Came in yesterday, sooner than expected from the dealer. I plugged it in last night in the house to see how warm it got. Some places on the element were to hot to touch, while others were about the same temp as the heated seats. It was about 36" x 4". I just installed it now. I removed the cables, vent tube and hold down. I placed the included twist-ties (3') under the battery and then put the heater into place, having the power cord go to the driver side. Then I just twisted the ties as tight as I could get them, and then bolted everything back up. The cord is the perfect length to stick out under the rear seat. I plugged an extention cord into it and shut the door.


Sorry its kind of hard to see in the pics against a black battery.



Don't mind the winter look... salt everywhere.

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Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited

2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 55k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 95k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 260k | Official Bonneville Hauler

Well its -20°F this morning. I figured I would try and start the car for a test. Before starting I went to check the battery temp. I was figuring the back seat might even be warm from the rising heat. Nope, ice cold. Then I felt the battery, it was lukewarm. Not hot, not cold, maybe 70-80°F. Then I felt the heating element, definately not as hot as it was on the house last night. The -20°F temps really suck the heat from it. Then I tried to start the car. The car cranked for at least 3-4 seconds but did finally start, a great improvement over last time I tried to start in -20°F (took over 2 hours to get going after heating the battery inside the house). The battery seemed like it had plenty of juice to keep going if needed, however the cold engine just didn't want to fire. I'm not 100% pleased with the results, but I guess they are about what I should have expected. If I want the engine to fire without struggle, I should have gotten a engine heater. If the cold temps continue, I think I'll be getting a lower radiator hose heater as well and run both of them, then my car will love me.

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Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited

2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 55k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 95k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 260k | Official Bonneville Hauler

Really should not be necessary to heat the battery. Some 0w-20 engine oil will give you more bang for the buck than heating elements.

If you want to put a block heater in you can pick them up fairly cheap -any chance you might have salvaged any from all the 3800 cars you've parted out?
I have a guy here in Sauk Centre who'll install it fairly cheap too (prob around $30, unless you kinda BS with him for a few minutes.... the more jokes you tell or agree with him the more of a discount you'll get).

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DHP Powrtuner & Tech 2
1998 GTP Coupe
1999 SSEi 70k miles
2000 Silverado 2500 Ext Cab 4x4/6.0L/4L80E
2000 Trans Am WS6 LQ3 (LQ4 w/LS3 top end) 4L60E
2001 SLE
2002 Monte Carlo SS Top-swapped FSIC Gen V TOG's, Mezeire.....
2002 GTP 40th Anniv Ed Coupe
2004 GTP Comp G 'Bottom-swapped'

Gotta plug in the block heater. -20f, mines plugged in all night.

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2016 Dodge Charger Scat Pack 392
3.09's 8 Speed Auto
04 GTP

I don't think Andrew's car has a block heater, as it was originally sold in the south. Mine doesn't, and was sold in FL. I'm considering adding one to my car, though.

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Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

I had to have a block heater for my Blazer, never wanted to start in anything below zero... Just picked one up for the truck, I'ts being installed as we speak...
In cold climates they are almost a necessity.

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- Robb -
Supercharged 2001 Buick LeSabre
1992 Pontiac Bonneville SE | Pics | Long Gone