Heater Core Deletion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rico7769 · 09-30-2009, 09:18 PM

I have seen a few threads on removal and deletion instructions for a heater core but I have a question regarding the performance once it is gone. I want to clean up the look under the hood and patch the holes with a delete kit to get ready for paint. My question is "will it affect the temp or any engine performance due to cooling?" I know it functions to dissipate the heat as a "small radiator" but primarily provides the heat for the blower in the cab. I've read I can plug the water pump and intake or reconnect the hoses but I don't want to affect anything mechanically. Anyone tried it and had pos/neg effects?

ChevLoRay · 09-30-2009, 11:22 PM

Most heater deletions I have seen usually came to be because the core was leaking and the vehicle owner bypassed it by looping the heater hose so the coolant circulated w/o passing through the core. I don't see that the effect of NOT passing coolant through the heater core will adversely affect your cooling. After all, GM sold these trucks new w/o heaters in some markets. They would not have done so if there was any cooling benefit to be gained. You gotta remember that those markets were in warm climates where a heater wasn't necessary.

mclairmo · 10-01-2009, 12:39 AM

No effect on engine. My truck and my Camaro have no heater anymore. However, if they ever overheat I cannot turn on the fan on high and turn on the heater to help cool the engine in a pinch. Nice to keep the heater for those rare emergencies.

Sinister · 10-01-2009, 10:12 AM

I bypassed the heater core on my truck. Runs at the same temp as before.

big_al_71 · 10-01-2009, 10:28 AM

Mine was taken out completely and then I shaved the firewall, zero changes in performance and no need for heater in Florida..

unclewatts · 10-02-2009, 05:13 AM

GM designed these trucks with beefy cooling systems. After all, they are trucks. Remember when they were designed, GM knew they would be carrying heavy loads, pulling trailers, etc. Go ahead, take your heater out.

rico7769 · 10-02-2009, 05:38 PM

Thanks everyone. Heater's comin out!!! Great to have good people with correct info on our site. Appreciate all the info.

09-30-2009, 09:18 PM	#1
rico7769 Hybrid67 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Martinez, GA Posts: 195	Heater Core Deletion I have seen a few threads on removal and deletion instructions for a heater core but I have a question regarding the performance once it is gone. I want to clean up the look under the hood and patch the holes with a delete kit to get ready for paint. My question is "will it affect the temp or any engine performance due to cooling?" I know it functions to dissipate the heat as a "small radiator" but primarily provides the heat for the blower in the cab. I've read I can plug the water pump and intake or reconnect the hoses but I don't want to affect anything mechanically. Anyone tried it and had pos/neg effects? __________________ Keep em' Running! All show.....no go

09-30-2009, 11:22 PM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Heater Core Deletion Most heater deletions I have seen usually came to be because the core was leaking and the vehicle owner bypassed it by looping the heater hose so the coolant circulated w/o passing through the core. I don't see that the effect of NOT passing coolant through the heater core will adversely affect your cooling. After all, GM sold these trucks new w/o heaters in some markets. They would not have done so if there was any cooling benefit to be gained. You gotta remember that those markets were in warm climates where a heater wasn't necessary. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

10-01-2009, 12:39 AM	#3
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Heater Core Deletion No effect on engine. My truck and my Camaro have no heater anymore. However, if they ever overheat I cannot turn on the fan on high and turn on the heater to help cool the engine in a pinch. Nice to keep the heater for those rare emergencies.

10-01-2009, 10:12 AM	#4
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Heater Core Deletion I bypassed the heater core on my truck. Runs at the same temp as before. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

10-01-2009, 10:28 AM	#5
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Heater Core Deletion Mine was taken out completely and then I shaved the firewall, zero changes in performance and no need for heater in Florida.. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

10-02-2009, 05:13 AM	#6
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Heater Core Deletion GM designed these trucks with beefy cooling systems. After all, they are trucks. Remember when they were designed, GM knew they would be carrying heavy loads, pulling trailers, etc. Go ahead, take your heater out. __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

10-02-2009, 05:38 PM	#7
rico7769 Hybrid67 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Martinez, GA Posts: 195	Re: Heater Core Deletion Thanks everyone. Heater's comin out!!! Great to have good people with correct info on our site. Appreciate all the info. __________________ Keep em' Running! All show.....no go



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