

T7 Design Prototype VX220 / Lotus Elise Replacement Heater.

The image on the left shows the prototype heater in raw aluminium and with a 3D printed outlet duct. This one also initially used the plastic GM style water valve to control the heat, but this was not compatible with the VX220 cable as it would close the valve in the 'hot' position on the dash. The image on the right shows the current version T7 Design Offered in 2025.
The Elise/VX heater is very exposed to the elements and was not made with any corrosion resistant metals and simple blow moulded plastics so after 15 years or so mine looked like this. Its fairly bad as most of these type of cars are not daily drivers and are generally well cared for. Initially this was to be based on an existing T7 design and I purchased the components as seen on the right here.














Above is the finished prototype using the new valve and below is the final design made by T7 which is beautifully machined in black anodized aluminium. The brackets have been incorporated into the design and improved and the fittings changed to make the unit more compact. Highly recomended. Click any of the pictures below to purchase one from T7.
I have no affiliation with T7 and receive no inumeration from a purchase. I paid for the prototype parts myself as i needed a new heater and thought there may be a market within the Lotus / VX220 community if a suitable unit was made available and I later received one of the new heaters for assisting to progress the design and posting the process on the applicable forums at the time. I highly recommend T7 products as they are well engineered and a pleasure to deal with.