Converting 84 to Electronic Climate Control

[corvetterider84]

I was wondering if anyone knows whether or not its possible to convert the standard climate controls in an 84 vette to the more advanced electronic climate controls with the digital readouts for outside/inside temp. etc. I seen this option in the later 80's vettes and would really like to somehow make it work with my 84 vette if its not too much work. Are both units interchangeable as far as the wiring harnesses are concerned? Any info. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[jmccloud]

A/C

The electronic control unit has a motor operated heater air flow door but the 'manual' unit has a control wire (like a lawn mower throttle control) from the dash module down to the manually operated heater flow door. The motor operated door is expensive (my son had one replaced for almost $200). Also, there are several sensors (like outside air temp) that are remotely located (on the passenger side of the lower radiator housing) and may or may not have wiring harness provisions.
I've had both types of A/C and the automatic isn't worth what they charge for it. That's just my 2 cents.

 

[Tonylong]

My 2 cents agrees.
I have electronic on my 89, and I've had to replace the control head and some sort of relay so far.
Save your money - you'll need it when your compressor self-destructs.

 

[corvetterider84]

advice well taken. I guess I'll stick to my basic setup. Thanks for the info.

 

[redc4corvette]

Check Under The Hood On Passenger Side Of Engine Under The Plastic
Cover For Fuel Rail You Will See A Vav Diaphram With 3 Vac Lines Going To It
The Black Round Piece Could Have A Small Hole In It It Also Operates Your Cruse Control.

 

[EttevroC]

My 2 cents agrees.
I have electronic on my 89, and I've had to replace the control head and some sort of relay so far.
Save your money - you'll need it when your compressor self-destructs.

I also own a 89 and the Electronics are going nutty on me. The digital display just sits there and displays all sorts of random gibberish, then it goes blank. I'm not into that Disco light show that's going on in my dash.:L

Where did you purchase the control head and relay?

thanks

 

[jmccloud]

Parts source for Ettevroc

Try this place, I've been satisfied with their goods. Yes, it's a scrap yard.

http://www.contemporarycorvette.com/cars.htm

 

[EttevroC]

Thanks for the URL. I really appreciate a recommendation from a happy customer. I don’t mind that it’s a junk yard, OEM is OEM to me. Thanks again!

 

[Vettefan87]

My 87 has the digital climate control and im not to impressed by it. Half the time it wll read blank and i have to mess with it and push the buttons real hard just to get a two or three second display then black. Just keep the standard setup you have.

 

[tyrel]

I own an 89 with c68 auto temp control and it performs flawlessly. I have never had any problems with it whatsoever. The display is clear and bright and all the buttons work perfectly.

 

[Tonylong]

Actually I bought the display head from the dealer - Paul Chevy, in Ashland, PA - cost about $125, same for the relay, cost ? not much.
HTH

 

[EttevroC]

No $125 is not too much. Does replacing one require the replacement of the other?

 

[Tonylong]

I don't think replacing the relay was required.
Actually I can't remember which relay or wy I replaced it - Probably because it didn't cost much.
Be careful removing the display head - the connector is hard to reach and has some type of "trick" securing device to keep it together. I remember I resorted to using force and broke the keeper. Later used duct tape to secure the fastener.
LOL

 

[Vettelt193]

I have had both electronic and standard AC in C4's...

there is something to be said for actually being able to tell the car what to do, and have it do it.... meaning, if i don't want the dang compressor to run, i could turn it off with the manual A/C... electronic pretty much does what it wants to, when it wants to, unless you just turn it off. stick with what you have, it is actually better!

 

[EttevroC]

I don't think replacing the relay was required.
Actually I can't remember which relay or wy I replaced it - Probably because it didn't cost much.
Be careful removing the display head - the connector is hard to reach and has some type of "trick" securing device to keep it together. I remember I resorted to using force and broke the keeper. Later used duct tape to secure the fastener.
LOL

Good ol duct tape!:L Thanks for your warning, hopefully I won't need any of that universal magical tape.