Regarding the 2024 Mustang GT Engine Block Heater

[jacksz]

first of all, I selected the 401A and performance package, but I noticed that once you choose the performance package, you will not be able to choose the Engine Block Heater. I don't know why, so I asked Ford's staff, and they said they can install this Engine Block Heater for me. However, it was not at the beginning, but after this car arrived at the dealership, I expressed concern about this. First of all, I want to know why the Engine Block Heater cannot be installed under the premise of selecting the performance package, and whether installing it at the dealership will cause damage to the original structure. What I am also worried about is where the interface of the Engine Block Heater will be, and how should I plug in the power when I need it? (Lift up my hood?) If anyone can answer my question, I would greatly appreciate it!

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[Skye]

First of all, I want to know why the Engine Block Heater cannot be installed under the premise of selecting the performance package, and whether installing it at the dealership will cause damage to the original structure.

What I am also worried about is where the interface of the Engine Block Heater will be, and how should I plug in the power when I need it? (Lift up my hood?) If anyone can answer my question, I would greatly appreciate it!

I can't speak as to why the kit cannot be ordered and installed with the PP. I suspect it's more Ford's logic and their ordering system than anything else. How many people with a PP will be operating it when the temperatures require a block heater (also think Summer tires)? Ford probably believes, "Not many."

In the previous generations of V8s, Ford would install the block heater kit by removing an engine freeze plug, one which was as close to the starter motor as possible. I've seen some references involving F150 trucks where a freeze plug is located on the left side (if sitting in the vehicle), lower rear of the engine.

An existing plug will be removed, with a heating element which is shaped like a freeze plug put it its place.

Regarding the cord and outlet, you can work with them to install anywhere to your liking. The cord itself should be at least long enough to reach the front grill, where most people like. As long as the cord's placement doesn't impact the block heater's operation or wiring, the cable and outlet can be placed anywhere.

Plug and outlet placement is something of a compromise, no matter what you do. Under the hood is cleanest, but now you have to open the hood to initially get to it. In the grill is most convenient, but now you have a plug showing. Maybe install in a way where it is under hood, but can be brought out once, with the hood then closed. You and the dealer can discuss. There's probably more than a few ways something could be done in a nice, clean and functional way.

It reads like you have your car on order. I'd take receipt of the car, get settled with it and start the break-in process, then have the block heater installed somewhat soon, while temperatures are good. Having it in-place during Summer and early Fall will allow you to drive the car several times to ensure no leaks, and confirm it's operation, before Winter start.

Living in Canada , the dealer will be well-versed in how to install these systems. The vehicle itself might be a new model to them, but the mechanicals of the job will be second nature.

 

[Zengineer]

I suspect there are very, very few people ordering a performance package that includes summer only tires along with an engine block heater. They need to draw the line somewhere about what is offered from the factory.

I don't know who you mean when you say "Ford Staff". Nobody at the dealer and nobody you will be able to reach at Ford Motor will ever satisfy your desire to know exactly why it isn't a factory option.

I can't imagine any reason it can't be added by your dealer.

 

[Zig]

I suspect there are very, very few people ordering a performance package that includes summer only tires along with an engine block heater. They need to draw the line somewhere about what is offered from the factory.

I don't know who you mean when you say "Ford Staff". Nobody at the dealer and nobody you will be able to reach at Ford Motor will ever satisfy your desire to know exactly why it isn't a factory option.

I can't imagine any reason it can't be added by your dealer.

Tbh i also noticed the same - select block heater and pp goes away - wondered as well but then questioned will i be pushing my pp as frequently as i’ll be freezing my ..?

Does the performance pack add any bracing that may be in the way, no sure how it would block the block heater but for some reason i wanna say there is a slight diff. Anyone have the diagram?

 

[Zengineer]

Tbh i also noticed the same - select block heater and pp goes away - wondered as well but then questioned will i be pushing my pp as frequently as i’ll be freezing my ..?

Does the performance pack add any bracing that may be in the way, no sure how it would block the block heater but for some reason i wanna say there is a slight diff. Anyone have the diagram?

I will be honest. I have already invested the maximum amount of time I plan to put toward this. If I wanted an engine block heater on my car, I'd crawl under the car and figure it out.

 

[jacksz]

Tbh i also noticed the same - select block heater and pp goes away - wondered as well but then questioned will i be pushing my pp as frequently as i’ll be freezing my ..?

Does the performance pack add any bracing that may be in the way, no sure how it would block the block heater but for some reason i wanna say there is a slight diff. Anyone have the diagram?

Yes, I am very concerned if there are any obstacles caused by the performance package that may prevent me from installing the Engine Block Heater. If this is combined with the dealer's arrogance in adding the Engine Block Heater to me, I cannot imagine what consequences it will have.

