Heater core mod

[70barracuda]

So I need to figure out how to move my heater core outlets 2 inches to the passenger side. I got some new valve covers and unfortunately they don't fit. I know it's sounds pretty dumb to try and make this work but I really like these and wanna keep them. The a/c outlets are in a way better spot. Too bad I can't run my evaporator as a heater core. Any ideas?

 

The main cover fits and the coil can just squeeze on but they have these finned covers. That is the part that doesn't fit. 

[gogmorgo]

Would you have clearance to run a 90° elbow straight off the core?

[70barracuda]

2 minutes ago, gogmorgo said:

Would you have clearance to run a 90° elbow straight off the core?

I don't think so. The actual nipples that come out of the firewall are in the way as well. 

[howeitsdone]

Short of modifying the heater core pipes themselves I'm not sure you can without modifying the whole box. The clearances are tight in there and don't allow for wiggle room. I also believe a screw or two on a bracket hold the core in place so it doesn't shift. My 88 was that way.

[Comanche SS]

Get remote mount coil pack brackets. Way easier than modifying the heater core/firewall

 

[70barracuda]

20 hours ago, Comanche SS said:

Get remote mount coil pack brackets. Way easier than modifying the heater core/firewall

 

I tried that way back when I first built everything and wasn't a fan of anywhere I mounted them. Really wanted to hide them under these covers. 

[Gjeep]

Why can't you insert a similar diameter rod into the heater core necks at the firewall and bend them up & out toward the passenger side? Should work and will keep tube shape. There's a number of foam 'sheets' available on Amazon that you can put over the face of that firewall opening to seal up. 

[Pete M]

how often do you think you might use the heat in this particular truck? 

[70barracuda]

6 hours ago, Gjeep said:

Why can't you insert a similar diameter rod into the heater core necks at the firewall and bend them up & out toward the passenger side? Should work and will keep tube shape. There's a number of foam 'sheets' available on Amazon that you can put over the face of that firewall opening to seal up. 

 

I could definitely give that a shot. 

 

4 hours ago, Pete M said:

how often do you think you might use the heat in this particular truck? 

Actually alot. I don't put it away until after Thanksgiving but it usually hits 30s in the morning this time a year. The first year I built it I didn't do any heat and I froze my butt off.

[AZJeff]

8 hours ago, Gjeep said:

Why can't you insert a similar diameter rod into the heater core necks at the firewall and bend them up & out toward the passenger side? Should work and will keep tube shape. There's a number of foam 'sheets' available on Amazon that you can put over the face of that firewall opening to seal up. 

Doing as you suggested, there is a real good chance you will kink/crack the tubes where you are bending them, or, worse yet, crack the solder joints where the tubes  join the heater core end tanks inside the heater box.

 

The tubes on the cores are surprisingly stiff.  They are not dead soft copper by any stretch.

[Gjeep]

I think it’s a good 12” stretch of near straight tube before it gets to the core. If an original heater core you’re probably right. If newer I’d gamble and bend it.