Heater system question

kiesan · 12-21-2003, 11:59 AM

So I've eliminated the AC and auto heater control unit thingie (the one between the seats) on my '84 ROW Carrera. Installed the manual heater levers with new cables, valves, etc. Also eliminated the engine bay assist fan and fabbed up some custom heater feed tubes on the engine (see pic). So... what would you guys do with the 2 assist fans in the footwells? Currently they don't come on and I'm guessing thats because the auto controller between the seats is removed. Without them working there seems to be PLENTY of heat and the defroster works pretty decent when the engine is anywhere above 2k RPM... not much happens at idle. If I removed them and put in some tubes would it work any better since when they aren't coming on they act rather like a cork? If I rigged them to work somehow would it would be like a wind tunnel in my car? I like the idea of eliminating them for less weight and complexity (got my car right at 2500). Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated. TIA

Jack Olsen · 12-21-2003, 02:49 PM

If you're getting heat, then pull them out. The pair of them reperesents a fair amount of weight (relatively speaking). I added a set to my early car because there just wasn't enough airflow with only the air coming from the main blower, especially for defrost when the motor isn't at high revs.

My shop wired the setup through the two-step rear defrost switch, so I have high and low speeds for the kick panel blowers.

That engine bay looks sweet!

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Depends on your needs. They are helpful at low speeds. Easy enough to hook them up to run independently..especially if you did not pull the wiring harness. They certainly should be removed if you do not use them because they block some airflow and are additional weight. They seem to fetch a decent price this time of year too...$40 or better each if working.

Hugh R · 12-21-2003, 03:39 PM

While were on the subject of heaters... Question on the dash I have two lights behind the heater control that I can see, one at the bottom left were it illuminates the words "Def. Off" and the other at the far right, where it illuminates the universal defroster symbol. I cant see any other light bulbs behind the dash, are there others to make it easier to see the heater controls at night?

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

I expect your's is the same as mine. There are 4, one in each corner. the one in the right top corner only comes on when the fan is on.

Hugh R · 12-22-2003, 07:16 AM

Hey Thanks

Now I'll make the effort to dig under the dash!!

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

This is a good link that might help:
Light Bulbs Behind Defroster Control Panel Question?

rickeolis · 12-22-2003, 11:29 AM

It looks like we have a new entry for 'Nicest looking engine on the board' category!

I'm working with my heater system as well, and I'm only using one exchanger; the driver's side one.
I am trying to find a small fan to push the fresh air from the engine bay through to the cabin, but not pull the air away from the engine cooling.
This way, I could eliminate both tubes from the engine tin.