Hi, first post here,

I am planning on getting an R/T this fall. I just rented an SE this weekend as an extended test drive and that pretty much sealed the deal for me. I like the body style, but definitely want the 5.7. However, I live in AZ and am concerned about the AC in the Magnum. Feels pretty anemic. And the rear vents are pretty awful in delivering cool air to the back seat (I know, since I sat back there for a while). Now this is a basic, barebones Magnum I am test driving. Does the Dual Zone Climate Control upgrade get you any more air movement? Especially to the back? I am replacing a Ford Freestar with the Magnum, and the Freestar had great AC delivery to the back of the vehicle (that was about the only good thing about the Freestar).

 

FWIW, I have been test driving various Magnums and Chargers the past two weeks trying to find the perfect one.... Needless to say I was NOT impressed with the output... In my Audi, I have to actually turn the A/C DOWN after about 15 minutes in 105 degree weather since it gets so cold... But the Magnum I have to have full blast just to keep from breaking a sweat...

 

That doesn't sound promising. I guess the Freestar's AC had to be good since there was no way to roll down windows in the back seats. I don't have kids and rarely have backseat passengers, but I have 2 dogs that I take around from time to time. I was concerned because of them, but since the back windows roll down, dogs pretty much love that. Any of you Magnum owners with kids ever hear complaints of it being too hot back there even when the AC is running? Also, any ideas on boosting airflow in the interior? Is there a fan in the console that can be modified to push more air out to the back seats?

 

tinted windows will really help you out with the AC's efficiency. the back of the center console has AC vents for the rear passengers. make sure they are open. i turn the AC on 69* and it has no problem keeping the car cool on the inside.

the SE magnums have clear window. if you get the R/T, it will have tinted windows.

 

I have 15% tint all the way around and it STILL sucks. (Also have the R/T) and like I was saying, no matter how many Chargers and Mags I drove, they all put out about the same...

 

Here's some AC advice for those experieincing cooling problems.

Replace the existing R134a freon with Duracool. This is an environmentally friendly product from Alberta, Canada. It is supposed to be 40% more efficient.

My 1997 Caravan has had a small leak for a few years now, finally resulting in no AC this year. I would charge it up, and it'd be gone within 3 days.

I had the R134a removed, and I installed myself the Duracool tuneup kit ($100 Cdn). It comes with the hoses and connections required, along with 3 cans; one is a drying agent to remove moisture, one is a leak sealer, and one is Duracool freon with lubriccant. I needed to add another can to top it up to the proper pressure.

The results were amazing!!! I did this 4 weeks ago, and is still working GREAT. It gets so cold, I have to turn the **** to slow speed, and sometimes even have to add a bit of heat to keep it comfortable.

My wife and I are looking at a Magnum. If we buy one, I will be replacing the AC with Duracool when the warranty expires.

It is amazing stuff.

 

I have an SE and when I use the a/c, the car is gutless! I can't go up hill with it turned on, it barely moves. I have tinted windows and if it is on blast, my son doesn't complain. I do recommend getting the hemi!

 

Here where I live (Fairfield, CA) it easily gets to 95 plus and sometimes we have consecutive 100 plus days.
I have to say that in my opinion the back seat air delivery seems weak to me but I never really ride back there.
On the other hand I have never ever had any of my passengers say that they were uncomfortable.
As for the power, the 5.7L has get up and go all of the time regardless of the AC being on or not.

 

well i have the 5.7 and the a/c sucks ***, however my o5 neon will freeze me out its so cold i feel like i sometimes get freezer burn. anyways i think its becouse the a/c has t cuirculate all the way to the back before it could start to really cool down, i think the size of the magnum no matter what engine size you have is to big,only for the ac thow.

 

I have to say that I'm really disappointed in the a/c on my Magnum ('06 R/T). My windows are tinted (13%, really dark) and it helps a little, but it doesn't compare to the a/c of my previous Envoy. We have had 100+ days for the last week or so, and there is no sign of immediate relief. Come on October....