Which brand of Heater Core to use

[Scott Marzahl]

Since the interior is out of the son's newly aquired '76, I thought we should change out the 30 year old heater core. We got it out and it is the original Harrison unit and doesn't show any signs of leakage. However, knowing that it is 30 years old it could spring a leak any time so we are still planning on changing it. Are all heater cores created equal these days, or should we stick to an AC Delco unit?

Thanks

[Jim T.]

Re: Which brand of Heater Core to use

Heater cores have different life spans. My original owner 68 still has the original heater core in use, my original owner 70's heater core was replaced about 8 years ago, and my 85's heater core was replaced several years ago. Don't know who makes the AC Delco unit for your son's 76, also do not know if it is still available from GM or a AC Delco store. If it was mine I would just wait until it starts to leak if it is not leaking now. It is not really hard to change out the heater core if you are patient, just something some don't want to tackle.

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: Which brand of Heater Core to use

I hate changing out the heater core on a corvette with AC/BB. not a fun job for me. you might still get them from AC Delco, dont know who makes them. I know I done this a few years ago and the pain is still fresh in my mind,and back. I used one from AC.

[Donald L.]

Re: Which brand of Heater Core to use

Why not let a radiator shop recore it if the sides are OK. Keep it original.

[Joe L.]

Re: Which brand of Heater Core to use

Scott-----

The heater core is still available from AC Delco. However, they are not manufactured by DELPHI-Harrison anymore. They have not been in a long time. I believe the units that are supplied by Delco these days are manufactured in Mexico. That does not make them bad, though. Anyway, these same units are likely found in the boxes of other brand names. Basically, I think that a lot of Corvette heater cores, regardless of brand, have the same manufacturing source. There is nothing which identifies the manufacturing source on the cores, themselves.

I have been told on good authority that the best heater cores made today are manufactured in Canada. However, I've yet to find one that is so-identifed. I'd love to find one, though. I want to try one when I replace my heater core.

[Louis Kolb]

Re: Which brand of Heater Core to use

My local radiator shop had heater core material in stock. They removed the sides from my original unit, soldered them to the new core, and leak tested the new assembly. The new assembly looks original and works that way.