19 replies to this topic

[JDImini]

Hi Guys
The plan for our mini is to strip it out and save a bit of weight to turn it into a bit of a track toy! Although it is not a daily driver dad still thinks a heater is understandably needed, my question is are there and other alternatives to the original heater matrix, mainly needed for clearing the windscreen?
Thanks
Jack

[Carlos W]

What are you hoping to achieve? 

[JDImini]

Basically a way to clear the windscreen to stop it fogging up during the winter, whilst saving weight for example a lighter replacement for the original heater matrix? It may not be possible was just interested

[Carlos W]

In all honesty, the standard matrix isn't that heavy. There may be after market ones available, but I'm not sure what the net benefit would be

[alex-95]

What about a heated windscreen?

[JDImini]

That would be perfect! should really have thought about that, have you fitted one to a mini? are they any good?

[alex-95]

That would be perfect! should really have thought about that, have you fitted one to a mini? are they any good?

Nope, Theres a few people on here that have them and say they're good though. I think minisilverbullet has one

[JDImini]

I'll have a look though here to try and find out some more. Thanks!

[Earwax]

The heater core can serve a dual purpose in increasing the volume of the radiator, often just enough to assist with track day spirited driving.  

[fenghuang]

You'd probably save more weight by ditching the read seats and door trims than ditching the heater. The amount of weight you'll save is minimal and most of us could make more difference by eating a few less pies.

 

Why do you want to save weight, and how much difference do you expect to make?

Edited by fenghuang, 25 July 2016 - 09:35 PM.

[JDImini]

The heater core can serve a dual purpose in increasing the volume of the radiator, often just enough to assist with track day spirited driving.

so the heater matrix can actually provide a cooling effect on the engine due to the increased coolant capacity? Correct me if i'm wrong, just trying to get my head round it! 

 

You'd probably save more weight by ditching the read seats and door trims than ditching the heater. The amount of weight you'll save is minimal and most of us could make more difference by eating a few less pies.

 

Why do you want to save weight, and how much difference do you expect to make?

 We are completely stripping it out and removing all the bitumen soundproofing, it was more just a thought really 

[fenghuang]

Correct. Many Mini owners will have sat in heavy traffic in the middle of Sumner with the heater on full blast, not because it's a "British Summer" but rather to stop the engine over heating.

Removing the heater and soundproofing will both save weight.
The sound insulation will also provide some thermal insulation, so you could end up with more condensation ... and then need something to clear the windscreen properly.
IME the standard heater (even when serviced properly) isn't very good at the job, especially compared with a modern car.

Are you building a racer?

[JDImini]

I see, that's interesting! This is the first mini I've owned so still learning.
Sort of but we want it to be able to drive to shows and events.

[Carlos W]

most of us could make more difference by eating a few less pies.

 

I reckon I'm 3.5 stone overweight, that's over 20kg.

 

If I was looking at losing that kind of weight from the car there would be nothing left of it.

[JDImini]

most of us could make more difference by eating a few less pies.

 
I reckon I'm 3.5 stone overweight, that's over 20kg.
 
If I was looking at losing that kind of weight from the car there would be nothing left of it.

I heard somewhere someone bagged up and weighed the factory bitumen soundproofing and saved about 15kg so that's pretty good