Engine Block Heater

[Benvw99]

So the subzero times are upon us up in the north. All of our other cars have a block heater but mine doesnt. Was a block heater an option on any Bonneville or other 3800? Im looking to put one in, and didn't know if it would be my best bet to grab one off a different Bonneville that had the option or look for a kit. If it was never an option, is there a good kit that any of you recommend?

Thanks!

[redfury]

that depends on what you really want to do with it. There are inline heaters that just splice into the lower radiator hose as well, otherwise you are looking at a typical block heater that you knock a block plug out and install, tighten the bolt, and run the wire away from the exhaust/moving parts.

[skregal]

My GXP has a factory installed engine block heater.
It is listed on my window sticker under options.
Cost was $35. Not too bad.

I used it the first five or so years I had the car, but the last
time I plugged it in, I smelled a real burning plastic smell
so I just quit using it.

[jradke61]

There's several kinds as stated. Lower radiator hose, freeze plug, and a threaded plug in the rear of some motors. Was on my cat anyway. An element goes in and has a threaded nut where the wire comes out. These are best for heating the block but the lower radiator hose one seems more popular with you 4 wheelers probably for ease of installation.
There's also oil heaters. Dipstick and drain plug. These work good at heating the oil to get it up top quicker once it's running but not so good at actually heating the block for the initial start. Ideally one of these used with the antifreeze type for maximum ease of starting and engine protection.
Overkill tho for the 4 wheeling community I'd guess.

As an afterthought, I'd be more apt to go with an oil heater on my car I think. Starting isn't so much an issue as the dry starts in extreme cold. Getting the oil moving up top quickly would save on engine wear over time.