Heater box differences

[BillM]

I have an 87 heater box and a 88 heater box. They both use a different outlet for the dash vent. The 87 uses a round hole the 88 uses the oval outlet. What is the difference between the two sources. Is the inside of the boxes different? What would be better for my 87 Westy?

Bill
87 Westy
Zetec Turbo

[molybdanum]

I I remember correctly the later boxes push heat to the side vents. The ports are on the hot side of the heater core.

-Dan
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85 Vanagon Westfalia EJ22
00 Passat GLS Wagon

[BillM]

That's what it looks like. The early box is fresh air at the front vents and the later looks like heat. I wonder why vw made the change?

Bill

[syncrodoka]

I prefer the later front heater boxes as the constant cold air on my arm bothers me. I have changed all of mine for the later style. As long as you have the later hose that goes to the oval opening you can swap it over very easily.
They changed it over when they went to flow through ventilation in the rear windows.

[r39o]

I AM DENSE.

What are the differences between early and late? Why should we care?

I ask this because of two things.

1. I never noticed a difference that bothered me.
2. I read somewhere, and I may be wrong, that the early set up is preferred for the Behr front AC, somehow. But, I may be all stupid too.

TIA,
Walt
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

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[syncrodoka]

[Wildthings]

I certainly prefer the later boxes, though some people like the earlier ones cause they can blow cold air at themselves while their better half has the heaters on full blast.

[fixedgear]

I think Wildthings has it correct. However, I prefer the earlier style for the reason that he mentions. I like to have an outside air source blowing cool controllable air at my face while running heated air to the floor vents, especially for the passenger in the front seat.

I cannot see a benefit to heated air coming out of the front facing vents. If I want heat, the dash or floor vents do the job, but I don't want it on my face while driving.

Of course with both setups you have the option of closing the vents fully or partially.

I thought that the changeover was between '86 and '87, but I guess this is wrong.

I thought that they would have changed because the earlier version brought the outside air too far forward, which introduces too much cold air too far into the cabin in the winter. Just a thought though.
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1986 Wolfsburg Weekender

[r39o]

[BillM]

Are the insides of the box the same or are the flaps different? Could I just cap the round holes on the early box and then open up the oval spots? I could then just use the hoses off the 88 and not have to pull dash. Plus the 88 box might have some damage as it was hit head on.

Bill

[syncrodoka]

[syncrodoka]

[bajaleo]

I'm in the middle of converting my 1984 to the newer heater box. I've opened up the oval ports and capped off the round ports. It looks like same hoses are used, but I'm not positive. Can anyone confirm yes or no?