Thanks for the input Sweeplander. Research shows the best location for a core plug (frost plug) heater is the one directly below the exhaust and carb location in the center of the engine. This would put it relatively close to the location where the crack in the block was which is the additional side effect of what im looking at. Props on the heat shield point, ill be sure to manufacture one to keep the exhaust heat off the heater end and cord. If I do a second, it wold be same side and the next one forward within proximity of the crack. Im looking more so to alleviate thermal shock and engine wear with the heaters as opposed to just quick warm-up and in cab heat times. What is it, 80% of engine wear occurs at <90 deg F temps? Given the road time she'll see every winter, anything to minimize that is a good investment in my book.
Im not too worried on locating a heater, both Kats and Zerostart have friction fit systems in a variety of sizes, so I am sure I can locate one to work. I run all the Silverados on a 4 hour timer cycle typically starting between 1 and 2 am to ensure they are warm by 5-6 when the wife and I leave. Those at 650 watt heaters that keep the engine at ~60 deg F with outside temps of 0 F. Ill have a separate timer and retractable cord for the C60 rigged up on board for similar setup to run for a few hours prior to start based on wattage.
An oil pan magnetic heater I would use maybe a handful off times in a year in sub-zero temps, but even then its not necessarily worth it and any affect it could have can be also obtained by using the right oil. Im not a fan of lower rad hose heaters and such. The best place to put the heat is right to the block, and there's really no substitute for plug heaters in that case.
Ill shop indiscriminately on brand and talk to NAPA if need be and see what I can find.
