Heater Follow-up

Went for a 10 mile drive today, 0 C. The modified heater hose doesn't leak, and so the fan shroud can go back on. I measured the surface temperature of the engine-heated hose above the heater immediately after returning, and it read 44 C. The heater alone had the temperature up to 41 C, so pretty close. Before starting, the engine block itself (where the coolant is) was nice and warm to the touch, right to the back.