Aluminum Heater Cores

[Joe L.]

I wonder if any manufacturer currently makes an aluminum heater core for C2, C3, or C4 Corvettes? I haven't been able to find such an item, anyway. I really think that an aluminum heater core would be a BIG benefit. My original aluminum radiator has lasted 35 years without a leak and this is not uncommon, at all, for such units. There are some out there that have gone even longer with regular coolant changes. At the same time, I've had 3 heater cores in the car and it's going to be due for another before I put it back on the road. For some reason or another, the heater cores just don't hold up, regardless of how well one maintains their cooling system. I think the reason is failure at the solder joints. Aluminum units are all crimped/welded which eliminates the solder problem. Plus, the aluminum oxide coating that forms on the aluminum parts is what keeps aluminum in such good shape for so long. While aluminum, itself, is a very reactive metal, the aluminum oxide is not and forms a protective "barrier".

An aluminum heater core would be especially beneficial for C4s. Changing a core in a C4 is something that you don't even want to think about. So, if it does have to be done, it would be nice to know that it wouldn't need to be repeated for a LONG, LONG time. An aluminum heater core would help ensure this.

So, if anyone knows of a retrofit aluminum heater core for a C2, C3, or C4, I'd be very interested in hearing about it. C5 and C6 don't need to be concerned; they are originally fitted with aluminum heater cores.

[Gary Bishop]

Re: Aluminum Heater Cores

Check out http://www.dewitts.com/index.asp

[Clem Z.]

Re: Aluminum Heater Cores

just a a bit of info the aluminun heater core went before the aluninum rad in my 88 silverado and i change anti freeze every 2 years. the truck has 110,000 miles and i changed both in the last 2 years.

[Jim T.]

Re: Aluminum Heater Cores

Joe my original owner 68 is the opposite of your 69 in this area. It still has the original heater core and it is connected. The factory original aluminum radiator leaked was replaced with a copper unit in 1974 and is still funtional.

[Ian S.]

You would think Dewitts..

would make a heater core that is like the original. I know I would gladly pay more for one that is correct and made from Aluminum. It does not seem like it would be such a big step from radiators to heater cores.

Ian

[Duke W.]

Relationship to Dexcool

Joe - given the concerns about Dexcool's ability to protect some solders, are all GM heater cores going back to when they first used Dexcool (1996) aluminum?

An aluminum radiator and heater core should mean the cooling system has no solder joints.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: Relationship to Dexcool

Duke-----

Since 1996, I believe that most, if not all, GM heater cores have been aluminum. However, I don't know this for sure. At least one exception would be the 1996 Corvette-----it was the last Corvette to use a copper/brass heater core.