So the 85 Z51 project has just become that. After much consideration, about 2.5 minutes of a 5 minute video (j/k I did a little more research), I decided I was not going to attempt to replace the heater core myself. Yes after windshield, wheels/tires and repairing many knickknack things the heater core blew. I knew it was going to when I got the car. Was just hoping to get more time out of it, at least through the winter, when bypassing it would be tolerable and I would have more funds.

Local shop doing it claims 20,000 Corvette repairs, resto's and what not and that's not include all the other vehicles they have taken care of. NCM Sponsor and many other accolades. They, along with many others though, wouldn't replace my windshield. Go figure. So how much for this feat of dexterity and contortion? $1000. That is correct $1000. I, of course, have budgeted more in case of unforeseen problems.

Hope to sell the C5 wheels and tires and a couple of other things and recoup some of my expenditures. If I could have lived with the tires I would be right at my budget and the heater core would be a much more tolerable expense. With the core I am just over $5000 in this. So pretty much wheels/tires and core about what I paid for the car. Still don't feel like I'm in the red or in a deep hole.

Anyway this was just me thinking out loud. I'm leaving around 2:30 to drop it off.

Thanks for reading,

Joe K
P.S In case you haven't seen it. And it now has red acorn style lug nuts.

 

Love the picture as it reminds me of mine when I was working on it 20 years ago after getting it back on the street (was wrecked when I bought it). Dang near every panel on the car was a different color at that point.

As for the heater core. Dang... For $1K I would do it myself. It's diffidently doable. Not really a hard job, just time consuming as you have to remove a bunch of stuff under the dash. I want to say it took me a full day to do mine but that was 10 years ago so my memory could be off on the time it took. If I ever have to do it again, I'm taking the seat out for sure as I didn't do that last time.

 

I wouldn't feel badly about having someone replace the core. I feel my time is valuable too, and there are other things I'd rather do.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

Replacing the heater core is not for the faint of heart. Ask me how I know.

 

$1000 sounds reasonable for all that is involved, but like others, it would be hard for me to let go of that much money for something I could do. I can see where you may be a little burned out though. Love to see how it turns out and if they run into any other "costs" while they are in there.

 

 

Not really burned out. Just nowhere warm to do the job and I want to drive this car. That's why I spent money on A/S tires and wheels the size I wanted. The $1000 includes a cooling system flush and converting the A/C to 134a.

I decoded the RPO a lot closer and it is a (nearly?) full blown Z51 Automatic.

FE7-High Performance Suspension
FG3-Preloaded Gas Shock Absorbers (Replaced)
G44-Rear Axle 3.07 Ratio
KC4-Engine Oil Cooler
V08-Heavy Duty Cooling
Z51-Performance Handling Package

The only "lie" is the paint codes say it should have a Bright Red Exterior. 81L/81U. The 8's have been defaced. Also shows L8774/U8774. Previous owner says it has been that color since his uncle bought it brand new. I cannot find one spot of red anywhere. Interior codes are correct as it is a red interior. The PO painted a lot of it black, I think because he replaced the carpeting with black. Mystery.

I'm sure it will go great and I'll post the results. Should know something by Monday.

 

You just convinced me that I don't want to do this when the time comes. ;-)

 

$1000 is within the general ballpark... maybe a little on the high end, but certainly worth the money if the shop has a good reputation and displays confidence in doing this job.
I agree that my time has value and this is one job that I will gladly pay a trusted shop to do for me. This is one of the few weak spots in the C4.

 

I think thats fair especially with converting the A/C to 134A is included

 

A San Francisco Police Inspector Callahan once said, "A man's go to know his limitations".
we all like to work on own cars, but sometimes, you just have to take a step back and say "nope Im not doing that".
No shame in it. Heater core replacement is not for the faint of heart!

 

$1220.17 and about 10 days? I can't complain about the time as I told them to take it. Cannot tell that anything was done. Only tell is the new heater hoses and the green antifreeze. Looks and drives just as I dropped it off.

So the services I received were pressure tested the cooling system. Had to double flush the system, including removing the block plugs and the reservoir. I caused some of the contamination by using stop leak. But it was the color of mud anyway. Replaced the heater core. Also tracked down the vacuum leak that was causing the hvac door to not operate properly. 12 month, 12k mile parts and labor warranty.

It was about a 25 mile drive home and in this sub 20 degree temperature it ran me out. No smells, no steam, no rattling or shaking. Interior looks exactly as it was.

I'm very happy.

 

Ive sold cars over bad heater cores, its one job I wont do
Have had 2 cars blow heater cores in their first year also....I say just do it forget themax budget stuff. You wont have to worry about it..most C4s are in bad shape, youve put work into yours so far in the long run its worth it.
Burn up the visa and get it over with. DeWitts makes some super nice alum. units see if he makes one for the C4. Napa would be my next choice if you couldnt find an original replacement

 

 

Haven't called but the part number on my invoice is 94494 and that comes up either Spectra or a Murray. There was a problem with the first one, not sure what but it was found before installation.

 

I won't own an old car I won't work on, for that reason.

I cringed enough dropping a grand on a clutch and labor in my DD when it blew up and I needed it done NOW, instead of dicking with it myself over the course of a weekend or two...

 

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1548184969

 

my paint code says my car was originally white..NOT. I've had it completely apart it was is and always will be DRM.

 

That part number is:Spectra Premium 94494 Heater Core

 

Our cars are getting up in age. I'd say we're fortunate they are so reliable! What do you expect?

I put a brass Murray in mine. It fit perfect.