Which Heater & Matrix?

[marcoos_1]

I've read some of the archive threads on heaters and have seen the debate on using 12v Hair dryers etc.

My question is, if I wanted to fit a new heater and matrix, what is the best one to use from a donor car? My current Stratos has a mini heater and matrix which kinda strugggles to do the demisting up here in the wilds of Ayrshire. Is there something more modern that could be used? Has anyone tried anything else?

M.

[strat6v]

A lot of the problems aren't with the matrix size but rather recirculated air or fresh air being pushed through it. For good demisting you need fresh air. The matrix fitted to mine is only 200mm by 75mm, untried admittedly but its only a small cabin. Get fresh air to your matrix and owt will work.

[chris.richard]

I used a Suzuki 4x4 one. Crap for internal heating (which i haven't seen a need for yet), but that may be due to my blower arrangement. I'm thinking of going the hairdryer route. Seems simple and easy. No plumbing involved, less weight.

[chris.richard]

A lot of the problems aren't with the matrix size but rather recirculated air or fresh air being pushed through it. For good demisting you need fresh air. The matrix fitted to mine is only 200mm by 75mm, untried admittedly but its only a small cabin. Get fresh air to your matrix and owt will work.

I agree. I don't think the matrix is the issue, I think it is the flow of air through it that matters. Demisting seems to be the issue, not cabin heating - that comes through the rear bulkhead and up from the tunnel.

[marcoos_1]

Agreed. My only real need for any heating device is demisting. Never found it cold in th Stratos yet. What I realy hate though is a car that takes forever to de-mist............

[strat6v]

Take a look at page 5 of Sando's gallery. Thats what you need to aim for.
Not sure but i think the squirrel cage type fans shift more air?

John.

[Shaun II]

Think this one keeps comming up. The problem seems to be about getting air OUT of the car. When my car eventually goes through it's sva one of the first mods will be to get rid of the liquid heater matrix thingy, it's been a leaky, troublesome thing from the start.(beta matrix)

Go electric.

[PANOS]

There are mist prevention (antifog) liquids and sprays available which seem to work prety well... I cover the inside of my windscreen before the start of the rainy season each winter and I rarely have to use the demist option of my heater...
I am thinking of getting rid of my heater too, to minimise the heat in the cabin... and go electric if I need demisting...

CIAO PANOS

[strat6v]

Good point Shaun. If you can't vent air out then none will go in.

[chris.richard]

Open the ****ing window! :p

[quick_andreas]

in case of interest please have a look into my picture gallery. There you'll find a complete description how to build a very effective heater, works fine in Germany around 0 degrees Celsius, no mist any more, uses only fresh air.

If you have questions please e-mail

Andreas

[Bernard]

Have you seen this :-

http://www.gbdriver.co.uk/acatalog/12v-car-heater-windscreen-demister.html

Maybe this could be adapted to fit under the dash somewhere.... looks small... maybe even two could be fitted ???

Bernard

[mudhut]

To be connected and used with great care if rated at 160W. Approximately 13A per heater in addition to any load already on the system. Special wiring runs here too. Has potential though.

My alternator on the Beta won't be up to the job if the lights are on and the wipers are not to be discounted either. All likely to be in use at the same time if I get to drive the car as much as I'd like to. Don't know off the top of my head what the Alfa alternator is rated at - certainly better than the Beta though.

[Bernard]

Mudhut............. point taken re wiring etc..... but here's another one

http://www.householdgoods.com/car-heater-cooler.html

Tata

Bernie

[chris.richard]

I had a thing like these in a pickup a few years ago. Farting generated more heat.
Maplin have one for £6.99

[Bernard]

CR

fancy having an arse rated at 160W !!!!!!!

Bern

[chris.richard]

Just for comparison, the matrix heater from Car Builder Solutions is rated at 4500 watts. My arse just ain't in the league!! :)

[mudhut]

... is rated at 4500 watts.

Crikey, that's 5% of my beta engine's output.

Imagine it at full chat: four and a half one bar electric fires in the Stratos cabin. "Warm enough for you sir?", "Well you could perhaps turn it down just a little".

[Shaun II]

Has anyone looked at using some kind of hot air box on the exhaust, a la light aviation system? There will always be a polluted air risk but a fan drawing hot air off(heated by) the exhaust shouldn't consume too many joules.

[marcoos_1]

Well,

It worked for Porsche for all these years (911)!

[mudhut]

Well it is heat energy that would otherwise be wasted but has to be got rid of whether it comes from the coolant or the area around the exhaust.

[pimms]

The Ferrari 308 heater matrix looks a lot like the original Strato´s matrix.
Does anyone know if its the same or has anyone used one in his car :confused:
What is the cilidric attachment on the picture=
:confused:

[Shaun II]

I guess a beatle is the same and perhaps some other air cooled cars, never thought about it until seeing a vw engine in a plane the other day.

[strat6v]

The 308 unit looks about right.

[mudhut]

What is the cilidric attachment on the picture

Not sure - could it be a vacuum-operated valve? Chris J might know this and so I think will Tryphon.

[tryphon]

The Ferrari 308 heater matrix looks a lot like the original Strato´s matrix.
Does anyone know if its the same or has anyone used one in his car :confused:
What is the cilidric attachment on the picture=
:confused:

That is the A/C evaportation tank. 308s have 2 heater matrices. 1 holds the A/C tank, the other, identical otherwise, is plain.
These heater matrices are not the same as the Stratos ones but look like them.