richardgharris

I have a 1994 LT1. It needs a heater core. After much research I ordered a Spectra 94494. I only found one brass copper one through Corvette Central but the delivery date was too far off for the job. So I figured I would order one through Amazon I could get quickly.

Is this heater core a good choice or should I order another? I know it is aluminum.

Thank you

FAUEE

Aluminum ones are more robust, but transfer heat less effectively.

I think I used a spectra. It fit, eventually. It was a terrible job to do. I think I'd light the car on fire for heat instead of replacing the core again.

cv67

DeWitts ought to start making these

richardgharris

I am not looking forward to it but I bought the car to learn how to work on them! I think they are going up in value and knowing how to fix them will be a big plus.They are a great car!

thatguy427

Oh... You'll learn A LOT about the car replacing the heater core.
Good luck. You'll do fine, just expect to remove just about everything. I've attached the instructions I put together when I did mine. I hope it helps.

Disclaimer, I got the pictures from crutchfield for the dash removal pdf.

Railroadman

Damn, the forum ate my post! Second try:

I did my '92 2 years ago. The biggest problem was that there are many steps, and several of those steps have numerous sub-steps and even sub-sub steps. Chasing around the manual was a royal PITA. Here's the list I made up with page references for the FSM. I don't guarantee it's 100% perfect but hopefully it will help somebody.

65Z01

Can you guys not find an AC Delco core?

About 15yrs ago I installed an OEM style HC into my '88 IROC-Z and, though a bit tedious, it wasn't really difficult.

richardgharris

I am getting ready to start the project today, wish me luck!

95LT1ZF

28uniflite

I just finished replacing the heater core on my '89 a few days ago. I used a Spectra core as well. The inlet / outlet pipes didn't line up perfectly, but a little careful bending got everything to eventually fit well.

All total doing everything "by the book" took about 6 hours.

Good luck !

Railroadman

You might want to learn a few new cuss words first, you'll use up all the ones you've got now!

28uniflite

I just checked my Rock Auto order and I used the exact same core as you have.

Here is a picture of what I had to bend to make it all fit right.
The upper pipe was fine, it was just the lower pipe that needed some adjustment.
Take extra time to match it up exactly to your original core, otherwise the plastic cover will not go back on the heater box and you'll have to take it all apart a second time.

... don't ask why I know this

28uniflite

... so how did you make out on the core replacement ??

richardgharris

It is done! No left over screws and no broken parts. So far no leaks! The spectrum heater core only needed a tiny separation in the pipes to fit through the firewall. well worth the effort. Dealer charges big dollars to do the job. Thank you to the folks who take the time to post on this site!!!!!!

cv67

Did the dash pad really have to come off, where does it even attach?