I'm replacing the heater core as part of my 82 pace car project and am curious if there is any advantage to using a GM NOS OE copper heater core over an aftermarket aluminum one.

Clearly, the NOS OE one will fit perfectly. I've read some threads about people having fitment issues with the aftermarket aluminum "universal fit" parts.

What I'm interested in is long term durability. Any core can leak over time, but are the newer aluminum cores less prone to long-term failure versus the OE copper ones, or are they pretty much the same?

 

Aluminum welds seem to fail easily for some reason. If the hose wont fit easily and you have to put some muscle to it they seem to break were the tubes are welded to radiator core. bumps and car vibration can also cause this. I would get copper one

 

Thanks. I scored an NOS GM copper core and plan to use it.