6 replies to this topic

[MGB281]

I know that this is not really a Mini topic but just looking for help and advice, I am fitting a heater into a kit car and the classic Mini heater matrix is just about the perfect size. I want the maximum heat output and airflow that I can obtain. Looking at photos and specifications there seem to be two designs, one with the inlet and outlet pipes top and bottom or with them close together at the bottom?

There also seems to be either 1/2" 05 5/8" inlet pipes where it seems logical that the 5/8" flow more water so more heat.

Finally there seem to be a good number of cheap matrix (Chinese?) and fewer expensive British built ones, are the British ones a lot better?

[andyapanel]

There is universal one that I have seen at Kit car shows
The usual suppliers stock them
https://www.carbuild...-heater-170mm-2
Avoid escort 2 ones- I had one in my Rickman and it’s effect was unnoticeable
I imagine mini set ups might slot into mini based cars
What are you building?

[DeadSquare]

I managed to fit two of the original "Fugg-stirerrs" into my Mini Pick-up.

 

Sometimes, it would melt the snow in the front 1/3rd of the load area.

[Ethel]

I reckon Mini heaters were popular because they were self contained, easy to salvage, fit & there were millions of them made. Where the pipes are will be down to where the dividers in the header are.

 

The amount of heat you can get out of any heater will depend more on the amount of air you put through it. 15mm central heating pipes can supply around 4kw, likely at a lower temperature & flow rate too.

 

If it's just a matrix, I'd look for a new old stock one, for a defunct model  on fleabay.

[alpder]

I have an unusual 1971 Ford-Spartan kit-car - no roof, no windscreen, just a half-tonneau and aeroscreens. It has two Mk1/2 Mini heaters (sourced back when the scrappy almost paid you to take them away). The fronts are cut off so there's no means to redirect the airflow - it just comes straight through the matrix and onto the driver/passenger feet. They're plumbed in parallel off a single 15mm copper feed, with a single 15mm copper return. There is no stop-valve - coolant always flows through them. Source of heat is a 2ltr EFi Pinto. I wired individual two-way switches for each heater: one way is direct to the motor, the other way feeds the motor via a wire-wound resistor to give low/high speed.

Heat is abundant. The heater which plays directly onto the pedals from 12" away cooks my feet uncomfortably even when set at low-speed, except on the frostiest of days.

 

[MGB281]

Thank you for the replies, as I said in my original question I was looking for info regarding heater Matrix's rather than complete heaters.  Since I posted the question I have trawled the Nissens catalogue and the various Range Rover ones are more promising, more compact and if they can heat a Rangie they will heat up almost anything. Heater output is dependant upon a number of interlinked factors, water temperature, water flow and airflow. A heater with low airflow but lots of hot water flow will give out a little hot air, conversely a heater with masses of air flow will give a lot of cool air. The solution is to have the maximum of each and control it.  

[Magneto]

I know a couple of folks who have put these in their Minis with great results.....

 

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