I have looked at the elements that bolt in a core plug h o l e, but I'm not too fond of the fit. What other options are available?

I "think" I want a heater that will install inline the lower hose. NOTE, I have a #12 AN lower hose.

Larry, do you have an aluminum radiator? If so you can weld a fitting in it and use a screw in heater element. That’s what I did. I used a Kay’s brand heater.

What about the oil pan heater?

I like the oil heaters and use them. I have considered water heaters, but my concern is anything that could push out and cause a dangerous condition. A screw in heater for the radiator would be good, but wouldn't heat the block until you circulate the water.

I also use an oil heater.

don't see any need or benefit for what we do.

I always get a little nervous on those cold morning would he a useful option to have. Oil heater has almost zero weight, seems like all upside and no down side to me. Why not start your motor with nice warm oil.

JR, at $1399.00 me and Jef will both get one.

thats why i havent yet but they have cheaper models, a little cheaper

quote:

Originally posted by 1320racer:
don't see any need or benefit for what we do.

^^^^^ Agreed!!

Lower hose heater will circulate.
There's also a heater that connects to the radiator drain and a heater hose, it circulates well. Kats Engine Heaters.

There's more damage done to race engines with improper warm up than any other cause, I'll fight you on that.

It's nice also to roll in with the oil hot when you have to buy into 2nd round....just saying, I've seen that happen.

I have one soft plug heater on each side and put a little right stuff on them before installation and they aren’t gonna push out. It saves a ton of fuel when you are at track a couple hours early or over night and can warm up the motor to 160 with just a gallon or so of regular fuel. I had one go bad and had to pry it out of the block after loosening the screw.

I used a pair (one in each side) in the last 3 BBC’s I built. Never and issue and didn’t have to run the water pump.
Guess it may depend on the manufacture as far as fit quality.

https://katsblockheater.com/
All of the heaters you want

We have a in-line water heater in the bottom Rad hose, and 600W moroso pad heater on the bottom of the oil pan, and am changing to a sheet metal pan on the tranny so I can add a pad heater on the tranny this winter.

I like having fluid temps where I want them. I think I was burning more fuel trying to the temps I wanted than racing, The heaters really cut your alcohol use down.

Anybody make a inline with -AN fittings....

For those with AL blocks, Jegs sells a block heater with the adapter to thread into the block.

As for water heaters required or not, it certainly doesn't hurt to have one and will save some warmup fuel. There are combo's that do require them, specifically motors with AL blocks and tight lash cams, on a cold morning the so called closed valves will actually be open a bit until the block is warmed up. I run an Brodix AL block with a regular lash cam, (.022 hot) and on a cold morning the lash will be between .004 to .006 so it doesn't take much to have the rockers actually hold the closed valves open once you get a cam with less than .018 hot lash.

Living in the northeast, I installed one and use it during the early spring and late fall when the car is still in the trailer if the night time temps fall well below freezing. I plug the block heater in for a few hours after diner and wrap the motor up with blankets which works well. (No antifreeze in my race motor!)