Let There Be Heat

[Trog]

Well, I finally got off my lazy backside and installed some much needed heat. As my new headers lack proper heat exchangers, I've been considering numerous options to reintroduce some heat into the cockpit. In the end, I considered a number of Pelican solutions to come up with a workable, and successful solution.

As part of my upgrading (debatable) efforts, I've replaced my Motronic fuel injection with a PMO ITB set-up. Those who have gone this route or those who use carbs appreciate the need for some form of hand throttle device to keep the revs-up while the engine warms up. This is a mandatory requirement in colder climates. So, out came the auto-heat contraption between the seats.... replaced with manual throttle and heat levers.




With the auto-heat removed, the footwell blowers stopped working. A little study of the schematic probably would have revealed a simple solution, however others have reported removing their footwell blowers without deleterious results. So I figured I would follow suit. I removed the blower motors and siliconed in a plastic cover plate I made out of some 2mm plastic I had lying around.




So far so good.. now all I need is a heat source. I located an 18-inch section of galvanized flex exhaust tubing and wrapped it tightly against my header collector using 2-inch header wrap. A couple of Stainless straps hold it in place. This was repeated on both the passenger and drivers side headers.





The results... BRILLIANT! Plenty of heat available. Plus it comes on pretty quick. The heat transfer between the header and the flex pipe appears more than satisfactory. I'll test the heater out this winter and report back in the spring. However, early indications suggest this solution will be satisfactory over our coldest winter months.

[MikeD930]

Hey this is great if it really works in the cold. Thanks for posting this and please do report back throughout this winter. This looks much simpler than fabricating a heater box.

[GaryR]

Just be sure that you have no oil leaks that will drip onto that wrap, have heard of them becoming torches in the past. Other than that it looks like a nice simple solution.