I just did a search, and I am still searching, but it looks like this has been debated before with the general consensus that a block heater is better due to the fact that it heats the whole block, which also somewhat heats the oil/oil pan.
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=978975
One is certainly better than having nothing at all, like my wife's Impala, so I was just trying to determine what route to go?
With oil heating and transmission pads, how do the pads attach and is there any fear of them coming off or snagging something?
I am going to look into this further, but I am hoping installing a block heater on her car isn't too difficult.
Thanks for the advise/comments guys. I think this is another one of those debates that will never end until it is proven beyond a reasonable doubt, which one is significantly better?
LOL, and not trying to be a smart*ss, but I just read this on another forum from back in 2010 from someone who lives in Alberta, I believe?
"Block heater, no question. Block heaters heat the entire engine slowly and from the inside out and can be left plugged in for long periods of time -overnight. Pan heaters only heat the oil which will then cool down rather quickly once its cycled through the cold engine and should only be plugged in for short intervals (according to a mechanic friend). I've had both on vehicles in the past and definitely saw better results with the block heater. It still amazes me that they're not considered standard equipment in areas like ours!"
I also read where someone, I believe in Northern Ontario or out west again, ran both. Like he/they said, he had the best of both worlds.