Late summer I had to disconnect the heater core lines because the core let go and my new floors got showered in coolant. I put off fixing it because everyone said that the core suck to do and alot of people recommend pulling the dash out to do the job right. So Im not a huge fan on not having a heater core even though I mainly drive the car in summer but for some of those spring or fall nice days i still take it out and it cant get rather cold inside or the windows fog up and cant clear them. I also like knowing that having the core helps keep the car cool in overheat situations,with my car being turbocharged..this is important to me. I looped the waterpump lines and noticed a slight increase in coolant temp 195* which i wasnt happy about. Parts i scored from rockauto was a spectra core, i tried to find a new original copper core but just had no luck.Copper cores seem to be the best fitment and provide better heating. I also choose the spectra core due to the lines being fully welded and not having the universal pivot joints that are prone to leaks. I opted to use some 90* coolant hoses to make ease of routing better with no kinks.

As for removal of the core, you need a goof light..swivels, extensions on a small ratchet. It will try your patience to get them off depending on what tools you have being power or hand tools. Some of the bolts are a pain but once they are removed and you get the cover panel off, some wiggling gets the core out. my cover broke as the factory bracket was rusted to the core. The new core is ever so slightly smaller than original and with that said..the brackets do not holt it in the proper spot to install the core and cover as one piece! I installed the core with the help of a friend to pull the lines through the firewall,then i used foam tape to seal around the cover panel against the core and then bolted everything back together. Overall this isnt as bad a job to do yourself and i wish i did it sooner for how inexpensive the parts are and time spent. Its not fun since im tall and being under the dash sucks but if you really want a much easier time you can remove the passenger seat to be comfy under there.

The new core so far seems like good quality unit,as mentioned earlier being an aluminum core.i dont think tis ripping hot compared to the copper core but its plenty enough for what i need and my coolant temps have gone back down 10* Im used to seeing when fully warmed up. i do not use a diverter valve for the coolant lines etc.Here some of the joys of the install. if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

Thanks for the video I am going to tackle this soon

 

Heater cores in some cars are a total nightmare, but in a thirdgen it's really not bad at all. In 85-92 Firebirds you can even see and get a straight shot at the hardest screw (top left) through the slot in the dash shell. On the Camaro it's harder because you have to get that screw by feel, you can't see it unless you remove the dash pad. Still, the worst part is the hoses and clamps.

 

I agree, the top screws are a pain to do by feel. if you have power tools to get them out and save the agony on your wrists is ideal lol.I found the hardest part was getting the new core lined up and through the firewall while trying to retain the original tabs that hold it onto the cover panel wasnt worth the effort. And i needed new hoses anyways so that was easy to place new hoses and cut to length. Clamps on the firewall can still suck depending on what motor your have and how much room you got.

All in all its not a hard or complicated job to do..just plan on it taking longer should it pose a fight.Wouldnt pay someone to do it and get charged 8hrs labor lol.