From Heat Exchangers to Headers

[Joejitsu]

So after removal of my engine from my 74 targa I unbolted the heat exchangers and saw how the heater boxes were completely rusted through with many holes and whatnot. I decided to cut off the boxes and now have a pair of good condition headers. But I was wondering if this would effect my engine cooling. Since the heater boxes usually house the air blown in by the fan, is there anything else I should do to make sure the car does not overheat, or could this move actually make my engine run cooler since the wind will directly pass over the headers? Any opinions greatly appreciated.

Joe

[project 911]

Joe,

I've got headers on my 71. I blocked off the holes through the engine tins where the hoses came up through to keep the hot air below from coming up to the engine compartment. I also blocked the hose inlets to the engine shroud. No problems with engine temps... In fact I have trouble getting up to temperature. Oh, I also blocked the heat inlets to the cabin to keep any fumes out.
I don't drive mine in the winter, so it really isn't a problem not having heat, but would imagine that this setup would make warm-up take longer in cold weather.

[Early_S_Man]

If you properly cap the outlets in the engine compartments that normally have the paper/foil tubes attached ... your cooling air flow over the cylinders and heads should actually improve! Whether it is enough to show an oil temp drop in 100°F weather, I don't know.