Originally Posted by
Integra
Engine heater's are like any other tool in your tool box. They aren't 500$ like Herr makes them out to be, Nor are they a "hassle" to lug around (110 or 12v)
As Jerm stated, to be able to drop the car on Pit row and have it Up to temp and ready to race in 1/4 the time it would take from a Cold start is the main benefit imo.
I disagree. Not getting personal - just saying, I don't see it that way. I
need a starterbox, or a screwdriver, or a glow starter, or even a spare glowplug in my pit box. Very much in a way I do not need a preheater.
OK, I never bothered to solder mine over to whatever plug would fit whatever lipo I would have to get. I had a stupid heavy gel cell that a.) was heavy, and b.) didn't even get much heat into the heater anyway. Very much a PIA to lug around. I never bothered getting a lipo for it because I just don't believe preheaters are necessary or worth the hassle. I still use mine - unconnected to any current - to get a cold-started engine up to temp faster, and afaic that's enough. Except for a brand new engine maybe, which I will make an effort to preheat for the first one or two liters. But beyond that it's just an unnecessary hassle IMO. Re price, Comp Heats for years and years cost 100 bucks and more. That's a nice brand new pipe and change. You need a pipe... Plus you'd need a lipo, and OK nowadays those are cheap from HK. I never said 500 bucks, but 100 bucks is still too much afaic.
But whatever floats your boats...