HVAC system swap

jwick76 · Jul 14, 2008, 02:42 PM

I'm looking to change out my hvac system to something motorized, and not as cheesy/easily broken as the stock '03 Lancer model (the blend door siezes, to where you have to manually operate the gears under the dash as it's too hard for the cable to move it anymore).

Anyone have any input on issues with vent location compatability, control setup, size of other models vs. area under the '03 dash? I don't care if I have to retrofit hosing to connect up to the existing vent locations, or create a custom panel to house the unit on the dash...

Here's what I've found so far that looks similar from what I can tell, without being able to see how the unit is setup behind the panels...

2006 Eclipse GT:

From an '06 Audi S4(wishful thinking here, maybe):
http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/03/Audi-S4-HVAC.JPG
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/29/2...arage-day-3-4/

I'm going on the assumption that a fully electronic unit would only have fitment issues and need a custom panel made...any input on possible model crossovers that would make the easiest swap? I plan on keeping the existing fan if possible, and just playing with the wiring. Basically, I'm looking for a unit where the blend panel is automated, everything else should just be on/off circuits, so I don't see why they wouldn't crossover easily (defrost, ac, recycle)...

admlancer06 · Jul 14, 2008, 07:27 PM

Why not just get the JDM Climate Control system for the Lancer?

It goes in that pocket underneath you HVAC controls. You will probably also need the 2-din audio facia for the current HVAC location, as it will look kinda silly with two sets of HVAC controls, lol.

jwick76 · Jul 15, 2008, 12:37 PM

My issue is with the actual system, not the controls...although, because of the cheesy controls, the faulty system blend door has become non-functional without manually operating it.

I don't want to bring it to the dealer to fix, as it's going to cost me out the &$$ to just have the same stupid part put back in. I'm looking to replace the whole unit with one that has a motorized setup (I don't want to mess with vacuum assisted) that I can wire in, do some custom tubing for the vents, and done...

I'm assuming the JDM setup is just diff controls? Got a link for me to check out?

**otter** · Jul 15, 2008, 01:48 PM

Both JDM and Aussie DM come with electronic climate controls, but you'd probably have a very hard time getting ahold of everything.