Bigger I.D. heater boxes?

bugboy37 · Post by **bugboy37** » Wed Sep 18, 2002 8:06 pm

I am planning on putting a bigger motor in my 69 westy, prob a 1915)...My problem is, I want to run a full header system, and the stock heater boxes will restrict 2 cylinders like crazy...does anyone offer a set of heater boxes with an id of like 1 5/8?..or are there any good auxilary electric heaters out there I can wire up?(am deathly afraid of those VW "torpedo" gas heaters, and hate a cold camper in 10 degree weather)

[This message has been edited by bugboy37 (edited 09-18-2002).]

Post by **Marc** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 6:54 am

Kymco offers a merged system with heater boxes (they tell me it will clear the stock t'stat too) that's 1½" for $350 raw, no muffler. I'd think that should be adequate for your engine.
Berg lists them too, including bigger, but the last I heard none were in stock. Price is probably up there.

PS I wouldn't recommend a 1915 for a Westy - you'd be better off in the long run with a stroker. 88x78 would be my first choice; Unless you can find some 88Bs gathering dust (they apparently aren't produced anymore) you'd have to get pistons custom-made or it'll take ~.180" barrel spacers, but it's a much more appropriate way to get a 1.9 Type I engine for a bus IMO.

[This message has been edited by Marc (edited 09-19-2002).]

Dave R · Post by **Dave R** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 2:12 pm

Two comments:

I've been talking to Kymco about tucking the collector on their 1-1/2 merged heater-box system up about 3" higher and so far they have been receptive. The dimensions I got for their "regular" system have the collector hanging down rather low for a bus that hangs out on logging roads. I should be getting a go/no-go from them any day now. If they can tuck it up as far as I'm asking, it'll leave only about 1/2 inch between the collector and bumper. I'll pass along any feedback I get. I have also been talking to Berg, but their supply seems a bit behind right now - I'm still waiting for dimensions.

Secondly, I agree with Marc. Stroke if you can. About five years ago I got my 88 x 86 together for my '69 westy. It is a world of difference over the slightly-souped stock stroke I had in there before.

Dave R

bugboy37 · Post by **bugboy37** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 2:25 pm

Thanks for the 411 on the heater boxes, I will be checking regulary on them!..About stroking my bus engine..I would LOVE too, unfortunaly my budget refuses to go along with the added prices(machine work(clearancing), and the crank..oh yes, the EXPEN$IVE stroker crank), so was tyhinking of a 1915 only cause it offered the most power without clearancing the case and buying a stroker crank

Vgonman · Post by **Vgonman** » Fri Sep 20, 2002 3:03 am

I was on the phone with Berg the other day and they had the 1 5/8" heater boxes and header on the shelf. It is $675 dollars though. 1 3/4 " is same price. A lot of money but you know it would work. I am trying to bench test an old gas heter (BN2) and if i can get it to work, then i will just install that and use j tubes and same a bunch of money.

PEPPE · Post by **PEPPE** » Fri Sep 27, 2002 12:13 pm

Simply take big jtubes and install inside the old heaters jacket.
it is simple and cheap.
i have done many of these with no prob.
Use 90.5 cylinders on a westy, unless you use a porsche cooling.
the power increase is not worth the increase in heat that them gives.
90.5 cools better.
Peppe