 

[jacksz]

I will be honest. I have already invested the maximum amount of time I plan to put toward this. If I wanted an engine block heater on my car, I'd crawl under the car and figure it out.

Looking forward to your update, thank you very much.

 

[Skye]

I am very concerned if there are any obstacles caused by the performance package

I'm not sure it's so much the PP as the headers and exhaust. Techs will need working access to a freeze plug.

Someone with a GT can chime in. I looked for some detailed side and bottom views of a Gen4 Coyote and couldn't find what I wanted.

Worst case, they might need to loosen some bits, to give them some moving space. It reads like you've got time until the car arrives. I'd chat up the dealer for their feedback of what they'll do.

 

[jacksz]

I'm not sure it's so much the PP as the headers and exhaust. Techs will need working access to a freeze plug.

Someone with a GT can chime in. I looked for some detailed side and bottom views of a Gen4 Coyote and couldn't find what I wanted.

Worst case, they might need to loosen some bits, to give them some moving space. It reads like you've got time until the car arrives. I'd chat up the dealer for their feedback of what they'll do.

Thank you so much, my friend. I am looking forward to your reply!

 

[Antarctica24]

I suspect there are very, very few people ordering a performance package that includes summer only tires along with an engine block heater. They need to draw the line somewhere about what is offered from the factory.

I don't know who you mean when you say "Ford Staff". Nobody at the dealer and nobody you will be able to reach at Ford Motor will ever satisfy your desire to know exactly why it isn't a factory option.

I can't imagine any reason it can't be added by your dealer.

Well, I guess the other demographic you are leaving out are those of us, who live somewhere, where the temps can get seriously cold and not having a garage, we need something to ensure the engine can stay warm overnight.

 

[Zengineer]

Well, I guess the other demographic you are leaving out are those of us, who live somewhere, where the temps can get seriously cold and not having a garage, we need something to ensure the engine can stay warm overnight.

No, I understand temperature and weather and climate. My F-150 has a block heater, but it doesn't have summer performance tires that are generally a bad idea below 40 F.

What I suggested is that it is a rare instance where someone would order the two options together, so Ford made a decision to make it a non-factory option. Maybe someone who wants both plans a separate winter wheel tire set up like I have done on sporty cars I've driven year round...but people who do that are outliers. If you want to argue that it is a common request, then we may as well stop now.

 

[Antarctica24]

No, I understand temperature and weather and climate. My F-150 has a block heater, but it doesn't have summer performance tires that are generally a bad idea below 40 F.

What I suggested is that it is a rare instance where someone would order the two options together. Maybe they plan a separate winter wheel tire set up like I have done on sporty cars I've driven year round...but people who do that are outliers. If you want to argue that it is a common request, then we may as well stop now.

Finally the voice of reason, I tried to explain the tire thing to another group of people and they laughed me off, like I was some crazy person. So the thought here is two sets of wheels and swap them between winter and summer, I only have 3 months of summer here maybe 4 if Im lucky. But wanted that engine heater just in case.

 

[roadpilot]

Well, I guess the other demographic you are leaving out are those of us, who live somewhere, where the temps can get seriously cold and not having a garage, we need something to ensure the engine can stay warm overnight.

If one lives where it gets "seriously cold", one probably doesn't need a Mustang unless you drive it only in the warmer months. And if you did, I would never put an engine heater on my performance cars that spend the winter hibernating.

Yes, it can/does get seriously cold in Michigan. Yes, mine live in the pole barn. Yes, it gets WELL below freezing in the barn. No, I do not run engine heaters on them - just battery maintainers.

 

[Antarctica24]

If one lives where it gets "seriously cold", one probably doesn't need a Mustang unless you drive it only in the warmer months. And if you did, I would never put an engine heater on my performance cars that spend the winter hibernating.

Yes, it can/does get seriously cold in Michigan. Yes, mine live in the pole barn. Yes, it gets WELL below freezing in the barn. No, I do not run engine heaters on them - just battery maintainers.

Well unfortunately, one doesnt like to drive toyota's, or Tesla's, I was just looking for option to keep it warm on the extreme days, we had 3 days this past winter were it -30 with a windchill of -47. It killed a rental that I had. I have a jeep for running around in the snow, but I can afford to have a plaything and you can drive here in the winter, just wouldnt want to drive the mustang in the snow.

 

[roadpilot]

Well unfortunately, one doesnt like to drive toyota's, or Tesla's, I was just looking for option to keep it warm on the extreme days, we had 3 days this past winter were it -30 with a windchill of -47. It killed a rental that I had. I have a jeep for running around in the snow, but I can afford to have a plaything and you can drive here in the winter, just wouldnt want to drive the mustang in the snow.

Fully understood. But still an odd combo (PP/summer tires and engine heater).

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