Heater Core Preference?
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Heater Core Preference?
Since GM and AC Delco no longer sell the heater core for our cars (my '85 TA) anymore do any of you have a preference as to which brand is best? I purchased a Spectra from Autozone but something about the looks of it just doesn't inspire me with confidence. I would rather not have to do this job again, ever!
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
Not sure how many choices there are. I reluctantly put in that cheapo thin aluminum Spectra one in a few years ago when I had the heater box apart to free up a siezed blend door. On a 25 year old car, I figured I might as well replace the heater while I was looking at it even though it wasn't leaking.
I kept the original just in case, it's a really nice brass one. The Spectra one really looked like junky, but it hasn't leaked yet.
I kept the original just in case, it's a really nice brass one. The Spectra one really looked like junky, but it hasn't leaked yet.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
That's the way I feel. The Spectra just doesn't seem as quality as the OE. I was lucky about a month ago and found a NOS AC Delco for my '91 TA. I may wait a few days or so and see if I can get lucky twice!
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
Since GM and AC Delco no longer sell the heater core for our cars (my '85 TA) anymore do any of you have a preference as to which brand is best? I purchased a Spectra from Autozone but something about the looks of it just doesn't inspire me with confidence. I would rather not have to do this job again, ever!
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Car: 1985 & 1991 Trans Ams
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
That is something that I did want to hear. I just finished installing the Spectra Heater Core. You know, the heater core is quite easy to replace. I had always heard that the dash needed to be pulled. I didn't even have to remove the dash pad. What was a "bear" was the 30 year old hoses (the one behind the engine in particular) that gave me the most grief. At least now I have those replaced and if I should have to do the Heater Core again the hose part should be easier. Thanx for your input!
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
Funny. I just did mine today. Its a Spectra as well. I guess time will tell. My last one lasted about 16 years.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 06-01-2014 at 12:45 AM.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
A coolant flush and refill with distilled water/antifreeze will go a long way towards preventing corrosion that will shorten the life of your heater core.
R&R for the core in your 85 should take all of 45 minutes, which will include replacing both heater hoses while you're there.
R&R for the core in your 85 should take all of 45 minutes, which will include replacing both heater hoses while you're there.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
I have owned my '85 TA since new. I have almost always used a 50/50 mix of distilled water and antifreeze which I guess has helped this original core last for nearly 30 years. Normally you would be right about the job not taking all that long but since my hoses were "welded" on I ended up cutting them off and replacing them. So getting both hands down behind the engine to get to the bottom of that smaller outlet hose was not fun. This '85 was not as bad as my '91 though due to all of the things that I removed in the '91 to get to that little hose in the back. I'm just glad that the core itself was not the nighmare that I had always invisioned it to be and I would encourage anyone else who needs to have one replaced to do it themselves.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
I have owned my '85 TA since new. I have almost always used a 50/50 mix of distilled water and antifreeze which I guess has helped this original core last for nearly 30 years. Normally you would be right about the job not taking all that long but since my hoses were "welded" on I ended up cutting them off and replacing them. So getting both hands down behind the engine to get to the bottom of that smaller outlet hose was not fun. This '85 was not as bad as my '91 though due to all of the things that I removed in the '91 to get to that little hose in the back. I'm just glad that the core itself was not the nighmare that I had always invisioned it to be and I would encourage anyone else who needs to have one replaced to do it themselves.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
Got mine at an auto parts store, Advance Auto, so they're still available. Amd you're right; I wouldn't want to replace another heater core, ever.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
he cant because they only have the cheap a$$ aluminum ones.and the whole point is to avoid them at all costs.i have been to all of the auto parts retailers.and they all only sell the aluminum heater cores.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
There is also a NOS unit made by Stant on ebay for $30. It doesn't say what it's made of but the ends look copperish.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
last time i replaced my heater core, i bought a new one from NAPA and they gave me a copper brass unit. Then again that was like 6 years ago. Just checked the website and it's a spectra part and it's aluminum in the picture. bummer.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
I bought a Vista pro one off ebay for around $30.
They are aluminum, but seem to be decent quality.
I really don't understand the beef with aluminum heater cores, pretty much any new car made in the past 15 years has one.
They are aluminum, but seem to be decent quality.
I really don't understand the beef with aluminum heater cores, pretty much any new car made in the past 15 years has one.
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:( Ripped off :(
Well , I figured it was too good to be true ... I'll enclose two pictures , one of the picture in the Ebay seller's ad , and one of what showed up here today . Thing is , I will keep it but still wonder if a negative rating is deserved for the seller because of the deception ???
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
Check the ad. Seller has choice of delcaring if item in pic is actual item for sale or just a sample. Leave feedback based on that.
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Re: :( Ripped off :(
Well , I figured it was too good to be true ... I'll enclose two pictures , one of the picture in the Ebay seller's ad , and one of what showed up here today . Thing is , I will keep it but still wonder if a negative rating is deserved for the seller because of the deception ???
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Re: :( Ripped off :(
Well , I figured it was too good to be true ... I'll enclose two pictures , one of the picture in the Ebay seller's ad , and one of what showed up here today . Thing is , I will keep it but still wonder if a negative rating is deserved for the seller because of the deception ???
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My Vista-Pro that I bought from RockAuto looks just like that. No need to knock the seller, it's clearly the manufacturers fault.... I have the same issue with the pipes not lining up perfectly. My plan is to CAREfully bend them into place and apply JB Weld to the fitting where the pipes meet the core itself to prevent any leaks.
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Re: :( Ripped off :(
Well , I figured it was too good to be true ... I'll enclose two pictures , one of the picture in the Ebay seller's ad , and one of what showed up here today . Thing is , I will keep it but still wonder if a negative rating is deserved for the seller because of the deception ???
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Re: :( Ripped off :(
I have done 8 heater cores in the last year.on various brands of cars .and one was a 90 Camaro.not one of my customers are happy with the heat output .something in a aluminum core ,they just don't seem to produce the same heat as the copper brass cores they replaced. could be its the same reason that a aluminum radiator is so much more efficient at heat removal than the previous design?? the gripe I have is ,who thought itd be ok to change the design and materials? and its not just heater cores.across the board.parts are being re designed to be cheaper to make im guessing.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
Thank You eseibel67 . I did heed your suggestion and re read the original Ebay ad from top to bottom and couldn't find anywhere that the photo might not represent the actual product delivered . I think based on this the seller deserves at least a neutral , and maybe even still a negative , since it seems most would choose copper over aluminium if given the choice . I only bought this as a spare , because I thought it was not aluminium as per his photo . I would have not bought it had I known it was not copper
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Re: :( Ripped off :(
fuc$ yeah, post a negative feed back!!!! god dam44 ALUMINUM BULL SHI$! when they post things for sale they should reveal the truth. in THIS case , the seller did NOT. e bay beware ,seems to be the general case with e bay. looks like a real actual heater core just cant be had. spectra,murray .all they have to offer is sub standard trash
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
Run the waterless coolant if you are concerned about corrosion with the aluminum aftermarket parts.
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
its not that were worried with corrosion. its that its a wholly inadequate part ,being made of aluminum. the replacements that are available now are sad to say the least. and apparently ,the only to get a "real" heater core is to have it made
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
Grenyone I read that on my issue of Pontiac high performance magazine waterless coolant is the way to go I also need to replace my heater core I can care less of aluminum or copper replace it and be done with it that's what I'm going to do
#34
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Re: Heater Core Preference?
The pipes on the vista pro cores are adjustable. They are o ringed and can pivot slightly.
I got mine to fit just fine, it will roast you out of the car.
I got mine to fit just fine, it will roast you out of the car.
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