C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

heater core question

Old Apr 21, 2011 | 11:29 AM
  #1  
johnnyc's Avatar
johnnyc
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: smithtown NY
Default heater core question

vista pro--$75.00
ready-aire--$45.00
delco--$95.00
will pressure test before the install. need advise on which one..
'79 air car. already have the old one out....what fun!
thanks guys.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2011 | 12:03 PM
  #2  
Paul Ruggeri's Avatar
0Paul Ruggeri
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 3
From: Carmichael ca
Default

Not sure about the other brands, but the Delco should be made in USA or Canada, not China. Too much trouble to do the job twice, go with the Delco.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2011 | 12:26 PM
  #3  
BKarol's Avatar
BKarol
Melting Slicks
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 671
From: Northeast
Default

Whichever one you choose, take the old one to the store and match up the dimensions. The previous owner gave me a new heater core and only after a few minutes of pondering when it didnt slide in that I realized it was about 1/4inch taller than the original
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2011 | 12:48 PM
  #4  
929nitro's Avatar
929nitro
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
Default

I would compare the parts if you can find them all at the same location. The Ready Aire and the Delco are both Aluminum construction both give a 12 month warranty. I would want to see what I was getting for the extra $50.00 if it was going in my car. Let us know what you find.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2011 | 06:55 PM
  #5  
doctorgene's Avatar
doctorgene
Drifting
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Default

I bought a Modine, ( I think this is how it is spelled. ) Made in Emporia, Ks. but I understand they have now moved to Mexico. Have a great one. Gene
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 09:25 AM
  #6  
jdp6000's Avatar
jdp6000
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Default

I went Delco. It was an exact fit. You don't want to do this job twice for a $45 difference.

Jim
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2011 | 11:03 AM
  #7  
RU7376vettes's Avatar
RU7376vettes
Racer
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 331
Likes: 44
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Default

I had a new Delco leak due to hairline crack in tank and poor solder joint upon start-up after a restoration. The old one that was originally in the car didn't leak, but we replaced it as 'insurance' because it was easier to do when body off frame. Lesson learned was to pressure check them prior to installation regardless of who made them. With all the Brand licensing going on, it is hard to tell where or who really makes them.
Unk
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2011 | 10:33 AM
  #8  
20mercury's Avatar
20mercury
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,755
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Default Parts Ladi

I bought mine from the Parts Ladi, online, great price, did not test, worked great!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Apr 23, 2011 | 10:39 AM
  #9  
doctorgene's Avatar
doctorgene
Drifting
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Default

Yes Sir; Mr. 20mercury, Someone said; they didn't think the Parts Ladi was no longer. How long ago did you buy, & is she still in business. Thanks, Gene
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2011 | 10:54 PM
  #10  
Fuelie74's Avatar
Fuelie74
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Warren IL
Default

I replace them all the time at work. Sometimes we use Spectro and sometime Delco. It really depends what is in stock at the parts store at the time. Haven't had a problem with any of them coming back so far.
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2011 | 12:59 AM
  #11  
forman's Avatar
forman
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 375
From: Randolph nj
Default

you might laugh but I got mine at auto zone 50 bucks brass, copper construction .I think it was a spectro matched perfect ,,
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2011 | 09:36 PM
  #12  
johnnyc's Avatar
johnnyc
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: smithtown NY
Default $34.00 score

Well, believe it or not, Autozone had the core. The box was labeled Ready-aire/Vista pro. Looks to be made out of copper, my original Harrison looks to be brass. It was the original core, as it had E78 stamped on it. It also leaked in three places. Pressure tested the new one at about 18psi, no leaks. It also fit exactly like the original one. Workmanship looks pretty good, time will tell. I also found VERY accurate instructions on the web by Dale Wilson and/or Paul Shelley. Made a tough job a whole lot easier. I have a hard copy for any one who wants it, I can scan it, and email it to you. If anyone has the link to it, please pass it along. I highly recommend it. Thanks guys.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To heater core question



Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:42 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE