Hello,

I am attempting to build a defroster of sorts for my race car. I am never going to lose a race again because I can't see. I have a squirrel cage fan unit from a stock 240Z and noticed a little electrified wire coil on the exit side of the fan.

Does anyone know what this is? Could it aid in pre-heating/drying the air?

Greg Ira

That's the resistor to absorb the voltage for the different speeds. It is in the air path simply to vent it, doubt it would generate much of a heat increase, although your mileage may vary.

E

Sorry to hear that Greg. Are there any rules preventing you from adding new parts?

For the stock system, you could try routing the left and right side vents' outlets into the defrost ducts under the dash. This will keep the air temperature humidity the same on both sides of the glass and minimize condensation.

You could improve this by routing coolant hoses through the inner fender passages via metal pipes to warm the air passing through them like a radiator... a valve could control when you need the heat.

The best air for defrosting is re-heated dry from an AC system and heater system so you need a cooler in front of a heater.

Here is a $7 toaster solution for heating: http://www.amphibike.org/index.cgi?page=pages/3_wheels/mr2/ev_electronics/heater

For AC and heat Maybe using a peltier cooler like the EV guys can do the cooling and heating... and the key data point for you is: 754W is 1 HP. http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/showthread.php/re-evdl-peltier-devices-and-cooling-14508.html

Edited October 3, 201113 yr by Blue

Great answers you guys. I really appreciate it. Two things, I am using Lexan which is really tough to work with, and i run a total loss electrical system just for the extra tiney bit of horsepower. The good thing about the stock squirrel cage fan is it move a LOT of air and I think this alone will be very helpful.

thanks again.

Greg

There is an upgrade to the OEM fan, and that graphic from Blue makes me wonder if you could use all 4 outlets (the two defrosters, and the two dash vents) to defrost a larger part of the windscreen.

Exactly what my next try is going to be. Thanks for the good information.

Greg

Taping up the plastic ducting joints with foil duct tape helps reduce the air leaks and gets more air out of the ducts. As well, others have upgraded the blower motor with one from a Honda Civic (link) to get more air flow.

Edited October 5, 201113 yr by Blue