High quality aftermarket heater tees: to make or not to make?

[etduncan]

Hey guys, I'm a college student looking to machine out some car parts out of billet aluminum. This seems like a pretty bougie way to go about this, but it does seem like the OEM parts can cause issues, and I feel like for show cars, or people that just want their rig to be a bit more sick than it already is, this could have some merit.

I figured before I actually get to 3d modeling I'd check if anyone actually would actually want anodized aluminum heater tee's. It seems like while the brass tees can work, there isn't room for a more premium options within the LC space. I'd also love other suggestions for parts to make from you guys if you don't think this is worth it.

Thanks!

 

[mrkdwrds]

The Ts aren’t that visible and like many here (I assume) I tend to defer to Toyota engineers on critical components like heater Ts. Personally I think there would be more value in looking into accessories that don’t have the potential to be so damaging if they fail or don’t work exactly like Toyota intends. Stuff like an oil cap, accessories for the interior, etc.

Some of my concerns would include things like is coolant safe long-term for anodized surfaces? Does an anodized part hold the hoses OK? Are the dimensions exactly the same as plastic or brass T? Any sharp ridges or surfaces following machining that could abrade a hose over many years?

 

[Trunk Monkey]

The plastic t's are affordable and last a long time and if someone needs an "upgrade" there's the brass ones available. Don't think you'll see much ROI in making show car/sick t's.

 

[GTV]

80 series T’s are available and made from brass so unless you can provide something improved/less expensive than those you won’t have a market.

 

[Aracobuilt]

I just change my heater tees at every timing belt interval

 

[BullElk]

Btw, heater T in a US 80 series? I've had five 80s and never seen a heater T.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Right on top, hard to miss.

 

[excessive]

i looked up the part number for the HeaterT for the 80 series , and it comes up with part # 87248-60460 which is the same plastic one as the 100 series. I guess the Brass ones are not available anymore

 

[Trunk Monkey]

The OEM 80 series heater T is plastic also. The brass ones are from the 70 series and Megacruiser.

 

[hoser]

The 80 series one, if you buy as pictured, as a hose/tee assembly, it’ll come with brass. À la carte, plastic.

 

[BullElk]

They must be lifetime brass Ts because I've never changed one nor had an issue with one in many thousands of miles. One with over 500K. Moot point heater Ts, I would say.