no Heater Option

[kbee00]

As I restore my Fiat - I am trying to simplify wherever possible. I am spending serious money on the engine, trans, suspension, body, interior, etc. The car is for ME and ME alone to drive for pure enjoyment. I have no grand ideas of selling it for profit (hahahahaha!!!) or selling it at all. My blood, sweat and $$$$ are going into that car so no dollar amount could entice me anyway.

Ok, so with that being said, I am considering eliminating the heater core and associated cables, wiring, plumbing, etc. My only real concern is if there would be any problems with the engine. Frankly, I can't see why - but Fiat's can be quirky......

So does anyone think it will be an issue to eliminate the heater core? Other than possible cool days, I could care less about having heat in the car....

Thank you for your input.

LT

[124JOE]

ya i think you can just bypass it outside in the Ebay (oh see i used that copy right name corectly)
just use a tee so you can fill it at that highst point.joe

[manoa matt]

It will actually be good for the engine. By eliminating the heater core and connecting the heater tube on the back of the water pump directly to the port on the head will promote more flow and even temps across the cylinder head. Less likely for the head gasket to blow between cylinders #3 and #4.

I could never get the valves to close completely and my feet would get cooked.

[donerehart]

I have bypassed the heater core completely and have had no issues. When I bought my Spider the heater valve was rusted shut and I didn't want to mess with pulling all out to deal with it... Live in St. Louis and have been fine...

[gchocevar]

Dude,

You're from Wisconsin. I''m from Cleveland. You can extend your short summers by keeping that heater in good shape. Have you ever enjoyed top down driving in 30 degree weather. I had Alfa's and a few motorcycles, but nothing compares to the Fiat heating sytem on a cold November or December (less salt, rain or snow. Experience it!!!

[majicwrench]

Save the Heater!! I'm with the above, one of my fav times to drive the Fiat is a cool night with the heater cranked. Nothing better.
Just got home from fishing, yup, heater was crankin.
Keith

[calvinconrad]

my heater is bypassed. i currently don't miss it, but ask again in december.
i will fix it but its just lower on the list.

[rlux4]

There's been a couple of times I had to use the heater as an auxilliary radiator, for instance when my radiator fan didn't come on (bad ground terminal). Other than that I gotta agree with Matt.
Ron

[kbee00]

I really appreciate all the reply's FE (Fiat Enthusiats) - and no doubt a heater would be nice on a cold day. Since it seems that there are no functional reasons to have a heater - I am going to bypass it. I actually found a small electric heater (pulls serious amps so I will need the 95 amp upgrade - which is on my list anyway) that can be mounted in a 4x4x6 space and will provide 1900 watts. More than enough for me. Frankly, if it is not at least 70F outside, I won't be driving it. I have plenty of other cars...

Thanks again for all the reply's. I really do appreciate the help and support of this website.

LT

[azygoustoyou]

I am spending serious money on the engine, trans, suspension, body, interior, etc.

Are you taking pictures of your build? It would be nice to watch the changes you make. Can you keep us posted

[kbee00]

I am spending serious money on the engine, trans, suspension, body, interior, etc.

Are you taking pictures of your build? It would be nice to watch the changes you make. Can you keep us posted

Yes I am:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=12451