Non-Factory Five Heater/Defroster Install?

[tundra2050]

I've seen a couple of videos of non-Factory Five heater/defroster installations in the MK4 roadster. However, it looked like there was quite some modifications needed and it was unclear who the mfg was or where it was purchased.

I saw that Summit Racing had a couple of small heater/defs that appear to be similar in size to the FF h/def. I wanted to know if anyone had installed one and how difficult was it to install since there are only 2 vents facing forward. There are hose kits that can be purchased for both foot box and defroster. Is there enough room when the hoses are added? Based on the dimensions, is the Summit Racing heater too long or too high? What about the depth? Will the hose inlet/outlet be problematic when the engine is installed?

Here are a couple of photos of the Summit Racing SUM-991102-1:

224082224083

[JJK]

I have two of these Summit heaters installed, one for each person, each with their own controls. I modified one of the two by closing off one of the two vents and creating a second one out the side of the housing, custom mounting it inside the firewall with the motor extending into the engine bay. For the second, I have it mounted on top of the passenger foot well with both vent hoses running into the firewall. I used a solenoid valve to only let coolant flow through the coils when I flip the switch to minimize hot air leaking through. So yes, they can fit, but I custom mounted them.

[tundra2050]

That's quite a setup! Instead of ordering and waiting from F5 and paying for shipping, I'd like to give Summit a shot. Plus, if it turns out too hard to fit, Summit is actually in the area for an easy return. I just wanted to see if anyone had success with an installation and it looks like you have.

Can it be rotated where the tubes come out on the left? I've see where there have been issues with the F5 tubes coming out below and the valve covers being in the way.

Thanks for the info!

[JJK]

Yes, the heaters can be rotated into any alignment needed, but I am not sure you need to. I had no issues with interference from the engine. I am down the road from you, feel free to PM me if you would like to stop by some time.

[mrglaeser]

I don't have the Summit heater you are showing but I purchased one from Jegs that looks pretty much the same. And a couple hose kits.
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/70601/10002/-1
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/70605/10002/-1
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/70606/10002/-1

I also have the FF Metal Firewall forward which gives you an addition 1.5 inches
https://www.ffmetal.com/#fwfw

Everything fits. just barely. I run the larger hoses away from the heater box and then use the Ys to run to the vents. I have one vent pointed down and each end of the dash and the two defrost vents. I think it would be tight without the firewall forward. I'm still playing with the best routing though.

I am also now thinking of 3D Printing a new cover with different out ports for the smaller hoses to connect directly too. The challenge with the front facing ports is redirecting the flow.

[tundra2050]

I don't have the Summit heater you are showing but I purchased one from Jegs that looks pretty much the same. And a couple hose kits.
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/70601/10002/-1
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/70605/10002/-1
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/70606/10002/-1

I also have the FF Metal Firewall forward which gives you an addition 1.5 inches
https://www.ffmetal.com/#fwfw

Everything fits. just barely. I run the larger hoses away from the heater box and then use the Ys to run to the vents. I have one vent pointed down and each end of the dash and the two defrost vents. I think it would be tight without the firewall forward. I'm still playing with the best routing though.

I am also now thinking of 3D Printing a new cover with different out ports for the smaller hoses to connect directly too. The challenge with the front facing ports is redirecting the flow.

Thanks to both of you. Any pictures of your handy work?

I did see the Jegs version and they have a discount as well. I wonder if the box could be modified by moving the vents to the sides and just covering the front ports? Difficult to see how the air flows from the blower through the fins.

[JayOH]

That's quite a setup! Instead of ordering and waiting from F5 and paying for shipping, I'd like to give Summit a shot. Plus, if it turns out too hard to fit, Summit is actually in the area for an easy return. I just wanted to see if anyone had success with an installation and it looks like you have.

Can it be rotated where the tubes come out on the left? I've see where there have been issues with the F5 tubes coming out below and the valve covers being in the way.

Thanks for the info!

Just tossing this out there, I have a NIB FFR Heater/Defroster that’s still available in the classifieds. If interested shoot me a PM, flexible on price.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?51168-F-S-FFR-Roadster-Heater-Defroster-amp-I-E-427-Turn-Signal-Hub

I bought it when I was stocking up on parts for an MKIV but will be ordering an MKV when I finally pull the trigger.