sb66

hey everyone - as I am debating the to replace the heater core now or later - I wanted to know if anyone has used a spectra aluminum or pro source brass/copper heater core from auto zone? I am a little skeptical because they seem inexpensive - but I found rock auto's to be even less

does anyone have any experience with either or another recommendation - the job seems really involved - one that you do not want to have to do again - so I want to be sure before I get started if possible -

any help is greatly appreciated

Sean

xrav22

I have had a specrtra heater core in and it seems acceptable, not saying the greatest I did bend it a little but now knowing I would not bend the tubes at all. Good Luck

sb66

thanks - from what I have read it is an ambitious undertaking

- if that core works, it is reasonably priced - so I would be out more in the time area than the money area

Sean

xrav22

The only tips I really have is
Get those window lock clips from the help area at autozone( probably break the old one at the temp adjuster door)

A long extension 1/4 inch and instead of inserting a ratchet use a
large allen head wrench in it to turn that will just give clearance to
upper left screw(bolt). I left that one out and no harm has come.
Good luck

VikingTrad3r

spectra will need to be bent.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-tech-performance/3832281-sos-help-on-early-c4-heatercore.html

and

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-tech-performance/3833152-exact-match-heater-core-whos-bought-one.html


spectra cost me a crapliad of my time and lots of anxiety. will never buy another.

my recommendation is to get your oem copper one rebuilt.

A Peter C4

Rock Auto has TYC brand lifetime warranty, Could not find anyone else with this warranty,that being said I have not needed to replace my heater core, but if it goes that's what I'll use just my 2 cw.Good luck with repair.

H P Bushrod

When I replaced the heater core in my '85 years ago, I ordered a OEM AC Delco core (can't remember where I got it). It's a job you only want to do once, so make sure you buy a top quality core. I removed mine by taking out the passenger seat and removing it from the bottom. Tedious...but not impossible.

T VETTE

The warranty is no good if it doesn't cover the labor to replace it again! Get the best you can and do it once.

A Peter C4

Have never seen a parts warranty that covers labor for any part.Only by some repair shops that install parts provided by them, and then not very often,part only no labor,but if you can suggest a parts co. that has that warranty let us know. Thanks