Stock Heater Boxes Versus High Performance

In trying to improve my heat I discovered that my 1915 from Vintage Speedsters has high performance heater boxes. I'm having stock ones put on for improved heat and was wondering how much of a performance hit I'll take.

I've got a Vintage Speed exhaust system.

Thanks!

Cole

If you are running the Vintage Mexicrate 1915, you probably won't notice any change as the engine usually runs stock heads and maybe the mildest of cams..... Just my opinion....

think more about changing the heating system, like re-routing the hoses. bill

Cole--do a search on this site---there has been quite a few threads about improving heat by re routing the lines.

I've noticed that on several Speedsters that the heat mechanism, (where the cable attaches to the heater boxes) is mis-adjusted.) In other words, the cable isn't thoroughly opening the heat valve within the heater boxes. Additionally, the hoses that come from the front of the heater boxes to the heat rails are often times not attached correctly and heat is escaping into the atmosphere. (I use Heating and A/C silver colored metallic tape to secure the hose to the box) Next is to take a look at the hoses from your fan housing to the rear of the heater boxes. This supplies the pressure to force the hot air into the car. Many, many times, I've found that these hoses are not securly fastened to the heater boxes and/or the hoses are torn. The bottom line, it to check these before spending money on new heater boxes

Get yourself a DC Thermal quartz heater. I am loving mine.

I concur with Larry. At Carlisle, in the rain, I realized I had no defrost on the right because I had no airflow. Adjusted both sides this summer and MUCH better. With that being said, I'm a fair weather, top down driver, and only use the top, heat, and wipers in a pinch.

Rob, I installed a DC Thermal quartz heater in a project car then sold it so I really don't know how it does out on the road ...give us a detailed consumer review.

Alan - Check out the "quartz heater" thread in Newbies. I also have pictures of the installation in my folder. I have the SA12-4000, the 40 amp unit, and it provides plenty of heat even on the low setting for my coupe. My interior is pretty air tight compared to a Speedster so you will have to judge the air tightness of the Speedster but I think the 40 amp unit would be sufficient. I have not been out when it is in the teens yet but I have been driving it when the outside temps were in the mid 20s to low 30s and the unit seems to provides plenty of heat. Driving around in the 30s I have had it on low but I do not leave it on as it provides too much heat but I don't mind turning it off and on to keep the cabin warm The fan is a bit noisy but it is ok. I might investigate a quieter fan if I find it too annoying. I did not buy the 'digital temperature controller' because I didn't think it would look good hanging down from the dash. However buying the temperature controller would eliminate the need to turn it off and on as needed. I bought the remote switch and installed it just to the right of the steering column on the bottom edge of the dash. I think it is visible in one of my photos.

Us mid-Atlantic owners should plan a get-together this winter somewhere in between like Gettysburg or Frederick. Maybe a tech session at someone's house or shop where we could share installs such as this or other mods owners have done. I am not in between but I have a 4 post lift if anyone would like to install a sway bar or you or Cory or some other 'air cooled veteran' would like to share insights. Just a thought!

Any interest out there?

Rob,

I'd be interested.

Chuck

I'm interested, and have a decent garage and plenty of paved parking.

I'm interested and my place is available too.

Yes, I have re-routed my ducting to avoid the cold frame and airflow restriction. What I'm looking for now is more heat for our cold Colorado Autumns and Spring.

I didn't realize I had high performance heater boxes and understand them to be very poor in transferring heat, as compared to the stock boxes.

Assuming that's true. I was wondering how much power I might lose when switching to the standard boxes..

I'm interested.

I have larger heater boxes on my 2275. They keep my cabin warm enough even when the temperature dips down to the freezing mark.
When my IM was rebuilt last year I had Henry box-in the heater channels with stiff insulation.

In case you guys get snowed in or something, I'll offer my garage for the meeting place. It never snows here. Just give me a heads-up so I can get a heater installed before you show up. FYI, for those who don't know, I'm about 25 northwest of Milwaukee...looking forward to the visit!