sbrandon

My question is has anybody had good fitment luck with any of the aftermarket replacement heater cores. I have a 1987 IROC. I have seen information that says some of the aftermarket parts require modifications to get them to fit. I would like to try to avoid this. For example, I have been told that part 399083 from Autozone (etc.) is not a good fit.

So, has anybody had good luck with replacing their heater cores and not having to do anything special to get the part to fit? I would prefer to buy AC Delco if there is one, but if not, I will take any reputable part. I am not really good at doing this sort of thing to begin with. The last thing I need is to be modifying the plastic to get the new core to fit.

If anybody has a manufacturer, part number, and even where to buy, I would greatly appreciate your input!

Dyno Don

iTrader: (7)

There are no more copper brass heater cores.
The EPA has determined they have to much lead in the assembly so now they are all aluminum.
Yes, that requires some modification.

deadbird

Most parts stores show two different shaped cores (or just the one that isn't similar to OE). I bought the one that resembled my original the closest. Wasn't 100% OE fit but, fit quite well.

kentuckyKITT

iTrader: (4)

The last time I did a heater core, I tried the "aftermarket" ones with the tubes that rotate. I broke two of them and each time got my money back. They do not fit in the box, not even close. They also don't even remotely resemble what you remove from your car. I ended up taking my original to a radiator shop and they were able to fix it, but it only lasted a couple of months before it was leaking in another place. I finally bought a stock one off of a member here who was parting out a low mile wrecked Formula. It's been fine for 4 years and counting...and it went right in perfectly.

sbrandon

deadbird, thanks! Your, 94606 was the core that fit the best for your 1987 Firebird? Just want to make sure I buy the right one. I will take your advice.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

I have put in aluminum replacements and they don't fit like oe, you do have to mod a few small things and then it works with no problem.

Just picked up a NOS one from evilpay.

deadbird

The part number is a Spectre/Murray number, don't know who actually makes it. Oreillys carrys the Murray branded one, they may keep one on the shelf to look at before diving into the project.

The 'gold' one I'm holding is the original from my '87. It isn't bad but, I felt if everything is apart, why not replace it while it's easy to do.

Note that TTOP and I both state, it's not a drop in OE fit but, it is (IMO) a decent replacement part.

I don't recall if I had to mod anything but, if I did, it didn't boil my **** enough to make me commit the frustration and anger to memory to warn others of it.
Most notable would be the end tanks are not exactly the same so, some trimming of the bracket it sits on my need touched in order to fit it back in if your working in the car.

I had the advantage of not having the dash, or ducting in the car at the time of replacement, though (makes anything easier).

Unfortunate, there are only the two choices (for new) shown above (or used OE, if you consider that a choice).