Not really a performance modification but really more for my own comfort. The Riot doesn't have a heater and fitting one would be a bit of a squeeze as there really isn't room for one. However an electric heater would solve a lot of those problems as it can be small and doesn't require any re-plumbing as it won't use the hot water from the engine.

A few years ago I bought some in car electric heaters from Ebay for myself and a couple of people at work. They were to say the least a load of crap so I dismantled two of them and salvaged the heater block out of them. The heaters were fine it was the fans that left a lot to be desired. The heater block measured about 25mm by 80mm and were rated at about 50W each. I kept them "just in case" and after driving the Riot around I noticed it could get a bit chilly in the drivers footwell and on the other hand in warmer weather got a bit toasty!!

I mounted the heater blocks in an aluminium case bought from Maplins, at the same time I also bought a 80mm 12V fan and a finger guard also 80mm. The case was cut to accept the heater blocks and were spaced from the case by a washer to prevent the elements from shorting out on the case.

The fan I bought was mounted on the lid with a hole drilled with a hole saw. The fan was held in place with rivets and the fan guard was riveted to the fan as well. A small hole was drilled in the lid to allow the wires to pass into the case.

The wiring was relatively simple and the two heater blocks were connected in parallel with one red wire and the black wire was also connected to one side of the fan. The positive connection of the fan was connected to a green wire. I intend to connect it to a headlight style switch where in the first position the fan runs and in the second position the fan keeps running and the heaters are switched on. This will prevent the heaters from coming on without the fan running and them burning out. The wiring was pretty tight but it went in with all the crimps covered in heatshrink to prevent short circuits and the cable entry covered in heatshrink and a tyrap added as a strain relief.

The lid was fitted and the unit tested on a battery. One of the elements was better than the other but the heat output was good once the heaters had warmed up. I wouldn't say it was a furnace output but the heat given off would be noticeable in the footwell also with the heaters turned off the fan would at least supply some ventilation in the footwell for hotter days.

The final picture shows where it will be located. I have ordered a fibreglass scuttle cover which means I will also be remaking the dashboard panel and moving a few things around for better access. Also a few things will be added such as a heater switch and a shift light.