Daox's 2003 Matrix Build Thread

[MetroMPG]

Are you going to make mini grille blocks for inside the Toyota logo?

[Daox]

lol, no.

I am considering putting the bottom block on for traveling out to Wyoming though. At highway speeds I've never had a problem with heat. I only removed the lower one because the fan kicks in a lot during city driving with it on. However, I will be doing next to no city driving on the way out there. Removing it as simple as removing two fasteners...

[mapgoblin]

Looking good. Hope you're having a blast out in Wyoming.

I've got an 03 matrix too, been trying to hypermile for about two weeks now, going pretty will, getting about 400 miles out of a tank now, used to be 330.

I'm starting to think about mods, and it looks like you don't have the ground effects. Did you rip em off? see any gain from it?

[Tango Charlie]

Daox
Very nice bellypan install.

I didn't realize the Matrix/Vibe had a place for a preheat probe. Where did you get yours?

[Daox]

Thanks.

I got the block heater from www.1sttoyotaparts.com. They don't have it listed on their site, but if you call them up they'll get one to you. I think shipped price was around $35 which is very reasonable IMO.

[Daox]

I just got done digging in boxes for my timer to hook up the block heater on the Matrix this evening. Its all tucked in for a nice warm startup tomorrow morning.

FYI, for all of you guys with the 1ZZ engine (Matrix, Corolla, Celica, Vibe) I plugged in my kill-a-watt to see what kinda juice the heater pulled. I didn't let it stay on, but while cold it was pulling 425 watts. For the few minutes it was on the wattage did drop to 417. I'll check tomorrow morning to see how much juice it is pulling once it is hot.

I was happy to see this high wattage. I thought it was only around 300 watts. IMO a higher wattage will be superior. More heat will heat the engine quicker and leave less time for the heat to dissipate and therefore be more efficient.

[Daox]

I checked it this morning and it was pulling right around 420W.

[i_am_socket]

Sweet, now I just need a garage or outdoor outlets.

[Tango Charlie]

How about that; I just ordered my block heater a couple days ago. I'm looking forward to a warm car in the morning!

[Chris D.]

I just emailed 1st toyota parts or whatever that site was with
my vin # asking if theres a factory engine heater setup..

I like the grill block, way nice..