Warmup time importance?

[chrisgerman1983]

It seem like there is a lot of talk about improving warmup times lately? Obviously the season changing spurs on more talk of it. Is it really that important? If the vehicle warms up after a couple minutes is there that much to gain? Considering return on investment what is the most you would spend on faster warmup? The reason I ask is that if I can get a good deal on a point of use hot water heater would it be worth it? I think that it would heat up faster then a block heater so plugging in wouldn't be a hassle having to plan ahead. Or I could get a natural gas one and run it off a small propane tank? it would surely be more efficient then running my 4.3l "block heater"

[Old Tele man]

...a cold engine needs a richer A/F mixture to run on, so the sooner the engine can be brought up to it's "normal operationg" temperature, the sooner you'll be driving at best fuel economy.

[YeahPete]

Old Tele Man said it. My mileage almost doubles when the engine gets warm. For short trips its most important.

[chrisgerman1983]

I watch my mileage almost double once going closed loop. I suppose, obviously the colder the climate the more to gain. Do you think that a propane powered block heater would be worth the effort and cost? It would be nice being able to preheat anywhere.

[YeahPete]

I don't believe you would save with propane. Something to conserve heat rather than another fuel to heat your engine would be the best bet.

Then again, I have no idea how to go about something like this or the costs associated it. I would rather spend the $$ on a different mod.

[chrisgerman1983]

It would be quite simple to setup. only big cost would be the heater. here is a video of one. there are much smaller versions available. you would need a small pump to get the water flowing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l41Ik9b8PK0

[chrisgerman1983]

found another neat idea. Have no idea how much one would cost but if you could get one smaller it could run of a clutch and the engine. or an electric motor. it would drastically improve warmup times!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh_-DUKQ4Uw

[Daox]

I'd just get an oem or aftermarket electric block heater... a million times easier.

[chrisgerman1983]

lol I know... Sometimes its fun to think outside the box though If the "water smasher" could be made cheap enough it would be completely automated though. In order to appeal to the masses that is what it would have to be. I could tell people until I am blue in the face that a block heater will save fuel but almost nobody would go through the "effort" of plugging in every morning. I am proof of that!

[jakobnev]

Sometimes its fun to think outside the box though

Unfortunately for the "water smasher", the box in question is reality.