Heater core, what could be the difference?

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Jul 17, 2004 | 11:43 PM

redwingvette

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Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2001

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From: Waterford Mi

Heater core, what could be the difference?

I checked with one Vette parts supplier and they want $80. Zip wants $59. My local radiator repair shop gave me a price of $45. Could there be that much difference? Mine isn't leaking but it is over 15 years old so I thought it might be a good weekend project before I go on the long trip to Bowling Green for the 10th anniversary of the NCM.

Jul 18, 2004 | 06:04 AM

hunt4cleanair

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: Myrtle Beach SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwingvette

I checked with one Vette parts supplier and they want $80. Zip wants $59. My local radiator repair shop gave me a price of $45. Could there be that much difference? Mine isn't leaking but it is over 15 years old so I thought it might be a good weekend project before I go on the long trip to Bowling Green for the 10th anniversary of the NCM.

I replace the core in my 78 a couple of years ago and went through two before getting it settled. They both were purchased through a friend's shop and I believe I paid about the $45 figure. This was less then an AC Delco unit but I concluded afterward...next time I would do AC Delco.

The first replacement unit leaked and I learned this by bench testing the unit (ran pressurrized water through it before installing). The second unit tested ok but the pipes were of a different length and different angle than the original...which didn't make a difference until I was trying to get it in the car and the hoses installed. Than...everything was tight without adequate clearance to get the hoses on. I had to bend (a no...no) the pipes slightly, to gain clearance to get the hoses on.

I say all this because I learned that they reproduce these units but they are universal to fit many configurations, thus keeping the cost down. The problem is when you've got tight working quarters...its tight! I believe higher priced units more likely fit the original specifications for a Corvette configuration and when you pay more...that's what you're paying for, a unit built to the original engineering specs, or...a precise fit.

Jul 18, 2004 | 07:13 AM

Paul L

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 30,995

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From: Ontario

That's a job you do not want to repeat often so get it right the first time. Many offerings are generic "Chevrolet." On my former 1979 without A/C they would not fit through the firewall opening although the spouts were correct. These small but significant differences can drive a person crazy! I thought of Corvette vendors but with shipping, etc. that can get pretty expensive. So I dropped by a local GM dealer and they had the genuine item within a day or two from the regional parts depot. And it fit perfectly. For the small price difference involved I would get the "real thing." And yes, bench test first.

Last edited by Paul L; Jul 18, 2004 at 07:16 AM.

Jul 18, 2004 | 11:32 AM

Richard Cooper

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 2,473

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From: New Paltz, New York USA

Get a good OEM unit. I just replaced one in an 81, what a pain. It was a cheap unit and did not fit well at all. The pipes had to be bent and the solder joint broke, I had to resolder it. Its well worth the extra money.

Jul 18, 2004 | 12:19 PM

griffths

Racer

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 421

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From: Long Grove, IL

I was replacing my heater core a few months ago in my car (BB W/air, not something you want to do more often than necessary) and figured I would buy a replacement AC Delco unit to make sure everything lined up properly. Even the "correct" part was not the same as the original one for all of the reasons listed above. The pipes were bent slightly different and the spacing between the inlet and outlet was slightly smaller which caused a fitment problem. In the end, I decided to get an original Harrison heater core and the fit was perfect.

If you still have the old Harrison core you may want to investigate the possibility of having it recored rather than fight with any of the replacement units available.

Jay

Last edited by griffths; Jul 18, 2004 at 01:08 PM.

Jul 18, 2004 | 12:41 PM

AndreG

Racer

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 273

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I agree with the post above abput rebuilding it but what I want to add is if it isn't leaking DONT TOUCHN IT. The moment you fiddle with it in any way it will be destined to leak and give you hell for weeks to come. If it is happy now it may continue to be for years ahead. I wouldn't repalce it in a "non leaking" state unless I were doing something else tthato the car that required it to all be taken apart anyway.

Sucky project with no reward unless it is leaking.

IMHO
-Andre

Jul 18, 2004 | 01:40 PM

Petes73

Racer

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 272

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From: Marion Ia

What ever you do, do not use one from the Auto Parts Stores. They are made in Mexico and will start leaking again with in a year

Jul 18, 2004 | 02:38 PM

cardo0

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwingvette

The AC Delco unit I had bought from Ecklers did not fit the tubes through the tin housing. Took the whole tin housing and marched down to the local parts store to get the right fit/match. I think the brand was Evergreen something? Ecklers generously refuned my purchase too.
Happy hunting. cardo0