I just pick up a 97 EK hatch. I want to install the 98 EK style vent and air control.
What do I need, and how hard it is?

do I swap the entire heater box or just the control panel?

 

i think you mean the 99-00 interior console...right?? The 98 is the same as yours, but swapping in the 99 will be extremely hard, and not worth it at all, IMO.

 

yeap 99.

I just like the look so much more.
if it is that hard, guess I rather save that money and dump it into other stuff.

 

its' possible but it would be very hard and you'd for sure have to lose AC.

 

I guess this really cant be considered an intelligent response...but I was talking to someone today via AIM (they were inquiring about my EK interior for sale) and he said he swapped out the AC controls for 99-00 ones and it was a very easy and straight forward swap. I wish I knew who it was to help you out.

 

I have no AC.
it is a 97 EK hatch CX I have no AC already.

plus this is going to be my weekend car.

I just like 99+ control panel more.

 

The temp control on the 96-98 are cable controlled while the 99-00 is electroniclly controled. This is where the problems come in.