There isn't much detail on here about replacing that big bulky AC box on the firewall with a standard one. I removed the other AC stuff under the hood last year. I will have the engine out shortly so this would be a good time to rip in to that project. Besides the space issue the box on the interior side gets very warm and hums sometimes so I want to get in there to see what is going on. I will probably replaced the heater core at the same time since I am in there. The car runs a little warm so this may help a bit.
Any other tips and tricks from those who have done it?
Thank you!
bowtie said
Mar 16, 2015
I used that exact part. I thought I did a newsletter article on it, maybe never wrote it up (???!).
It's pretty easy, though your passenger wheelwell needs to come out. With the engine out, the box is easily accessable, though even with it in it wasn't horribly bad to do. Remove this box first, then your underdash heater box will come out since it has studs that poke through the firewall.
My box cover looks factory and fit very well. I did have a slight conflict with the blower motor cage end sitting a hair too shallow (1/8") and rubbed slightly on the firewall hole. Simple clearancing with a deep socket and extension took care of that. Check yours before you put the wheelwell back in. not a fun job to repeat like I did.
I don't have a picture of it handy, but it certainly saved some space and cleaned things up. I didn't hack out my harness yet, so it's just hidden under a "what is that thing?" cover I made.
bowtie said
Mar 17, 2015
I did a quick write up in the May 2014 newsletter. Here's some pics that weren't included. The lip on the firewall hole was what the fan gerbil cage was rubbing on. You can also see the silver box that's hiding the wires for now.
That looks great Bryan, thank you. I have been wanting to do this since the rest of the hardware is now out. I move in to full car mode in 9 days which actually doesn't leave me a lot of time as I like to drive the car a few weeks before the first race ... especially since I will have a new engine!
There isn't much detail on here about replacing that big bulky AC box on the firewall with a standard one. I removed the other AC stuff under the hood last year. I will have the engine out shortly so this would be a good time to rip in to that project. Besides the space issue the box on the interior side gets very warm and hums sometimes so I want to get in there to see what is going on. I will probably replaced the heater core at the same time since I am in there. The car runs a little warm so this may help a bit.
ss396 has one but is that all I need to get? http://www.ss396.com/chevelle/AXB-9B.html
Any other tips and tricks from those who have done it?
Thank you!
It's pretty easy, though your passenger wheelwell needs to come out. With the engine out, the box is easily accessable, though even with it in it wasn't horribly bad to do. Remove this box first, then your underdash heater box will come out since it has studs that poke through the firewall.
My box cover looks factory and fit very well. I did have a slight conflict with the blower motor cage end sitting a hair too shallow (1/8") and rubbed slightly on the firewall hole. Simple clearancing with a deep socket and extension took care of that. Check yours before you put the wheelwell back in. not a fun job to repeat like I did.
I don't have a picture of it handy, but it certainly saved some space and cleaned things up. I didn't hack out my harness yet, so it's just hidden under a "what is that thing?" cover I made.
I did a quick write up in the May 2014 newsletter. Here's some pics that weren't included. The lip on the firewall hole was what the fan gerbil cage was rubbing on. You can also see the silver box that's hiding the wires for now.