I'm thinking of getting extra seat heaters and installing them under the carpets, dash pad, and roof liner. I might also add heated motorcycle grips to my steering wheel and shifter :-)

The one I posted is a Coleman flameless unit for tents.

Electric heater
 

What about something like this:

USA Made 12 Volt Ducted Electric Heater

I would really prefer an electric heater, but everything that I have read tells me that our alternators are not powerful enough to run an electric heater...at least one that actually provides adequate heat.

does anyone know what heater unit is in the singer Porsche that was shown on the board recently?

How soon before results will be announced? Spring is coming and I want an early start :-)

Yes...it is crazy. Flameless heaters...though efficient, still put off exhaust gas. I tried to use my 'lil'buddy' in the shop unvented...shut it off after 15 minutes :(

OR...you could do this--> Volvo Heater

I feel your pain. Are SSI's a no-go on the 914-6? or just too spendy?

SSi does not make systems for 914-6. Many people are doing engine conversions , using header sets ups.
Here is a hint at where we are at today 3/2/12: The initial testing is very positive. Using different fans and heater elements our electrical guru has found the right balance for max efficiency. He has also worked out the electrical draw details so you don't fry your alternator when you turn this on !
We are not ready to produce the system yet. We still need to perform a beta test and based on the results, can finalize the design. Then comes costing, and hopefully production

At this point we need volunteer to do a beta test for us with the following details:

1-Drives their Porsche in a cold environment- we mean COLD. California on a "chilly" 45 degree day does not qualify
2-Can adhere to scientific principles: Can fill in charts of time to temp vs interior/exterior temps, several thermometers in the car to check temp fill in vs time. Subjective impressions, etc
3- Can do it fairly quickly: We would like to have some early production units ready by spring.
4- Confidentiality. The beta unit will need to be returned to us once the test is completed


Thank you!

Dave, I'm in!

sent ya an e mail
db

Any updates?

We've been working with this electronics engineer that is also a Porsche owner. He has probably spent close to $10k of his money experimenting with electronic controls, stepped heater actuation (so you don't kill the alternator with a hard load for more than a few seconds, but still get high heat), air flow, ducting, etc.. Despite his expertise, the results have not been encouraging.

It looks like the price point for something that is fairly effective , would be at the same level as the higher performance gas / propane fired units already out there. Our advantage would have been the integration within the existing ducting w/o having to carry a fuel bottle, install etc.. Of course mediocre performance is not our goal, so more time and $$ have to be invested for a product to come to market.

For the time being (probably till next winter when real time testing can take place) the project is on the shelf.

sigh... we had high hopes for a cool new product

Thanks
Dave

Well, I'm am crazy enough to have tried a simular product.

It did produce heat, but also exhaust so you need to open up the ventilation quite a bit.

What I didn't take into account was that burning propane not only produce heat and fumes, it also produces water in steam form... so the air in the car got moist and the windows fogged up... exactly what I was trying to get rid off.

Bummer on the electric heat from TRE.

TRE any updates?

Cliff

BTUs are BTUs, producing them at the 12v arena is gonna require crazy amounts of current. Gas and liquid fuels while efficient are a little nervy in a moving vehicle.
For the effort I would think that the oil would provide a suitable heat source, question is which oil cooler and ducting the same to the cabin.
I flew freight in piston and turbine twins and preferred sweats and polar fleece to the scary CO machines in the nose.