I asked the very same question a week ago on the series forum (Is there an uprated heater matrix) the general feeling on this question prevoked responses such as "Put more jumpers on" and "Drive the Disco instead" so if you find a place that sells an uprated matrix post it on here so I can get in touch with em. Taa.
So I'm hoping to buy a defender soon from the UK and ship it out to my new home in Canada. Winter here can be bloody freezing with temps hitting as low as -40.
not sure i agree with yu there, Sean - yup, yu are rite in sayin heat out cant be greater than heat in, but I cant see a landy engine being hugely thermally efficient compared to any other engine!
I think the problem resolves into two issues....
1) how much heat can be transferred from the water into the air via a matrix, and to that end, matrix size or thermal transfer efficiency is important.
2) how much air flow can you pass through the matrix to transfer the heat into the cabin.
several areas for improvement here.
1) ensure the engine coolant is running at its optimum temperature.
2) get the largest, most thermally efficient heater matrix.
3) get as much air through the matrix as possible.
4) ensure that there is a flow of air through the cabin (maybe fit vents at the back to air through?).
food for thought?
Is it not frikkin hard getting a decent landy to Canada? I 'm in the long process of going there and they're dead strict - car must be 15 yrs old min and completely original - certainly original chassis, engine and running gear. It's not like the UK points system - as ocassionaly they ask for factory documentation showing original configuration from factory so they'll know engine, axle, chassis no.
)
nearly all "standard" vehicle heating systems will struggle in such low temps without some form of additional heat input that isnt sourced from the engine
so the only options are, as above stay in, fit a fuel burning heater (as per post 2) or see what you'll get part ex for a pack of huskies
sadly staying inside isn't an option and huskies cost more than a Landy.
Our regular pontiac is fine at -40. fit some cardboard to the front to keep the rad a bit warmer and it heats up in no time.