Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I have a 1967 S3 FHC with a missing heater matrix (the previous owner lived in a warm climate and removed the matrix for more ventilation). Does anyone know if this item fits or where to get a new heater matrix to fit the S3 (not a plus 2)? I am in California, but can order from the UK if they will ship to the States.

http://www.vehicleheaters.co.uk/Heater% ... 20122.html

It looks like the original heater box is in place with all the vents attached, and the two speed fan works. I want to have this part on hand before I attend to the reputedly long job of removing the dashboard.

Also, the engine is in place and I do not want to remove it. Any recommendations as far as flexible 1/2" silicone heater hoses to make the job easier?

Thanks

Bill Moore

It looks about right Bill. I believe it was shared with the FX4 taxi. Are you in SoCal or NorCal? I only ask because if you?re in North California you could reach out to Mike Ostrov in Richmond. He?s a great help.

This might help:
https://youtu.be/LmJEvoIxx7Q
And this:
https://youtu.be/nDNtQ4fcMyM
The Europa?s heater is similar but doesn?t have the integral fan. The flap knobs are slightly different too.

Regards,

I recently bought this heater core to replace the leaking one in my S4.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Passenger-Side ... 2147375683

It fit after some simple and minor tweaking of the two sides. I slightly bent the pipes to get the outlets to match the holes in the box. The misalignment was less than 1/2" and likely the result of shipping or other issues.

-Kyle

billmoore42 wrote:Also, the engine is in place and I do not want to remove it. Any recommendations as far as flexible 1/2" silicone heater hoses to make the job easier?

Thanks

Bill Moore

No need & 1/2" regular heater hose works fine. Good time to get the correct hose clamps if you do not have them already...

[quote="pharriso" Good time to get the correct hose clamps if you do not have them already...[/quote]

I've got normal Jubilee style clips on my heater hoses. Are they the correct ones? As far as I know they're the original fitment.

69S4 wrote:I've got normal Jubilee style clips on my heater hoses. Are they the correct ones? As far as I know they're the original fitment.

Original fitment was the wire kind:

Available from Sue Miller, Matty, RDEnt etc. You need 4 off 1/2" ones for the heater hoses, replace the firewall grommets at the same time... (Dimensions: 3/4"ID, fits 1" hole, 1-3/16"OD Ref. 36B6167)

Those wire clips are one of the worse in the world in my opinion. Use a stainless steel jubilee type clip. However you will need a Narrow series clip to ensure the hose is clamped below the flare on the matrix pipe.
https://www.jubileeclips.co.uk/assets/u ... -Range.pdf

Pete, Kyle, Phil, and Stuart:

Thanks for the information, this is much appreciated.

I purchased silicone hose from hps-siliconehoses.com. They have a good selection, including the hump hose used on S1/S2 radiator connections. Not the cheapest place in town. Be sure you use the proper hose clamp for silicone hoses if you decide to use them. Wire clamps and unprotected cut threads on most hose clamps should not be used.

I used all silicone coolant hoses on the race cars and they worked great.

However, I'm not confident that they're the best for a street car. Here are a couple of sites describing why.
https://motoiq.com/silicone-radiator-ho ... he-street/
https://www.siliconehose.com/blog/silic ... bber-hose/

I used the Aeroquip rubber AN hose from Pegasus for the heater hoses on my car.
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/produ ... oduct=3491

I didn't have the correct sized Ottiker clamps at the time (the best option), so I used these clamps (I think they were a bit long so I shortened the straps).
https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/125/333

-Kyle

User "Christian" in Fl has some bits for sale. There appears to be a complete heater box in his pics.