Fabric heat exchangers?

[felix83]

I run headers on my '82, and I have to say I kind of miss having heat from time to time. If I had the funds I would definitely switch to SSIs, however money is an object for me.

Hence, I wonder if anybody has tried making semi-removable heat exchangers from heat resistant fabric (such as fibreglass fire blankets)? I'm thinking of wrapping the headers in a couple of those, one for each bank, and securing them with some long hose clamps. What do you think, is that a stupid idea or could it work?

I'm not aiming for tropical heat in the cabin, only something to keep me a bit warmer in outside temperatures of, say, 10 degrees Celsius (50 F).

[Solamar]

Id think you would want to use a material that is a good conductor. If I were looking to add heat to headers I'd use 2.5" x .06" (or thinner) wall stainless tube and hose clamp it to the longest, straightest section of the header. Connect your flex hoses to the in and out and you'll get 'some' heat.

[Trackrash]

Originally Posted by felix83

I run headers on my '82, and I have to say I kind of miss having heat from time to time. If I had the funds I would definitely switch to SSIs, however money is an object for me.

Hence, I wonder if anybody has tried making semi-removable heat exchangers from heat resistant fabric (such as fibreglass fire blankets)? I'm thinking of wrapping the headers in a couple of those, one for each bank, and securing them with some long hose clamps. What do you think, is that a stupid idea or could it work?

I'm not aiming for tropical heat in the cabin, only something to keep me a bit warmer in outside temperatures of, say, 10 degrees Celsius (50 F).

Only one way to find out. Give it a try and report back.

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

Cheap heated seat kit or heated seat covers instead?

[bassiq71]

I recall seeing a SC for sale on here a while back with a stainless flex tube that was clamped to the headers. Seller (I think username was Mingus. Why do I remember that?) said it was enough to take the chill off and keep the windscreen clear - something like this should work if your expectations are low enough.

[Trackrash]

Originally Posted by bassiq71

I recall seeing a SC for sale on here a while back with a stainless flex tube that was clamped to the headers. Seller (I think username was Mingus. Why do I remember that?) said it was enough to take the chill off and keep the windscreen clear - something like this should work if your expectations are low enough.

Ya know, if you did something like that AND then wrapped it with hi heat fabric, it could work.

[Sebscst]

I’ve thought of doing the same thing and have found some threads where others have done it. Also I’ve looked into clamp on heat exchangers from the aviation industry. I’m in Florida so its not on the top of my list to get it done. Search heat with headers you should find some ideas. Here’s a pic from one of the threads

[felix83]

Originally Posted by Sebscst

I’ve thought of doing the same thing and have found some threads where others have done it. Also I’ve looked into clamp on heat exchangers from the aviation industry. I’m in Florida so its not on the top of my list to get it done. Search heat with headers you should find some ideas. Here’s a pic from one of the threads

That seems like a brilliant solution, thanks a lot for the tip and thanks to everyone who chimed in!