02-06 Heater Core Options

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chacho87

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Hi Everyone,

So I've been doing some research on heater core options since I can smell a light hint of coolant when my heater is turned on. I figured I will have to replace it soon before it gets worse.

I am aware that the OEM Mopar heater core has been discontinued, the company that manufactured it is Valeo.

Available aftermarket Heater Core options that I found:

- Spectra (# 93028)
- OSC (# 98028)
- Crown (# 5073180AA)
- APDI (# 9010450)
- UAC (# HT2163C)
- PerformanceRadiator.com (# 9163)

I cross referenced the Mopar OEM Heater Core with Valeo database:
Mopar OEM Heater Core (# 5073180AB) / Valeo (# 515100)

Everywhere I check the Mopar OEM Heater Core is discontinued, but when I went to the Valeo website and check their database for #515100 still shows it as an "active" part.

Has anyone tried contacting Valeo or placing an order directly with them for # 515100?
 
Valeo makes the OEM Mopar heater core, so I would try ordering one directly from them.

If not, take your pick, as all the others are likely Chinese made.
 
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The later model TJ cores have been discontinued too?

I knew the early models were.
 
I tried to find a Valeo branded heater core when I replaced the heater core on my '06. No luck.

I went with a heater core from Performance Radiator at the recommendation of my local "old skool" radiator shop, which is what the owner runs in his TJ. It gets the cab plenty hot and has caused no issues in the two years since it was installed.

1997-2001
https://shop.performanceradiator.co...ath=1_22310_22822_22859_22861&product_id=7818
2002-2006
https://shop.performanceradiator.co...ath=1_22310_22822_22865_22867&product_id=8045
 
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I went with what @Mr. Bills is running. My AC evaporator leaks, so I figured I might as well replace the heater core while I'm in there.
20200324_144357.jpg
20200324_144408.jpg

Shipping only took a few days, and they seemed to be packaged well.
 
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I replaced mine last fall with this brand. They are made well. Don't rely on the their website if it says in stock. Call them direct to check stock levels. These are all copper compared to the others that are aluminum. I had a spectrum that lasted less than a year. That's when I found Superior Cooling. Website says $189, I got mine for $150.
https://www.superiorcooling.co/4874...jeep-cherokee-comanche-wagoneer-wrangler.html
 
Dealers should still stock part number 05073180AB which is good for 2002-2006.

Part Number: 05073180AB
Supersession(s): 05073180AA; 05161657AA; 5073180AB
 
Thanks everyone. I've decided to go with the heater core from PerformanceRadiator. I would have gone with SuperiorCooling but the one listed is only for 97-01, not 02-06 which is different.

The OEM ones that are still available from some dealerships are overpriced in my opinion, given that they were selling for 1/3 of the price only a few years ago.
 
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chacho87 said:
Thanks everyone. I've decided to go with the heater core from PerformanceRadiator. I would have gone with SuperiorCooling but the one listed is only for 97-01, not 02-06 which is different.

The OEM ones that are still available from some dealerships are overpriced in my opinion, given that they were selling for 1/3 of the price only a few years ago.
Click to expand...
How did it work for you? Does it heat well?
 
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