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Rear Heat Idea..need opinions

GoAWOL

GoAWOL

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Colorado
I am going to remove my OEM heater setup to cleanup the firewall area and am looking for ideas to heat not only the front area but the rear seating area also.

My crafty plan is to either...

(1)install a Mojave heater under the dash and vent to the front and rear seats along the middle console area. Hoses would be covered with a console that extends from the dash to the OEM console.

or

(2) Install a Mojave heater up front and in the rear quarter panel area (for a total of two heaters). I could tee the heater lines at the front heater and run lines to it.

Has anyone done anything similiar or have any ideas about heating the front and rear seat areas?
 
I'd say Option 1 would be easier. I'm interested in seeing the install as I don't like the factory heat box and lines. I'm not sure how much it'll clean up the area though. What's the reasoning for heating the rear? Even my rear passenger area stays toasty with factory heat, or do you have a Suburban?
 
mrschaeferpants said:
What's the reasoning for heating the rear? Even my rear passenger area stays toasty with factory heat, or do you have a Suburban?
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I have a K5. The reasoning is that I plan on always running a soft top and it can get pretty chilly in the mornings here in Colorado, even in the Spring and Summer. I'm also concerned the Mojave heater may be over tasked with heating and defrosting the whole truck. So I figured a second heater in the rear would provide the required additional heating.

The other reason is I want to clean up the firewall...the current heat/AC box is huge and takes away from the general appearance of the engine bay. Also, if it's warm enough to run AC I plan on having the top up.
 
If the AC box is the concern, why not go the "easy" route, and install a non-AC, heavy duty heater box?

I can't really answer the soft top question, but as long as the engine is warm, in the 'teens my heavy duty heater is more than enough to keep the interior warm.
 
dyeager535 said:
If the AC box is the concern, why not go the "easy" route, and install a non-AC, heavy duty heater box?

I can't really answer the soft top question, but as long as the engine is warm, in the 'teens my heavy duty heater is more than enough to keep the interior warm.
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This heater you speak of...is it an after markert heater or is it the OEM style? Again, if it's the OEM style I really want to avoid the firewall mess it creates.
 
It's OEM, I guess it depends what you consider a mess, and why you don't want something there. Can't find a picture quick of a "completed" non-AC swap, but this is essentially what it looks like: http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/urprey1/Chevy%20truck%20rebuild/DSCN2289_2196-1.jpg Just need a piece of flat steel over the AC/heater core hole and you are done.

Box is maybe sticking 4" off the firewall, plus the blower motor which is up against the fender.
 
dyeager535 said:
It's OEM, I guess it depends what you consider a mess, and why you don't want something there.
Click to expand...

Pretty much what you've posted in the picture. IMHO the OEM heater setup is a hot mess appearance wise and from an engineering standpoint. There are other members who've cleaned up up their firewalls (Ryoken comes to mind) and either used the freed up space for mounting other stuff or just kept it clean.

But having the exisiting OEM heater stay or go is not really the question. I've already made up my mind to use the Mojave heater...I just wanted some input from Mojave heater owners or other folks who've tried something similiar.
 
I know there have been some posts on the forum here about mojave heater installs, as I recall they were plenty pleased with how they worked.
 
dyeager535 said:
I know there have been some posts on the forum here about mojave heater installs, as I recall they were plenty pleased with how they worked.
Click to expand...

I used to have one in my TJ with a soft top and while it obviously a lot smaller than a blazer, it would burn us out of it!! Freakin thing worked awesomely!!

For context, we lived in Buffalo, NY while I owned that jeep and only had a soft top for it. We could crack open the windows in the single digits once it was warmed up.

My best advice is to make sure your ducting is smooth and solid. I originally had it running through dryer flexible hose and it kept us nice and toasty, but had a hard time defrosting because there wasn't a smooth and straight line to the defroster duct.

I eventually mounted it behind the dash in the center and just used the OEM defroster duct for one side of the box and the other one ran into the passenger footwell through a dryer hose.

My wife is skinny and cold natured, and she would tell me she was hot after about 2 minutes with it on high.

Just my .02.

Later,
Buddy
 
I have the 3 duct Mojave heater in my K5. One port for driver side, one for passenger side and one for defrost. I will also add and agree that these heaters are awesome. Mojave also makes a four port heater that I think would work great for your ideabof running one duct to the rear via center console. As soon as I get on my laptop, I can send you a link to the manufacturer of the units where you can purchase a four port heater and replacement parts if you like. Otherwise, imo, if you use the three port heater you can get from Summit and "t" one line just for your front heating purposes, one to the rear and one for defrost, it would work just fine and not be overworked. These heaters never seem to be overworked.
 
heavyleft said:
I have the 3 duct Mojave heater in my K5. One port for driver side, one for passenger side and one for defrost. I will also add and agree that these heaters are awesome. Mojave also makes a four port heater that I think would work great for your ideabof running one duct to the rear via center console. As soon as I get on my laptop, I can send you a link to the manufacturer of the units where you can purchase a four port heater and replacement parts if you like. Otherwise, imo, if you use the three port heater you can get from Summit and "t" one line just for your front heating purposes, one to the rear and one for defrost, it would work just fine and not be overworked. These heaters never seem to be overworked.
Click to expand...

I'll take whatever you're willing to provide. Appreciate the feedback:waytogo:
 
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