syelenik

Getting ready for track driving events and I apologize if this question is asked already. Don't jump if so, please! Part of the weight reduction phase one included removing the radio along with a lot of other interior stuff. Race seats are in, roll bar is in, etc. More of the dash comes out in Phase 2 when I extend to a full roll cage. My question is that I have hot air coming from the center air grills on the dash. For now I would like to be able to run the HVAC including defrost on rainy track days (it happens). And I certainly don't need to add heat to the cabin when at track events. Can I seperate out the HVAC controls from the radio unit and plug them in and work? I am under the impression it might not be that simple?

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

I'm not too sure, but you could try removing the stereo from the faceplate.

godesshunter

Id say you can install the Metra dash kit but just leave out the radio?

Highway8

iTrader: (11)

Because the stock radio faceplate has a curcuit board in it, we need the radio installed to have fullHVAC control and the above display. So the metra kit was what I am going to try.

I will then use the space left for the double din to install guages. For now I have the same situation as the OP. I keep my stero handy to install if I need HVAC controls. Takes about 5 minutes to put it in.

FYI stock head unit weight 5 pounds, more then the weight of my 5 guages plus dashhawk OBD2 reader.

syelenik

You know I thought about that! Or maybe I should just manually close the heat valve to sto the heat and if the windshield fogs up put one of those old 1950's style fan on the dash and plug it into the cigarette lighter socket. No just jokes and any more advice or experience is welcome. I am pressed to solve this by the weekend or put the radio back in which won't be desirable but not the end of the world either. Anyone solved this?

Highway8

iTrader: (11)

5 pounds wont hurt you and it takes minutes to switch back and forth. You can try installing the head unit and switching to cold air and out the defrost vents but I think it may switch right back on power up. You can also put tape over all the vents you dont want air coming out of and keep a towel to wipe the windshield if it fogs up.

godesshunter

I can certainly understand the mentality of "every little bit counts" but is the 5 lbs shed really worth all the trouble to get it?

Since your original plan is to run no radio, perhaps you could just go through the car and remove all the speakers. That would get you your 5 lbs. and keep the head unit in place for hvac

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

For weight reduction, the HVAC system is priority #1 -

The condensor blocks rad airflow and the compressor sits up top, out front, and weighs a ton - removal gives lower C of G, lower polar moment of rotation and lots of grams of dead weight.

Come ask about the radio when you're serious.

syelenik

StealthTL, Once again a honest informed question gets flamed. You guys have a habit of that in this digest. I am more than serious and baffled by your attack. Did you read the whole thread? I have the batttery out of the front, pounds of shrouding out from up front. Speakers are out. I have several hundred pounds of stuff in the basement. Eventually for sale, inclduing a 40th Anniversary interior. The drivers seat alone is an anchor. I stated this was phase 1. I did not go through the list of every frikin' item I have removed, oor will remove. I am at the point where I am getting ready for track days. Which begins next week. So I have to live with where AI am at for a bit. The roll bar (phase one) will become a full roll cage in phase two which will include a near full dash removal. Eventually I will make a new lighter custom wirign harness. It takes time and phases. I don't need your f'in lecture. I have a plan and I am not stupid. For now when I pulled the radio out I ended up with hot air blowing so I had some questions. Of course the radio can go back in and I can surely block off my heat manually. And of course the dash, air bags, condensor, even compressor will eventually come out. So the challenge remains, any way to keep the radio out and still have the HVAC ***** work. Some other nicer and more thoughtful readers have made surggestions which I will try.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

A couple of members have asked about using the Metra kit to keep the HVAC working without a headunit at all. I'm not 100% sure it will work without a headunit, but I really don't see why it wouldn't.

Highway8

iTrader: (11)

FYI, ac compressor, lines and condensor weigh about 12 pounds total. Not huge gains on weight but I do like the better radiator airflow. It's not uncommon to leave the heater core and vents in place as they vome in handy in the rain.

Op, you won't even notice the hot air in the cabin on track days with the windows down. When you really need the controls is for the rain.

RX8Geek

The Metra kit will keep the HVAC working without a radio. You could pull the compressor etc. if you like, and the fan and mode controls would still work. I think keeping the ability to blow front defrost air would be a good thing, but it won't remove humidity w/o the compressor.

Highway8

iTrader: (11)

It just needs to help, the key is to be as dry as possible when you get in the car and to wipe down the windshield with a towel. Having a rear vent open is a big help too.