I'm in the process of looking at some T350s (was looking at Tuscan MK1s but for various reasons have changed my mind!!). I've seen several posts in reply to people looking at cars saying that 'aircon is a must', or similar.
I'm going to see a T350T this weekend without A/C and my questions are - is it really an essential? Is the heat soak really that bad? And if so, can A/C be retrofitted?
I'm in the process of looking at some T350s (was looking at Tuscan MK1s but for various reasons have changed my mind!!). I've seen several posts in reply to people looking at cars saying that 'aircon is a must', or similar.
I'm going to see a T350T this weekend without A/C and my questions are - is it really an essential? Is the heat soak really that bad? And if so, can A/C be retrofitted?
I know the heat soak can be a problem when sat in traffic and going on long journeys, it gets very hot somewhat uncomfortable in the cabin. I have the coupe version and from my small experience A/C is exceedingly important unless you like driving with the windows down especially on long journeys. Like to add A/C is really only needed on hot days i.e the two weeks in summer, liking the heat soak in the winter though.
However if the roof panels are removable than the situation maybe different. Thats probably not helpful.
Sure someone who has had experiences with a targa will explain better
However if the roof panels are removable than the situation maybe different. Thats probably not helpful.
Sure someone who has had experiences with a targa will explain better
In my experience of 2 Chims (no AC) and a Mk1 Tuscan (with AC) in the summer on those days when you can't trust the weather (rare, I know 
) AC is almost essential and certainly desirable.
Retro fitting is an option but to quote Christopher Neil's who I spoke to yesterday about exactly this option on a Tamora, I was told if it's possible it will almost certainly cost £1000s.
My advice - if you plan to use the car in all weathers or in the summer on less than perfect days, if you can find a T350 with AC then it's worth a little extra.
) AC is almost essential and certainly desirable.Retro fitting is an option but to quote Christopher Neil's who I spoke to yesterday about exactly this option on a Tamora, I was told if it's possible it will almost certainly cost £1000s.
My advice - if you plan to use the car in all weathers or in the summer on less than perfect days, if you can find a T350 with AC then it's worth a little extra.
I looked into the cost retrofitting A/C in a T350, the guys at racinggreen said it cost £1000-£2000 for parts plus labour @ £1000. Not a simple task by looking at the costs involved.
They threw me the line that is they will install it better than at the factory. Just to clarify my last post; for the coupe version(T350c) A/C is essential.
They threw me the line that is they will install it better than at the factory. Just to clarify my last post; for the coupe version(T350c) A/C is essential.
Did my research before buying a Targa 6 weeks ago and my conclusion was definitely go for a/c. Even in summer with the panels off, if you've got the sun out and you are in slow moving traffic I imagine the heat soak and sun combination would become uncomfortable. Spend the max. you can and get the best specified, best maintained & cared for model you can - also dont worry too much about mileage, its more important to get a well looked after model than one with the least mileage.
Thanks for all the replies. A mixed bag - I guess I will find out more at the weekend!
My current car (Evo IX FQ-360) does have a fair bit of heat soak but on the rare sunny days this summer I actually preferred to switch off the aircon and have the windows down. One thing I will definitely be doing in the summer is a trip to the south of France, and back via Le Mans - i.e. plenty of long distance driving and (hopefully) sunshine, so I don't want to fry!
My current car (Evo IX FQ-360) does have a fair bit of heat soak but on the rare sunny days this summer I actually preferred to switch off the aircon and have the windows down. One thing I will definitely be doing in the summer is a trip to the south of France, and back via Le Mans - i.e. plenty of long distance driving and (hopefully) sunshine, so I don't want to fry!
I'm on my fourth TVR without aircon, this one a t350t. Heat soak is still an issue but less so than it was in the Tuscan and way less than either of my Chims (the 5L used to cook my left shoe). Very occasionally, usually Central London traffic jams in summer, it might be a boon but when speccing my cars always thought aircon was a lot of money that could be spent on something more useful (bigger brakes) or entertaining (ridiculous paint).
Having never had a car with aircon I don't miss it and would certainly not say it is essential. After all I've got windows. And targa panels.
Having never had a car with aircon I don't miss it and would certainly not say it is essential. After all I've got windows. And targa panels.
It is a 'good thing' for re-sale. But, if you buy one without, you should aim to make the same win on the buy as you expect loss on the sale- as you have found, it is pretty expensive to retro-fit.
In terms of use, I normally have the windows open. A/C works well enough, but the a/c radiator compromises the engine's rad a little, so if you really get stuck in high temps you'll turn it off to save your engine. We had a summer trip through the Riviera and barely used it. Rotten case of 'drivers arm', mind!
I would not worry about it for a second-hand buy, now. Go for condition and history.
hth.
In terms of use, I normally have the windows open. A/C works well enough, but the a/c radiator compromises the engine's rad a little, so if you really get stuck in high temps you'll turn it off to save your engine. We had a summer trip through the Riviera and barely used it. Rotten case of 'drivers arm', mind!
I would not worry about it for a second-hand buy, now. Go for condition and history.
hth.
shorts! said:
I'm on my fourth TVR without aircon, this one a t350t. Heat soak is still an issue but less so than it was in the Tuscan and way less than either of my Chims (the 5L used to cook my left shoe). Very occasionally, usually Central London traffic jams in summer, it might be a boon but when speccing my cars always thought aircon was a lot of money that could be spent on something more useful (bigger brakes) or entertaining (ridiculous paint).
