s13hero

Ok, so I read through the whole thing again, and I'm confused. It seems like you need the honda CRV 97-01 evaporator box in order to physically have a space to insert the filter correct? But the Lid of the evap box on the crv (80201-ST3-G00) seems to cross references to all 98-01 integras. Same seems to be true for the bottom of the CRV evap box (80202-ST3-G00) fitting 98-01. So couldn't I just use an 98-01 integra Evap box? Also I was under the impression that 94-97(?) integra evaporator components fit a 1995 civic, but according to the part numbers 94 integra only is compatible with 92-93 civic.Did I just completely overlook something here or are the part numbers incorrect?

Edit: I realized you said that 98-01 integra works, but needs CRV filter assembly, oops.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Update, July 2011: I *finally* retrofit A/C on my car, using the CR-V evap I purchased back in 2009, and the A/C components and tools necessary to do the job myself that I collected between 2009-2011. Slow going, yeah, I know - but I also didn't want to do it until I swapped my engine out, which I finally did in April 2011. Naturally, I flushed the lines and necessary components thoroughly before charging, redid all the O-rings, etc. etc. I charged with Duracool R12a and the system with the cabin filter works beautifully and blows a cool 4C/38F from the centre vent on a hot day.

mug007

So what can I use for my 96 civic? this is confusing I just want to know what works.
If I understand I swap my evaporator box with the CR-V evaporator box?

Can't I use the 98 evaporator box instead?????

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

^ Yes, 98-00 Civic box will work.

s13hero

I found an integra in the junkyard yesterday, and the evap has the space for the filter, but I can't figure out how to get it out. It should be the same as the EG, but this integra has a passenger side air bag, but the airbag isn't connected to the evap but I still couldn't manage to get it out, anyone have any tips?

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Airbag shouldn't interfere. Where is it getting stuck? Are you 110% sure you got all the nuts and bolts off? There are like 5 or 6 ... maybe more. Plus it can sometimes get stuck behind the firewall matting.

s13hero

I can't really tell where I'm getting stuck. I've pulled the evap out of my EG so I know where the bolts are but the yard was about to close so I'm going to try and go back and double check. The a/c lines are off, and I don't see anymore bolts, it just seems like its stuck in there, most likely I missed a bolt, but I wanted to see if there was any other possibilities. Unfortunately I've been searching for this evap forever, and finally decided to charge my a/c a couple months ago so even if I get it out I'll have to wait a while to install it.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Dang - sorry to hear that. It's raining parts where I live, sometimes literally being launched then falling out of the sky. FYI: late model Integras, 97-01 CRVs, 98-00 Civics are all compatible evaps.

s13hero

98 is? I thought the interchange was 99? I saw a 98 yesterday and didn't seem to have it but I didn't look that closely. Parts being launched?

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

^ Yeah, click the link.

Pretty sure a 98 Civic has the hole for the evap... check the parts schematics though.

EDIT: NOFX says it is so: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/how-cabin-air-filter-1998-2000-civic-2112319/

s13hero

Yeah I saw the pic, thats crazy. I'm headed back to the yard today I'll double check the integra and civic.

angrysmileyface

Is there a way to seperate the casing in order to do this retro fit? I have a 93 and its an R12 system (Big bucks to recharge and its currently got a full charge.) I picked up a 98 CR-v evap box at the yard today and would like the feature of having the blower filter.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Unfortunately, not. Not only is the evap a different size in the filter/non-filter units, your R-12 piping will not be compatible with the R-134a unit (AFAIK). Unless I am totally wrong, you will have to convert your entire A/C components to R-134a to retrofit the evap with the cabin air filter.

This is why in the OP I mention that the retrofit is really only applicable to 94-95 Civics, since these ones got R-134a systems.

EDIT: I learned this is wrong information, now. The only difference is the size of one bolt to mount one of the lines at the new evap with filter, which you will just keep if you remove it yourself. And you should get a TXV that's for R-134a. (NB: The R-12 TXV will NOT fit the inlet and outlet of the R-134a evap.) Read later posts for more information.

(Also, in Canada, we have the option of using R-12a instead of R-12 or R-134a, which is like a $14 purchase to recharge at home, so a little easier on the wallet up here.)

angrysmileyface

Nuts! Well I guess now I have an evap box for sale.... :\ Just because I dont want to go breaking into the R12 and converting it to something less efficient

John Jackson

Thx for the great post deschlong, I got a civic off a friend last year and I am working on some tune ups. And I came across this post. Anyway, I want to ask which model should I take the evaporator box for the retrofit, if I just want a plug and play swap. I am not sure how to switch the thermostat, so it is better just keep it simple. (I got a 2dr 95 civic)

Thanks for the help.

NVturbo

Great DIY. Too bad Honda didn't do this from the factory. Cut cost...I assume?

vwjimmy

Funny, years as a Tech and several as a Honda Parts Manager and I never looked to see if my 00 Civic Coupe had a spot for a filter....which it does!!!!!
Thanks for the write up Bro.....cleaning the box out and installing a filter ASAP!!!

Yo Pintura Trenes

I ripped out my A/C sometime ago but I still like to have fresh air come through the vents. This really has helped with catching dust in the dry western air and most of the time cursing the highway its still cool enough to keep the windows up.

94eghatch2012

This is an awesome DIY write up!

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

I know.

RoadtripChris

I have a 98 Civic DX (with A/C) and the evap unit appears to be the same as the 96-97 one. I have the cabin air filter from a CR-V (part numbers are matched to the ones you listed in the first post). Which car should I pull an evap from to swap in, I saw in the top of the other page where you recommend 98-00 Civic boxes.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Evidently the switch happened some time in 1998. All of the '98 Civics I've looked at (at least 5) have all had the air filter slot, but there are definitely some folks with '98s who do not have one. Anyway, that said - I would suggest pulling an evap from a '98-'00 Civic with the air filter slot, considering they are pretty easy to find. 2nd choice would be '98-'01 Integra. 3rd choice would be CR-V. I really need to update the orig post with info that I've learned since I first wrote it up.

RoadtripChris

Is there a way to swap the plastic shells around the evap without doing the evap unit itself? I'd rather not have to discharge/vacuum/recharge my perfectly good A/C sys if I don't have to.

EDIT: Thanks for the write-up, it's awesome to know I'm going to be able to breathe clean air rather than dusty s*&$ once I get this all done.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

No, this is not an option, sorry. You must evacuate it and re-charge. Aside from it being physically impossible, another reason is that the evaporator internal components sizes are different to accommodate the filter piece. (It's a good time to test for leaks and do any preventative maintenance on your A/C, however.)

RoadtripChris

Thanks