New Heater Core Copper or Aluminum?

[hexafamily]

I need to replace heater core in my '72 C10 with A/C. My choices are either aluminum or copper like the original. Any suggestions on which is better? Leaning toward copper since it may fit better like the original. Let me know what you know.

[RodnRudy]

I used the copper brass one. Got it from National Parts Depot, $49.00. It fit well and is very good quality. Mine is a 68 non AC so price would probably be different.

[Katrina/10]

I bought an aluminum one from Rock Auto several years ago, and it fit well.

[In The Ten Ring]

Never ending debate! LOL. Copper/brass or aluminum?

I tried to get my heater core repaired but the leak was too bad, according to the local radiator shop. The shop owner was able to find me a copper/brass replacement. It fit pretty well. He pressure tested it and it passed.

Try and fix yours if it's leaking. If it cannot be fixed, I'd go with a copper/brass one but there are several members on the forum that have had excellent luck with the aluminum ones, assuming they were made to fit correctly. Fit does seem to be an issue with some aluminum ones. Good luck.

The Classic Industries catalog advertises both options, at least their catalog from two years ago.

[special-K]

Aluminum is the cheap substitute for copper and brass.