If the grid heater were to be removed to allow unrestricted airflow through the intake, how diffucult would it be to start the engine in cold weather. This is assuming the block heater is functioning.

 

I disconnected my grid heaters on my 97 Dodge 5 years ago. (I was walking away and noticed smoke coming from under the hood, the relay on one of them had stuck closed burning the wire) I haven't had any problems starting in temps as low as 15*F, but, I always use Performance Formula additive. It smokes pretty good at start up and I consider it the cost of doing business, the batteries seem to last much longer without the major current draw at startup and after start; I'm guessing the alternator likes it as well since it's original. Just my 2 cents.

 

Quite a few folks have removed the grids in an effort to open up airflow.
Consensus is it makes absolutely no difference.

 

It really depends on how you use the truck. If you want to be able to come back to it when it has been cold soaked for 12 hours at below zero temps, then don't remove the grids. However, if you will only ever start it at below 30 degrees when it is already plugged in, then you will be fine.

 

My 2000 will start running rough and stumbling for awhile if I try to start it below 35 or so unless I have cycled the grid heater.
Below 20 or so I cycle them twice.

 

Mine grids are gutted out of my 98, and disconnected on my 95. The lowest temp I've had here was 12*, and both trucks fire right off...they smoke a little more when it's really cold but clears up after a minute.

I don't have fuel heaters either...

 

Right now it is about -2C now, my truck will not start without the grid heaters, I have tried it a real pain.