Bryan, I have never seen any other heater core come close to the size of
the Vanagon one.  It is huge compared to most vehicles out there.
People were talking about trying to find a replacement one back when the
cores were only $170.  I understand the pricing thing and I wish I could
sell my custom all aluminum front heater cores cheaper but they are just
expensive to make so they are $475.  They will probably out last the van
though if that is a consolation  :-)

Sorry I couldn't give you an alternative either.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

B Feddish wrote:
> Has anyone successfully replaced their front heater core with a cheap
> alternative that fits but belongs to another vehicle, i.e. the '88 Ford
> Taurus core, etc?
>
> After I get my engine running issues resolved I need to move onto this next
> and I don't think $500 for a new heater core at moment is going to impress
> my wife as the van is quickly becoming "The Divorcemaker" at the moment....
>
> I haven't told her I need new tires yet....
>
> Bryan
>
>