Just got a 89 gta this week. 5.7L TPI, RPO code K05 isnt listed until 91 on the GTA source page...Im forced to drive it a little longer this year and it gets cold here in Calgary. getting to -20 or something this week. looked in the obvious places, where are they usually? And does anyone know if the block heater was an option on this year GTA?

So if it doesnt have one, any suggestions other than the "obvious park it in the garage, dont drive it" cause i have no other choice for the time being...

 

I don't even plug my truck in until it gets below -20. It's nowhere close enough to needing a block heater yet in Calgary.

Typical block heater location is on the side of the block on the driver's side in front of the oil filter. It fits in where a frost plug normally sits. The chances of a Canadian car not having a block heater is very slim. You probably have a block heater in the block but the cord is missing. Don't believe RPO codes. In 20 years, if the car never came with a block heater, I'm sure a previous owner installed one. Did you even open the hood to look?

 

i looked there thats why im confused...new to TPI thought it might be on a different freeze plug location. Guess it doesnt have one...Time to get one.

 

how hard is it to get to and change out in these cars?

 

Drain coolant from rad and from that side of the block. Hammer, screwdriver and pliers to remove a frost plug. Install new block heater. You can put it into any accessible frost plug hole.