Louvers for heat

[treetop62]

Has anyone ever put in closeable louvers into the engine compartment for adding heat to the passenger compartment?
Thoughts?

[Noel Woods]

Yes, accidentally. I was exploring the possibility of using a bilge blower which fit in a hole in the firewall of an Argo Frontier. My plan was to blow cool air into the hood to limit overheating. Inadvertantly, I placed the blower in backwards and it blew warm air into the passenger compartment. Then I figured a 3 way switch would allow me to reverse the flow of air, which it did.

It worked pretty well for several years until the blower gave out, and I never replaced it. In Texas where I live, we really want to get rid of the heat more than directing it into the passenger area, but I could see where you guys up north might want to capture the heat. Later on I added a grill over the exhaust manifold, and small hood scoops to get more air flow going on, that worked pretty well too.

[philipatmaxfour]

Has anyone ever put in closeable louvers into the engine compartment for adding heat to the passenger compartment?
Thoughts?

I always end up removing some of the windows in the standard soft top before I go very far. My avenger never goes much over an indicated 170* but it sure blows heat into the cabin with a roof on. Good luck with your new toy.

[treetop62]

Let me clear that up a bit. I want to add heat via louvers through the plastic engine cover, beside the shifter somewhere, that i can open or close. You are correct I am up north and the $600 price tag is a little steep for a glorified heat box. Just wondering if anyone has done it, or had a couple pics of how they did it? I suspect that the engine throws ample heat, even in cold conditions. If the fresh air intake is high and i mount these louvers somewhat lower. I should still get the engine cooling i need plus be able to get myself some heat in the cab.

[foxvalley]

[QUOTE=treetop62;186377]Has anyone ever put in closeable louvers into the engine compartment for adding heat to the passenger compartment?
Thoughts?[/QUOTE)

Do you have any type of top on your unit now? A top is the best way to hold heat in the cabin,even without cutting up the firewall.

[tattooman]

Hit the junk yard. Find a big truck. Remove the vents. They will open and close by hand. Just have to find one that will fit your machine!