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Skip to contentHC 02-06 Jeep Wrg 20FPI-2.625
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 offer an oversized 2-5/8" thick core in the box.
There is a lot of forum chatter about heater core design and heat exchange.
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 [April 23, 2026]
Model Ts Brass 18 weeks
Model Ts Black 13 weeks
Model As 17 weeks
Heater cores ~11 weeks
1928-34 Ford Hot rods 2-3 weeks
Common street rods ~12-15 weeks
Tricky customs & complicated restorations ~20-25 weeks
We appreciate your patience as we continue to recruit and train new fabricators and manage the labor shortfall our country has been experiencing.
We make to order. Please allow adequate time for us to build.
Estimated Build time [April 23, 2026]
Model Ts Brass 18 weeks
Model Ts Black 13 weeks
Model As 17 weeks
Heater cores ~11 weeks
1928-34 Ford Hot rods 2-3 weeks
Common street rods ~12-15 weeks
Tricky customs & complicated restorations ~20-25 weeks
We appreciate your patience as we continue to recruit and train new fabricators and manage the labor shortfall our country has been experiencing.