Block Heaters for those that might need them

[smbrm]

Apparantly no one seems to be sure if they are available or ever will be for the FRS/BRZ?

Doesn't Subaru do block heaters?

[Khyron686]

On my VW I just got a stick-on oil pan heater and it worked great since they also didn't have a factory block heater. 75 bucks or something.

[brianc]

Is a block heater necessary in Alberta?

[smbrm]

Its nice if you have to leave it outside overnight when its -39C! Sometimes we get that sometimes not. A few winters ago we did. It varies on how low and for how long. After all Alberta goes from the 49th parallel to the 60th parallel! Toronto is only at the 43 parallel!

Most cars in Alberta have been sold with block heaters if there is one available. However a good battery, kept warm and 0W-20 oil should be of help too if it gets that cold. A battery warmer might be just as good a substitute.

[mashal]

There is no heaters available yet , they are working on it from what I have heard. It's about 220$ I think but chances of me using it are very slim, rather get a remote starter for that money

[Khyron686]

Originally Posted by brianc

Is a block heater necessary in Alberta?

I ran for a few years without after my oilpan cracked, but the car starts a lot easier with one, which means a lot less stress/wear on the motor. It's night/day difference when you listen.

So yes, for 60-70 bucks I'm going to get one and stick it on myself.

The one on the right is the unit we would need, and should be 60-70 dollars, and installs with glue. Gregg's distributors in Calgary is near me, but most places should have something similar.

[Jeff Lange]

Toyota will be releasing a block heater in the next few months for the FR-S.

Jeff

[MJmcnabb]

My BRZ came with a block heater already installed so I did not have the choice, granted I would have taken it.

[Khyron686]

Scion dealer just called the other day to book an apt to install the block heater. So they have them now.

[PeterFRS]

sorry to bump an old thread.
just bought a frs in calgary, dealer didnt install one and delivered it to me.
im wondering is there any downsides to getting a block heater?
if there are, im tempted to just tell them not to install one..

[D_Thissen]

Originally Posted by PeterFRS

sorry to bump an old thread.
just bought a frs in calgary, dealer didnt install one and delivered it to me.
im wondering is there any downsides to getting a block heater?
if there are, im tempted to just tell them not to install one..

I cant think of any. I wouldn't plug it in 24/7 though just because its something that can wear out.
I remember this winter we had a night of -30C, my gf didn't plug in her lancer and her coolant was -28C (plugged into the OBDII). I plugged in my car ~3 hours before I had to go to work, and my coolant was +12C. Makes a huge difference in starting.

[PeterFRS]

Originally Posted by D_Thissen

I cant think of any. I wouldn't plug it in 24/7 though just because its something that can wear out.
I remember this winter we had a night of -30C, my gf didn't plug in her lancer and her coolant was -28C (plugged into the OBDII). I plugged in my car ~3 hours before I had to go to work, and my coolant was +12C. Makes a huge difference in starting.

Oh right..I just moved out to Calgary from Toronto.
I never experienced Calgary winter before, but have heard that it gets brutally cold..
I guess I will need it.
I was wondering somewhere along the lines of plugging a whole in the block and seals may deteriorate over time or what not
(overly cautious..my first new car lol)

[Ubersuber]

You won't need a block heater here. I have one but never use it. Synthetic 0W 20 engine oil means it has to get to minus 40C before you need to concern yourself.

In fact, the manual transmission BRZ has a seriously undersized battery. If you have any winter starting issues go to Subaru of Calgary and ask for a load test of your battery and Subaru should supply a new one (the one that goes into autobox cars) under warranty, free.

Whoops, you have a FRS but the undersized battery will still be an issue as these cars are all built by Subaru in their assembly plant.

[FLYFISHR]

From when I live in Edmonton everyone had a block heater but after I worked and an auto parts warehouse I started used a circulating water heater that fitted inline with the lower rad hose. It kept the whole block warm and was fantastic. I wonder if they are still available as that would be my first choice. Plus it's DIY that's easily reversible with a new lower rad hose.