[wagonman76]

Any instant (or even very fast) method of warming the engine block is probably going to crack, melt, or warp something.

Another method I have heard of is building a fire on the ground under the engine. But I would not try it.

I would rather take a cord to my car than a pot of boiling water anyday.

I thought someone in here mentioned a block heater that patched into a radiator hose and circulated the coolant. Though to make it effective, I would think you would need some sort of a thermostat bypass.