Electric Fans for C3
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 4
From: Northern NJ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Well I don't disagree w/keeping it about 200. However when I first got my 84 C4 I was concerned as it would run up to 225 before the fan kicked in. Thought something was wrong but soon figured out that was normal, or at least the way it was designed. Guess GM wanted it to run hot for emission reasons. So apparently 225-230 is not an issue for a smallblock chevy. FWIW.
That's how most modern engines are built, and I guess it started with fuel injection systems. I see things on older engines start to cook at those higher temps.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Corvettes tend to ru hotter than other cars, especially C3s, 225 isn't overly hot, for these cars.
Now, that's different than in your Mustang or 78 Cutlass, for sure. But it's no seriously hot, for these cars.
Now, a couple of years ago, I put in a DeWitt's aluminum radiator, with the dual Spal electric fans, new hoses, and all new foam seals (Dr. Rebuild). My temps went from 220-230, down to never getting above 195 now.
My problem was the opposite of yours, I think, I was getting hot on the freeway. So I'm thinking my seals were letting air get around the rad, and also my lower hose was worn out.
Now, that's different than in your Mustang or 78 Cutlass, for sure. But it's no seriously hot, for these cars.
Now, a couple of years ago, I put in a DeWitt's aluminum radiator, with the dual Spal electric fans, new hoses, and all new foam seals (Dr. Rebuild). My temps went from 220-230, down to never getting above 195 now.
My problem was the opposite of yours, I think, I was getting hot on the freeway. So I'm thinking my seals were letting air get around the rad, and also my lower hose was worn out.
And what kind of temperature would you expect if the C3 sat idling in a garage with the a/c on (without any additional tem reducing features such as electric fans, etc.)?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
My 69 big block runs at 195* moving or sitting. I have a DeWitt's 2 row small block radiator (the car was a small block car) and I run a mid 90's Lincoln MarkVIII 2 speed fan. I use a corrosion inhibitor also. I live in constant temps of over 100 in the summer, Tucson, AZ.
I heard alot of CF members not like the Mark VIII fan, but the thing works fine for me in some fairly extreme conditions, nuff said. Tank
I heard alot of CF members not like the Mark VIII fan, but the thing works fine for me in some fairly extreme conditions, nuff said. Tank
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
I couldn't disagree more but you're not alone in that belief. The reality is, c1-C3 Corvettes ran no hotter than any other car. No other car has been rebuilt, modified, and/or restored more than corvettes. I am not a purest judge or anything like that but I think the farther away from stock we get, the more problems we have. My 1980 has the ALL the original equipment, functioning correctly, and with the stock copper radiator it has never gone over 180 with the AC on. The problem is US not the cars. We tinker and modify, with mismatch components and we're surprised when it runs different? Many times when someone calls with a cooling issue they start with "my car is bone stock" except the motor is bored .030 and I went with an aftermarket cam, Hei ignition without vacuum advance, high rise intake, and STOP! What part is still original?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
I couldn't disagree more but you're not alone in that belief. The reality is, c1-C3 Corvettes ran no hotter than any other car. No other car has been rebuilt, modified, and/or restored more than corvettes. I am not a purest judge or anything like that but I think the farther away from stock we get, the more problems we have. My 1980 has the ALL the original equipment, functioning correctly, and with the stock copper radiator it has never gone over 180 with the AC on. The problem is US not the cars. We tinker and modify, with mismatch components and we're surprised when it runs different? Many times when someone calls with a cooling issue they start with "my car is bone stock" except the motor is bored .030 and I went with an aftermarket cam, Hei ignition without vacuum advance, high rise intake, and STOP! What part is still original?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 9,996
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From: if you have a ? on my avatar, please contact me directly, you spineless twit
St. Jude Donor '09
I couldn't disagree more but you're not alone in that belief. The reality is, c1-C3 Corvettes ran no hotter than any other car. No other car has been rebuilt, modified, and/or restored more than corvettes. I am not a purest judge or anything like that but I think the farther away from stock we get, the more problems we have. My 1980 has the ALL the original equipment, functioning correctly, and with the stock copper radiator it has never gone over 180 with the AC on. The problem is US not the cars. We tinker and modify, with mismatch components and we're surprised when it runs different? Many times when someone calls with a cooling issue they start with "my car is bone stock" except the motor is bored .030 and I went with an aftermarket cam, Hei ignition without vacuum advance, high rise intake, and STOP! What part is still original?You make an excellent point, Tom.
Also, consider me an EXTREMELY satisfied customer!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
I see engine over heating problem exactly as any other mechanical problem with your car. You need to catch the original "cause" of it first, and automatically everything else will be solved. If you have a radiator size which is not matched with the engine size/power, then installing bigger fans wont remedy the problem, though it will reduce the temps. Modifying the engines shouldnt be a problem, but mismatching the components are.
How much your engine will add heat to the coolant =< how much your radiator should dissipate heat from the coolant, as simple as that!
How much your engine will add heat to the coolant =< how much your radiator should dissipate heat from the coolant, as simple as that!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Here is a modification of a question I asked earlier:
What kind of maximum temperature should you expect to see on a '69 stock, correctly configured, 350/350 C3 idling with the a/c on, in an un-airconditioned garage during 90+ degree summer weather?
What kind of maximum temperature should you expect to see on a '69 stock, correctly configured, 350/350 C3 idling with the a/c on, in an un-airconditioned garage during 90+ degree summer weather?
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
I have a 82 model that may need the FOAM RADIATOR AND HOOD SEALS replaced. Can these be bought as a kit and if so where. Also if anyone has a picture of these seals in place would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Thanks.
