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Thread: In car wired Block Heater?

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    In car wired Block Heater?

    I've been testing out my mirage for the last month on just short drives (less than 30 minutes) and the L/100 km is horrible. We're talking into the 9s and 10s. As has been stated here, block heaters can have a very positive impact on this, but I live in an apartment building so there's really no way for me to even power a block heater that plugs into my car from outside.

    Is there a way to wire a block heater internally? I was thinking a self timing outlet hooked up to an inverter connected to the battery, but there has to be a better way right?



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    I've thought about that before, but I don't see it working well. You'd definitely want to be running the inverter off of a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) battery. Probably have to store it in the back, run wires, etc. More cost/hassle than it's worth.

    While I plug my block heater in at home, I can't at work. Would be nice to have it on a battery/timer so my car heats up fast on the way home, too. Or maybe I just need to find someplace to plug in at work.

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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 44.1 mpg (US) ... 18.7 km/L ... 5.3 L/100 km ... 52.9 mpg (Imp)


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    Administrator Daox's Avatar
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    Running a block heater off a 12V battery is not a good option for cost and for efficiency reasons (if its being recharged by the engine).

    I recommend modifications that help your engine warm up faster like a grill block, and other similar mods. Some guys have even gone as far as to add insulation to the engine block. The radiator still gets rid of all the heat, but you get faster warm ups.
    Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block

    Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100

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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)


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    Eggman (12-06-2016)

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    Yup, short trips are killer for fuel economy. What part of the country are you in?

    I've seen fossil-fueled coolant / cabin heaters before, but they're super expensive, and not simple to install. Meant for arctic lattitudes.

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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 63.2 mpg (US) ... 26.9 km/L ... 3.7 L/100 km ... 75.9 mpg (Imp)


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    you know its rather odd that such a part hasn't been made that just runs of off a lithium ion battery. You can buy cheap 30000 mah batteries for not expensive. It wouldn't be able to get too hot but you'd be able to get fairly hot. Have the wire come in through the glovebox and keep two in rotation and it'd work, I think. Labour not included, you could probably have all the parts for less than $ 140 CAD

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    Quote Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
    Yup, short trips are killer for fuel economy. What part of the country are you in?

    I've seen fossil-fueled coolant / cabin heaters before, but they're super expensive, and not simple to install. Meant for arctic lattitudes.
    I'm pretty close to you actually. I'm between Cambridge and Brampton fairly often and I go to school at York. The car is usually parked in Cambridge.

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    Senior Member MightyMirageMpg's Avatar
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    Hi,

    I think your project is do-able but not necessarily how you suggested going about it. (Extremely inefficient)

    I would start by asking yourself "how much is enough" and begin research with a calculator.

    I would also look into what you plan to heat. I have a 110vac block heater plugged into my intake manifold, but in your shoes i would have heated the radiator or engine oil, being easier for a modifyable diy approach

    1 btu raises 1 gallon on water 1 degree farinhite(spell check that lol) if that helps you any

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    Quote Originally Posted by MightyMirageMpg View Post
    Hi,

    I think your project is do-able but not necessarily how you suggested going about it. (Extremely inefficient)

    I would start by asking yourself "how much is enough" and begin research with a calculator.

    I would also look into what you plan to heat. I have a 110vac block heater plugged into my intake manifold, but in your shoes i would have heated the radiator or engine oil, being easier for a modifyable diy approach

    1 btu raises 1 gallon on water 1 degree farinhite(spell check that lol) if that helps you any
    which one? the glovebox one or the timer one?

    do you have a better suggestion?

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    Senior Member MightyMirageMpg's Avatar
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    Charge the battery and lug it too the car? If your going a diy approach i would think it would be easier to heat the water than try to strap something too the block, is what i was trying to say

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    Senior Member MightyMirageMpg's Avatar
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    Here is my block heater. Its the "Kats" version made for the mirage.

    35.7 ohms, 110vac.

    That figures too, 338 watts and 3 amps at 110vac


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    Eggman (12-07-2016)

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