Blower Motor and Squirrel Cage

[BruthaMan]

Planning on doing some upgrades this spring (more like next month, here in West/Central Texas!). Spent several hours going through forum posts via google search and while there are number of related posts, I couldn't find concrete information to validate questions.

Blower Motor

Heater only blower motor - no vent tube

AC blower motor - has rubber vent tube

Question: I've come across a number of threads recommending using a mid-late 80s blower motor for more speed/air flow. Has anyone actually done this or have recommendations?

I had it cooling good two summers ago, at the evaporator core, but could never get good air flow (have cleaned out entire system of debris). High speed would yield an airflow barely on par with a modern system on lowest speed.

Squirrel Cage - Blower Motor Wheel

This is where I'm struggling for information.

Question: Is there a difference in the blower motor wheel from Heater only vs AC?

When I pulled mine, a few years ago, it had a plastic wheel that had stripped out such that wheel didn't spin and made a high pitch squeal. I don't recall how, but I managed to convince myself that a metal wheel was in order. I took measurements and did research and found a wheel online. After it arrived, determined it would not mount correctly, so I did some fab work on it to make it fit.

Tonight, I came across this post (scroll towards bottom to see screen shot). Lists a metal wheel.

Question: Is there a difference, performance wise or other, between a metal wheel and a plastic wheel and can anyone provide part numbers to order?

Want to start getting my parts ordered so that when it warms up a little, I can knock everything out in a few days and be ready for the unbearable heat. Appreciate any advice!

Fan/Blower Motor Relay

When I did most of my upgrades a few years ago, I installed a new blower motor relay (behind the glove box). It lasted all of a year, before it went out last summer. No high speed again.

Question: Is it possible to bypass that relay and use a more modern relay solution? For example, something similar to the wiring harness relay for lights? If so, does any have a write up on doing that?