FFR Heater Intall post build question

[maginter]

Hi All -

I am considering adding the FFR Heater to my MK1. Has anyone done this POST CAR BUILD? I will be taking the dash out for some other modifications, but interested in what I will encounter if I chose to do this....

TIA,

Mark

[Al_C]

I installed my heater early in the build, so I don't really qualify based on your request. That said, I'll offer an opinion anyway.

How much room do you have on the engine side of the firewall? If you have the space and can get at it reasonably easily, this shouldn't be a big deal. In my mind, the heater is pretty much self-contained. You'll obviously need to do some re-routing of hoses, and you'll have the tubing on the inside. If you're already removing the dash, and you have room in that space, it should be fairly straightforward. You'll need to run the wiring through the firewall along with the core tubes and control cable. I wouldn't bother with the defroster.

Here's the bigger question: do you really need it? In five seasons on the road, I never used it once. I have never used my seat heaters, either, and I have driven my car in the 30's. Just my 2 cents.

[maginter]

I installed my heater early in the build, so I don't really qualify based on your request. That said, I'll offer an opinion anyway.

How much room do you have on the engine side of the firewall? If you have the space and can get at it reasonably easily, this shouldn't be a big deal. In my mind, the heater is pretty much self-contained. You'll obviously need to do some re-routing of hoses, and you'll have the tubing on the inside. If you're already removing the dash, and you have room in that space, it should be fairly straightforward. You'll need to run the wiring through the firewall along with the core tubes and control cable. I wouldn't bother with the defroster.

Here's the bigger question: do you really need it? In five seasons on the road, I never used it once. I have never used my seat heaters, either, and I have driven my car in the 30's. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for your input, it is useful. Also, you are a little further north than me, so maybe I will give it a while. I haven't had this car a year yet, but am doing a complete set of upgrades as it is an olde build. Thought I would ask while I have it apart.

Thank you!

[egchewy79]

I installed my heater early in the build, so I don't really qualify based on your request. That said, I'll offer an opinion anyway.

How much room do you have on the engine side of the firewall? If you have the space and can get at it reasonably easily, this shouldn't be a big deal. In my mind, the heater is pretty much self-contained. You'll obviously need to do some re-routing of hoses, and you'll have the tubing on the inside. If you're already removing the dash, and you have room in that space, it should be fairly straightforward. You'll need to run the wiring through the firewall along with the core tubes and control cable. I wouldn't bother with the defroster.

Here's the bigger question: do you really need it? In five seasons on the road, I never used it once. I have never used my seat heaters, either, and I have driven my car in the 30's. Just my 2 cents.

I respectfully disagree. I use my heater and seat heater all the time. Extends my driving season for at least a month or two in Ohio. Some days are in the 30s in the early mornings and up in the 70s by the afternoon. If doing it in a finished car, it'll be a bit harder. Again, check out the space on the PS firewall in the engine bay and likely moving wires behind the dash on the PS.

[Al_C]

I respectfully disagree. I use my heater and seat heater all the time. Extends my driving season for at least a month or two in Ohio. Some days are in the 30s in the early mornings and up in the 70s by the afternoon. If doing it in a finished car, it'll be a bit harder. Again, check out the space on the PS firewall in the engine bay and likely moving wires behind the dash on the PS.

Your point is well taken! Full disclosure - the coyote throws off a lot of heat. I suspect that's why I'm still relatively warm.

[maginter]

Your point is well taken! Full disclosure - the coyote throws off a lot of heat. I suspect that's why I'm still relatively warm.

I do have a 302, so a lot of room in the engine compartment. At a minimum, I am adding fresh air vents to move air through the cockpit....