Remove Heater Core S13 SR20

[chibo]

Alright guys, I've been gutting my S13, now when I pull out the heater core is there anything special I have to do like making a loop where the heater core would normally be or can I cap off the holes on the block?
Thanks

[Suk02Si]

you're going to have to loop it back so the coolant can recirculate. I tossed the heater core as well but luckily I was able to loop it behind the motor before it was dropped in so nothing is going into the car.

[chibo]

Ah, I figured as much. Thanks.
Is it a pain in the ass to do with the engine in the car?

[Chinoliro]

easy
just connect the 2 hoses together
no need to remove engine

[g6civcx]

Okay, you can bypass the heater core by connecting the two coolant hoses that go to the core, or you can block them off completely.

SR uses 3/4" heat hoses. If you look behind the motor there should be 2 of them. If you're going to bypass just figure out how to join them or block them.

It's doable when the motor is in, but it's a lot easier to do when the motor is out. Also, position the clamps so that you can remove them with the motor in. You have very little clearance back there.

I opted to keep the heater core because you can extract some heat from the motor by setting it on hot. It will help with overheating.

[sdtouge]

make a loop but why your motor likes the heater core its like a tiny radiator.

[g6civcx]

The heater core can help extract some heat from the motor, but there are pros to removing it. You can eliminate the unnecessary plumbing (heater hoses are notorious for leaking), save weight, reduce complexity, make space for other equipment, etc.

Of course the downside is you won't have heat, and you can't alleviate an overheating motor by cranking the heater.