Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Preferred brand of replacement heater core?

bigpapaparker

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Sep 10, 2022
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Eastern Idaho
I had replaced a leaking factory heater core with a replacement from Advance Auto. It was a Spectra. Ever since I have had low heat output, increasing with rpm but still not what it should be. I have read many posts about turbolators and other issues with aftermarket heater cores.

Is Performance Radiator part number 9163 still the preferred aftermarket core to buy to ensure proper heat output?

Thank you guys.
 
the four seasons, 98028, is my part number. Does yours work well around 0 degrees F ? mine is fine and good above freezing, but when it gets cold it really drops off. like vent temps at idle around 90 degrees.

the brassworks does look like a quality piece, $375 is a big pill to swallow, though.
 
Does yours work well around 0 degrees F ?

Coldest I've been here is 23 degrees.

I don't have a thermometer to measure temperatures at the vent,but probably should get something.

Typically I just wear insulated coveralls and use my Dorman seat heater.

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-Mac
 
perfect, thank you guys very much, i'll likely just order the performance radiator one. Not thrilled about pulling the hvac box in the winter, but the second time should go faster than the first.
 
well, can't order one from the website. They won't return emails. I have tried calling and can not get an answer. I don't think performance radiator wants me to buy from them. ha.

The four seasons part number i see under a lot of different name brands, would one guess they are all from the same factory? probably all equivalent maybe?
 
Maybe equivalent. Depends on a practice called binning.

Lots of manufacturers divide production into lots. They QC the lots. Good stuff goes to top tier resellers. Lots with potential quality issues go to bargain brands.

So, in the immortal words of Clint Eastwood...do you feel lucky, punk? Do you?

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-Mac
 
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interesting. Rock auto has 3 heater cores using that number but different name brands, four seasons is the least expensive of them. which one would you suggest?
 
I put the four seasons in mine. It's probably not as hot as it should be but it's been three years and no leaks. It's hot enough to keep the Jeep warm enough snow wheeling and defrost the windows.

-Mac
 
the brassworks does look like a quality piece, $375 is a big pill to swallow, though.
And...it gets mixed reviews on the heat output. I installed a Four Seasons, and the heat output is less than desirable in the cold weather.
The other thing that I noticed when doing an overhaul of my heating system. The aftermarket blower motors do not move as much air.
 
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And. it gets mixed reviews on the heat output. I installed s Four Seasons, and the heat output is less than desirable in the cold weather.
The other thing that I noticed when doing an overhaul of my heating system. The aftermarket blower motors do not move as much air.

i had not heard that about the blower motors. everything is kind of on hold now, high temps around 10 degrees F. and no shop to pull it in to.
 
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I replaced the wiring harness on a 69 K20 during an epic snowstorm in Boise. Waterproof, insulated coveralls and you can do it. Colder is better...keeps everything frozen and not wet.

-Mac
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts