[ernestedward]

You were right. Got my new heater blower and put it in the proper place in mesh cage in the engine bay...a snap. Now I want to know why I had to remove the dash...Oh well, at least I get to clean up behind there. I believe I have the cable operated heater valve. Should I replace this? How would I check it?

Side note: A week ago, when my car was still assembled, I turned on the valve that lets water into the heater core (I have the bypass installed). A few minutes later I started getting smoke (or steam) through the wents, and it was coming out through the mesh cage in the engine bay. My first thought was crap, my heater core is shot. But I believe it may just have been smoke from the totally shot blower motor. Anyway, how hard is it to replace a heater core (if that's the problem)?

Also, is there any problem with starting the car with the dash out?