I had this done on my 04 and never got around to it on my 07.

What is this for? The heater core is not completely isolated from the air system and constantly radiates heat whether you have the heater on or not. This is why the fresh air vent always feels hot, even on a cool night. Shutting off flow to the heater core allows you to actually enjoy cool air from the vent. Also, this will improve the function of your AC as you will not be releasing heat into the air after it is cooled down.

I typically shut mine off around May and turn it back on around October.

Here are a few pics and tips for anyone looking to do it. Use the top hose so it's easier to reach the valve when you need to change it. The hoses are 5/8". Don't try to use 3/4" barbs as they're too big and they'll leak. Also, watch the tails of your clamps so they're not rubbing the bottom hose or the valve cover. Use a 5/8" or 3/4" valve, any smaller and you'll restrict flow thru your heater core when you want to use it (less heat in the winter!). After clamping the hose, cut out a section of hose slightly shorter than the body of the valve (not including barbs). If you don't, the hose will be too long and the valve will hang to the side all funky.

 

Great pics for those recently inquiring.

Never seen enough benefit for me to do it though.

 

thats a helluva idea george, no video for this one?...nice job this will work great in the hot south...

 

If you haven't done it, how do you know it's not enough benefit?

If it is 72* degrees out and I open my fresh air vent, I get 77*-80* air out of it. That's hot air, so I am forced to turn on the ac. With this mod, I get the same temp in the vent as the outside temp. No ac necessary.


Here's a pic of me on my honeymoon so you have something to laugh at-

 

one question! is the top hose the pressure or intake hose? or does shutting one off stop flow to the other any way?

And yes this is a great idea! I too could quite often use the vent if it was not for the hot air!

 

Now that is a slick idea there. With it being 110* outside right now having the ac only blowing cold air would be sooooooooooo worth it. Every now and then you get a warm patch (like swimming through a public pool)

 

It doesn't matter which one you use. They both have the same pressure. The top one flows hot coolant into the heater core (mini radiator) and the bottom one flows out.

I use the top one for convenience. You could make the arguement that it's better to use the top so that the heater core doesn't become pressurized, but that's really not an issue anyways.

 

That is what I thought! but figured I would do supply side either way just to make sure!

Thanks for the idea froggy!

 

With my windows up and tint on the windows, the air coming out of my vent is 40-50*. Do i need it to be lowered than that?

Ive got one of those meat probe thermometers in my vent

 

when its 72* i just open my windows to get fresh air....
nonetheless i understand what your getting out of this. funny pic btw