New heater core concerns

[airemdwn]

While i have the blazer torn apart i figured it may be a good idea to change the heater core. I bought one from Autozone but its all aluminum and really cheesy looking, Im not 100% its an improvement on the brass on that got 154K on it?
What do you guys think? should i trust the AL. autozone piece, leave the stock one in, or buy from elsewhere?

 

[rugged71]

No! I have had nothing but bad luck with them. If you put that "cheesey" core in and finish your build and it doesnt work. Its gotta come out. While it is out put a good one in.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I don't know how true it is but i've heard that everyone is starting to sell only aluminum heater cores these days. I'm sure if you search around you can still find a copper/brass one somewhere though. I don't really see any issue with the aluminum one as long as it isn't built like the aluminum radiators with an aluminum core and plastic tanks.

The only downfall to running aluminum is that you MUST keep the proper mixture of water/coolant otherwise electrolysis will become an issue.

 

[sweetk30]

yep all updating to aliminum on rad's and heater cores. and most are plastic tanks. even on heater cores.

 

[badmix]

I put an advanced auto one in my K5 4-5 years ago. never a problem, if it goes, it goes.