The best one would be from Chrysler. Unfortunately, it's kinda pricey ($300+).

The first one I got for my 2000 (an Omix-ada) fit horribly. I returned that and got a pretty good fitting one from Napa.

RockAuto lists ones from "Vista-Pro" and "Pro-Part". Who they are, I do not know. When all else fails, you can use the old adage of "you get what you pay for" and the Vista-Pro is the most expensive of that bunch. I trust most stuff from RockAuto.

 

Thanks for the input. I kinda feel the same way about Rock Auto stuff. I'll also check out NAPA Auto.

 

Heater Core

I specialize in auto HVAC and would never install an OEM Chrysler Product heater core or evap core in anything unless you don't like yourself. Chrysler's have a higher failure rate than any other brand. Spectra Premium or Vista Pro are both decent brands.
Jim

 

I specialize in auto HVAC and would never install an OEM Chrysler Product heater core or evap core in anything unless you don't like yourself. Chrysler's have a higher failure rate than any other brand. Spectra Premium or Vista Pro are both decent brands.
Jim

Thanks for the input. Seems like I can find positive and negative reviews about all the top aftermarket cores. OMIX-ADA, Spectra Premium and Vista Pro all have a hate em or love em followings. I was hoping for clear "head and shoulders above the rest" kind of choice but doesn't look like I'll get it.

 

Just put a NAPA core in a grand cherokee. Pretty fair price. Fit real nice and didnt leak right off the bat. We'll see how long it lasts. Seems like luck of the draw with aftermarkets. Had put one in a dodge dakota previously (napa brand) and it blew up and sprayed coolant all over the interior less than a week after the install. Had to redo the entire job.

 

Rock Auto on my YJ. Fit perfectly except one of the mounting sheet metal screws came dangerously close to the core. I filed it off before I installed it. No issues at all. Even made it through an Idaho winter with a soft top.

 

heater core

I think you will find that there are only a couple Co's that make cores and are just reboxed.
Jim

 

well, put my third Spectra heater core from AutoZone in yesterday, 11/6/16. Only good thing is lifetime warranty.. First new one lasted about 2-3 months, second one lasted maybe a year. When looking in water ports in two I've replaced, there has been what looks like a twisted plastic tie that is looped back on itself. No one at AutoZone locations could explain it. unfortunately I didn't take a picture of it.

 

well, put my third Spectra heater core from AutoZone in yesterday, 11/6/16. Only good thing is lifetime warranty.. First new one lasted about 2-3 months, second one lasted maybe a year. When looking in water ports in two I've replaced, there has been what looks like a twisted plastic tie that is looped back on itself. No one at AutoZone locations could explain it. unfortunately I didn't take a picture of it.

After the second one failed I'd stop buying Autozone heater cores. Lifetime warranty or not, they are not fun to replace. I'd pay more for a better one just to not have to replace it again.