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Skip to contentHC 02-06 Jeep Wrangler 20FPI
Oh No! Your aluminum heater core in your 2002-2006 Jeep Wrangler failed again because of electrolysis. We were asked to make the core of copper due to the repeated failures of the aluminum and the aggravation and high labor cost to replace it.
Most heater cores perform well at 11 fins per inch. Jeep guys wanted more heat so we added a 15FPI and then a 20FPI. We noticed some Jeepers bought the lower price heater core and then went on forums to complain. They spoke, we listened. We now only offer a 20FPI and we are now experimenting with jamming a 2-5/8" thick core in the box. Soon they will have only the price and the lead time to complain about.
The Jeep's engine was intended to run at temperatures of ~210 degrees. Changing a thermostat, adding a high flow water pump, putting in a larger radiator will ultimately reduce the system operating temperature and this may affect the heater core's heat output. Additionally, Jeep heater cores can become clogged with "sludge", mice love living in vents and snacking on wire coating and blend doors do fail. We make a more efficient core with the limited space provided and try to help people understand their heater core's design better. Some listen to us and some hang out on forums.
tube shape | tube count | Vol in quarts | Major OD | tube wall thickness | tube wall area | |
OE | round | 7 | .19 | 0.3 | 0.028 | 0.40 |
BW | elliptical | 11 | .58 | 0.75 | 0.007 | 0.49 |
157% | 305% | 250% | 25% | 122.5% | ||
fin material | thermal conductivity | fins per inch | agg. area | Cu. Area | net area | |
OE | AL | 205W/m K | 21 | 1,459 | 4.38 | 1,458 |
BW 2r | Cu | 385W/m K | 20 | 1,464 | 4.32 | 1,461 |
BW 3r | Cu | 385W/m K | 20 | 2,121 | 6.26 | 2,083 |
The heater cores are made to order so please allow adequate time when ordering.
We make to order. Please allow adequate time for us to build.
Build time estimates [February 2024]
Brass Model Ts 2 months
Black Model Ts FT 1-3 weeks - RT is 6 weeks
Model As 2-4 weeks
Heater cores 6 weeks
Common street rods 3.75 months
Tricky customs & restorations 4-4.5 months
We appreciate your patience as we continue to recruit and train new fabricators.
We make to order. Please allow adequate time for us to build.
Build time estimates [January 2024]
Brass Model Ts 2 months
Black Model Ts FT 1-3 weeks - RT is 5 months
Model As 2-4 weeks
Heater cores 6 weeks
Common street rods 3 months
Tricky customs & restorations 4 months
We appreciate your patience as we continue to recruit and train new fabricators.