Aluminum heater core
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
The aluminum ones are not ALL bad but there are a surprising number that fail early. It is an awful amount of work to replace it so I would search high and low for the best one you can find. The aluminum is getting closer to aluminum foil thickness it seems as what I found in my daughters 2011 Camaro. It failed at 37 k miles at 6 years old and was maintained to the "T". For the amount of work it takes to replace the part it might be worth having someone make you a new Copper/Brass unit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 788
Likes: 160
From: Rio Rico, AZ
This is the one I had put in. But it looks like no stock till 7/21/22.
https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-8...e%26count%3d18
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https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-8...e%26count%3d18
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 788
Likes: 160
From: Rio Rico, AZ
There is a raditor shop in Beaverton, Oregon(close to me). I had showed them the heater core I bought before I installed it. Just a good look over because it was an internet ordered part. He said it was the same brand they sell. I'll call them tomorrow morning and see if they have what you are looking for. What year is your vette?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 788
Likes: 160
From: Rio Rico, AZ
I called Mac's radiator shop in Beaverton, OR. It was suggested you might just get the core rebuilt. Jim at Mac's says they rebuild radiators and cores all the time. So you might try a good radiator shop in your area. According to Jim they have a brass/copper heater core in stock in their warehouse. Fits 84~96 and lists for $132. Don't know what the delivery time would be though.
Mac's Radiator And Automotive Services
503-646-2943
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Mac's Radiator And Automotive Services
503-646-2943
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 225
Likes: 81
From: Vancouver, WA
I replaced a leaking heater core in my 85 four years ago, with a new aluminum one that was in stock at a local auto parts store. No problems with leaks in four years... The heater core replacement was the least fun repair I have ever done. It almost seams like they hung the heater core in the air and built the car around it. Take your time and it is doable, but a few screws are near impossible to take off and are impossible to get back on.
