Heater Cores - How tell if single pass?

samualt · 01-11-2005, 06:45 PM

I'm building an out-of-case cooler so I wanted a big heater core at a good price. I'd like it to be new so there is no gunk inside (no used parts).
I was thinking about the GDI 399031,Fedco 2-210, model because it is only $26 at Autozone and is 9.8" x 6.2" x 2.5" = 154 cubic inches in volume.

How can I tell if this is a single or double pass?
It is very thick at 2.5", wouldn't this mean more fins and more cooling? Is thicker better?
Is trying to figure "Fin Volume" (length x width x depth) an effective way to tell how well a heater core might do? Or, should I just go by Length x Width?

Thanks for any info...........Sam

bobkoure · 01-11-2005, 07:31 PM

You might read a few more threads here as all the info's there.
That said, fin-and-tube heater cores have a header tank at either end. If there's an inlet in the tank at one end and an outlet in the tank at the other end, then that's very probably a single pass radiator.

Thickness doesn't help much, but does increase airflow resistance - which means you'd need stronger (and louder) fans. Only an issue if you care about noise. So, yes, length x width (or frontal area, if you will...)

Blackeagle · 01-11-2005, 09:56 PM

If a single pass is what you want then look for Fedco #2-342 core. 9 1/2" X 6 1/8" X 2"

GDI # for above is (If I recall right ) 399010, but I"m not sure of that.

Core comes from a chevy pickup with air 69-72, and that I am sure of.

I'd strongly suggest you avoid cores thicker than 2" as the resistence they offer is more a hinderance than a help.

As Bob points out there is a wealth of info here on many differant rads of all kinds.

Good luck and welcome to Pro Cooling.

01-11-2005, 06:45 PM	#1
samualt Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Texas, USA Posts: 30	Heater Cores - How tell if single pass? I'm building an out-of-case cooler so I wanted a big heater core at a good price. I'd like it to be new so there is no gunk inside (no used parts). I was thinking about the GDI 399031,Fedco 2-210, model because it is only $26 at Autozone and is 9.8" x 6.2" x 2.5" = 154 cubic inches in volume. How can I tell if this is a single or double pass? It is very thick at 2.5", wouldn't this mean more fins and more cooling? Is thicker better? Is trying to figure "Fin Volume" (length x width x depth) an effective way to tell how well a heater core might do? Or, should I just go by Length x Width? Thanks for any info...........Sam

01-11-2005, 07:31 PM	#2
bobkoure Cooling Savant Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: USA - Boston area Posts: 798	You might read a few more threads here as all the info's there. That said, fin-and-tube heater cores have a header tank at either end. If there's an inlet in the tank at one end and an outlet in the tank at the other end, then that's very probably a single pass radiator. Thickness doesn't help much, but does increase airflow resistance - which means you'd need stronger (and louder) fans. Only an issue if you care about noise. So, yes, length x width (or frontal area, if you will...)

01-11-2005, 09:56 PM	#3
Blackeagle Thermophile Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: U.S.A = Michigan Posts: 1,243	If a single pass is what you want then look for Fedco #2-342 core. 9 1/2" X 6 1/8" X 2" GDI # for above is (If I recall right ) 399010, but I"m not sure of that. Core comes from a chevy pickup with air 69-72, and that I am sure of. I'd strongly suggest you avoid cores thicker than 2" as the resistence they offer is more a hinderance than a help. As Bob points out there is a wealth of info here on many differant rads of all kinds. Good luck and welcome to Pro Cooling.

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