Having never had a car with aircon I don't miss it and would certainly not say it is essential. After all I've got windows. And targa panels.
Having never had a car with aircon I don't miss it and would certainly not say it is essential. After all I've got windows. And targa panels.
Cost 2K, weighs too much, works well too infrequently.
IMO
Hoady said:
Thanks for all the replies. A mixed bag - I guess I will find out more at the weekend!
My current car (Evo IX FQ-360) does have a fair bit of heat soak but on the rare sunny days this summer I actually preferred to switch off the aircon and have the windows down. One thing I will definitely be doing in the summer is a trip to the south of France, and back via Le Mans - i.e. plenty of long distance driving and (hopefully) sunshine, so I don't want to fry!
TVR aircon is nothing like the system in your Evo. Its a bit of an art getting it to work well. If I was driving to in a shirt and tie on a hot day I would definately want it, however, if the TVR is for fun and you will be wearing shorts and a tee when driving in the sun then a little sweat never did anyone any harm My current car (Evo IX FQ-360) does have a fair bit of heat soak but on the rare sunny days this summer I actually preferred to switch off the aircon and have the windows down. One thing I will definitely be doing in the summer is a trip to the south of France, and back via Le Mans - i.e. plenty of long distance driving and (hopefully) sunshine, so I don't want to fry!
In my opinion and depends upon how much you use your T350 especiallly in sumemr but I feel you can get away without it. Its pretty crap anyway to be honest, and for that reason I rarely have mine on. Its deffo got its advantages as a extra when it come to selling / buying one, but I wouldnt let it put you off.....Theres something quite nice about sitting at the lights in summer with a sweaty brow ready to take the boxter, scubie, beemer etc sat next to you to the cleaners. 
Edited by FEE 50 on Thursday 11th December 09:41
Hi,
This also depends on what sort of person you are, I personally hate being "too hot" inside a car even in winter and therefore I would use the A/C alot from all months of the year (even in winter I find it handy to de-mist the car if I wash it when the interior is warm / humid)
In summer I couldn`t live without it but I need mine re-gassed as she isn`t as chilly cold as she could be. On full blast she will easily freeze bottles of water in the glove box and given enough time I can see my breath (albiet the Irish summers aren`t that warm.. lol)
J
This also depends on what sort of person you are, I personally hate being "too hot" inside a car even in winter and therefore I would use the A/C alot from all months of the year (even in winter I find it handy to de-mist the car if I wash it when the interior is warm / humid)
In summer I couldn`t live without it but I need mine re-gassed as she isn`t as chilly cold as she could be. On full blast she will easily freeze bottles of water in the glove box and given enough time I can see my breath (albiet the Irish summers aren`t that warm.. lol)
J
Targarama said:
Those without aircon will say it isn't needed and visa versa.
I have it and I'm glad. It works well, has never needed regassing since new (4.5 years) and it drys out the internal condensation too.
Agree. I haven't and 8/10 journeys I don't miss it. On hot summer days I do miss it as I guess I would if holidaying in Provence in July. If it was fitted to the car I wanted, great, but I wouldn't use AC as my most important +/-I have it and I'm glad. It works well, has never needed regassing since new (4.5 years) and it drys out the internal condensation too.
When i picked my Tuscan up a couple of weeks ago, the heater fan was not working. I bought it and was dreading the drive home as it was -1 outside, after 10 mins of driving it was comfortable, after an hour I had my fleece off down to my T shirt.
Not much help, but if there is that much heat soak in winter at -1 then im glad i got A/C with mine.
Not much help, but if there is that much heat soak in winter at -1 then im glad i got A/C with mine.
BGB autosport said:
When i picked my Tuscan up a couple of weeks ago, the heater fan was not working. I bought it and was dreading the drive home as it was -1 outside, after 10 mins of driving it was comfortable, after an hour I had my fleece off down to my T shirt.
Not much help, but if there is that much heat soak in winter at -1 then im glad i got A/C with mine.
I think the settings must be wrong on the flap position. 80% of cars seem to be throwing hot air into the cabin, which should not be. Not much help, but if there is that much heat soak in winter at -1 then im glad i got A/C with mine.
It is rarely heat soak.
Not sure how you adjust on Tuscan1 but Tam ,T350 Sag & Tuscan2 CAN be cured of this.
G
Having owned a chim for 4 years with no air-con I made it a must have for when I looked for my T350. 90% of the time I didn't need it but on those hot but wet days I found it essential. Also when in Cannes a couple of years ago I'd have swapped for the first banger offered that had it fitted.
I had air-con retro fitted on mine just before the factory shut, got a reasonable deal through the dealer at the time.
Last year it was great yes taking off the panels or having the windows open works but when we were in france last year i was driving through some mixed weather very humid very wet and the air-con was a great to have.
However this year has been such a poor summer a have hardly used the air-con just rather have the tops off when it was dry.
So if you see a T350T you really love don't let the lack of air-con put you off to much.
IMO
Last year it was great yes taking off the panels or having the windows open works but when we were in france last year i was driving through some mixed weather very humid very wet and the air-con was a great to have.
However this year has been such a poor summer a have hardly used the air-con just rather have the tops off when it was dry.
So if you see a T350T you really love don't let the lack of air-con put you off to much.
IMO
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