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Old Apr 15, 2009 | 12:02 PM
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Default Digital HVAC?

Hey guys! I'm in the process of rebuilding my 78 and have alot of my interior updated and now i'm looking at the HVAC. I'd like to go to a digital system to get rid of the clumsy old system. Has anyone undertaken this yet or have a manufacture of a good aftermarket system? I've considered yanking one out of a new charger since I don't really need the dual climate that most of the new chevys have. But then I'm looking at adding a BCM and dealing witht that CAN-Bus nightmare HELP ME OUT GUYS!
Thanks,
-Matt-
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Old Apr 15, 2009 | 06:13 PM
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I haven't come across any digital controls for sale. I have been looking into designing a computer for c3s but HVAC controls through it would be a HUGE undertaking.
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Old Apr 15, 2009 | 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by streetimageceo
Hey guys! I'm in the process of rebuilding my 78 and have alot of my interior updated and now i'm looking at the HVAC. I'd like to go to a digital system to get rid of the clumsy old system. Has anyone undertaken this yet or have a manufacture of a good aftermarket system? I've considered yanking one out of a new charger since I don't really need the dual climate that most of the new chevys have. But then I'm looking at adding a BCM and dealing witht that CAN-Bus nightmare HELP ME OUT GUYS!
Thanks,
-Matt-
I would guess that any newer HVAC system is going to run through some kind of computer controller. Systems in newer cars aren't designed to be ripped out and put into a 30-year-old car. The LS-engine system is an exception, but the other systems in newer GM cars are too tightly coupled. The BCM is a good example. Unless you use a bypass module you can't run a LS engine without the BCM.

A search of aftermarket HVAC companies might turn up something. A lot of high-end hot rods use pretty sophisticated systems.



Rick B.
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Old Apr 15, 2009 | 09:32 PM
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Rick, not sure what you are referring to by Bypass module to install an LS engine without the BCM. I have no bypass module and no BCM. I'm just wired directly into the PCM to the engine.

As far as Digital A/C, if you use a Vintage Air Gen II System they have digital controls available which would look great (IMHO). I wish they were available when I did my 81.
They have both round and squre versions.

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd475.htm

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Old Apr 15, 2009 | 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 78Vette-SA
Rick, not sure what you are referring to by Bypass module to install an LS engine without the BCM. I have no bypass module and no BCM. I'm just wired directly into the PCM to the engine.
I was referring to the VATS signal. I know most LS guys just program it out of the ECU but I'd like to have it enabled. I'm building a VATS bypass module (hope it works!) that I can unplug to disable the injectors if the car is parked somewhere. My 2 sons will be driving the car also so I'd like to have some good security available.



Rick B.
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 10:45 AM
  #6  
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From: fort collins co
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Sorry maybe I wan't clear earlier, with most of the newer vehicles on the market there is a body control module for all the vehicles accessories, radio, windows, ect. as well as an engine control module. They are two seperate entities altogether thus there would be no need for any kind of immobilizer unit, in any case I would still be able to power the accessory circuit since the immobilizers only lock out the computer upon crank by either killing the fuel or timing in most cases. However good thought!! i appreciate you trying to cover all my bases!! And I will be looking into that digi above it looks very clean.
-Matt-
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 12:07 PM
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From: Comanche Tejas
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after reading your post i realized that it would be very easy to make a digital display/control for the vintage air kit. their kit fits directly onto the factory heat and air controls in the corvette. Essentially the wheels on the factory control are connected to two potentiometers that connect to the controller for the system. A connector also plugs directly into the factory fan speed connector. If you were wanting to create digital controls for the c3 I would suggest adding one of the vintage air kits and using a microcontroler to drive the inputs to the vintage air controller and a digital display. I really don't think it would be that hard actually. just configure two analog outputs on a pic to replace the potentiometers, digital i/o for fan speed and what nots, and a 10$ 4 line led screen.

Hmmm, looks like i am going to cut up my brand new vintage air system to do this now. thanks for the idea!

adding some links.
http://www.vintageair.com/cat2007/39.pdf

Last edited by clay9_24; Apr 16, 2009 at 12:10 PM.
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Old Apr 17, 2009 | 04:52 PM
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DUDE AWESOME!!! I would love to see your results, how much did the kit set you back?
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