colter

Anyone know if there are any heater cores that are made correctly?

Noticed Vista Pro heater core tubes weren't bent correct looking at the OEM, but didn't try installing it.

Noticed the Spectra heater core tubes also weren't correct. But got it and tried bending the tubes to look similar to the OEM. But it still wouldn't mount correctly.

Problem so far I could tell was the upper tube was too long before they bent it, and thus it was hitting up against the firewall hole edge before the heater core body was able to sit flush with the heater box.

Could have bolted the core down to try and force it to sit flush, but that would have put unnecessary pressure on that upper tube which would likely cause it to fail early.

Seems like to me that the heater core body should be bolted down flush without the tubes touching anything.

Also, what do you use to plug up the air gap around the heater tubes and firewall holes?

JrRifleCoach

WTH?!
Follow this thread

Rather than asking a question try searching for Greggpenns post he mentions.
Greg was very meticulous and opinionated when he documented his research.

colter

I've already posted in that thread. Was told to get a "Spectra". Well, Spectra isn't made correctly.

Greggpenn mentioned in that thread he got one at "Advance Auto" 4 years ago that was a "copper" core. Well Advance Auto currently does not sell a "copper" core. Theirs currently is a Vista Pro aluminum core. And at glance at the counter, the Vista Pro tubes aren't bent correctly, though I didn't try installing it.

Also Vista Pro is currently out of business.

Cruizin

The original part number was GM #3052870.

A quick search shows gmpartsgiant.com as stocking the genuine GM heater core for $85.33.

You would expect these to fit.

http://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm...r-3052870.html

colter

Nope, they don't have that part. It's "discontinued".

Still looking for a C4 heater core that is made correctly.

kg4fku

I am not sure what a bad (improperly made) core looks like but here is a link to Corvette Central that has a core that references the OEM part number.

http://www.parts123.com/corvettecentral/partsort.pta?catalog=cadefibF&partno=454 567&searchtype=50&pagesize=50&page=1

colter

The pics look like a Vista Pro, which you can get elsewhere cheaper. Though they are currently out of business. I plan on trying this one next anyways.

The issue I ran into are the tubes not bent correctly. Though maybe all the aftermarket brands aren't correct and people just force the install.

kg4fku

It looks like there are five manufacturers.

If you want to locate one of these parts all you have to do is type the part number plus the words "heater core" into an internet search engine like google or bing. For instance to look for sources to buy the Spectra just enter "94494 heater core" without quotes into your search engine. I was surprised that most of these can be bought for less than $30.

1. Spectra - P/N 94494
2. TYC - P/N 96067
3. APDI - P/N 9010199
4. FLPG - P/N 98494
5. FKDH - P/N 8202

87bob

You may not want to hear this suggestion, but if it were me I would check to see if a local radiator can help. They may be able to rebuild yours or alter a new one so the tubes are in the place.

colter

From what I can tell, the tanks are leaking where it meets the core. Probably where the solder is. Did a pressure test, and it leaked bubbles from a spot on the bottom tank. Though I could tell it had also been leaking from the top at some point as there was a white spot at the top in a spot where it's soldered to the core, but no bubbles form the top spot. Then after the leak check, something was rattling around in the top tank and I shook out a small white powder ball.

I'm guessing the top leak sealed itself some time ago. Don't know if it was stuff in the coolant left behind that turned into the white power to plug it, or if the PO had put stuff in the coolant in the past.

xrav22

This one looks ok copper/brass. I got a spectra before they were aluminum about 2 yrs ago.

http://www.autozone.com/cooling-heat...fi/463359_0_0/

colter

Pipe is way off.

xrav22

I would think that is a stock photo but it is copper /brass.
If they are selling them kinda generic that is not good.

kg4fku

That appears to be a fourth manufacturer, FLPG.

http://www.opticatonline.com/part/pr...ac-heater-core

cv67

Spectra owns a lot of brands of the same parts they might be made by who knows?

Maybe DeWitts oughta start making some bulletproof heater cores, something that wont leak no matter what. Send royalties here

Edit: In fact make it a pkg inc a kick butt blower motor being as the C4 ones are weaksauce. Dont see anyone else doing this

colter

That's Pro Choice, the brass/copper one for sell at Autozone.

The bottom pipe is bent wrong.

kg4fku

Would you mind taking a picture of your heater core and any other heater cores you may have or may purchase? It would be helpful for everyone if we could put together an updated list of heater cores.

Mtn Billy

What is not bent correctly? I got one from Rock Auto for my 85 and needed to pull the pipes apart about 1/2 inch. I don't ever remember how many I've replaced on my cars but many needed 'adjustment'.

colter

What brand did you get?

On that Pro Choice, the bottom tube is to the right of the top tube instead of below it. Can't tell if the top tube is correct. Would have to probably try and install it to see.

On the Spectra I tried. I did have to push the bottom tube into the correct position, but the top tube wasn't bent correctly to let the core mount into the heater box. I could have forced it, but that would have put non-stop stress on the top tube. On the top tube, it is too long before it bends. And so it hits the edge of the firewall hole when you are trying to mount it causing problems getting the core to mount in the box since the top tube is hitting the firwall.

Sounds like to me the heater core should be able to mount into the box and the tubes exit without touching anything. That's the way it was with the OEM heater core.

colter

I don't think APDI makes anything, i.e. just a rebrander. I believe the core APDI is currently selling is the Vista Pro brand. Though Vistra Pro just went out of business.

I don't know about the 4 and 5.