Electric fan options
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Haslet,Texas
Electric fan options
My fan shroud is trashed and instead of replacing it, I've opted to do an electric fan conversion. I've done a search on the forum for electric fan options, but haven't found any solid answers yet other than the pricey dual SPAL setup. I'd buy the SPAL setup if I had the money, but that's way out of my budget.
So that leaves a few options that I did find mentioned:
(1) 16" Bosch fan out of a Volvo
(2) LS1 dual fans out of a '98-'00 Firebird/Camaro
(3) Taurus fan from the 3.8L V6
I am unsure of the cfm ratings of any of these options, so I am hoping others have tried these or anything similar to cool their 350. Please let me know your experiences with "budget" setups like these.
So that leaves a few options that I did find mentioned:
(1) 16" Bosch fan out of a Volvo
(2) LS1 dual fans out of a '98-'00 Firebird/Camaro
(3) Taurus fan from the 3.8L V6
I am unsure of the cfm ratings of any of these options, so I am hoping others have tried these or anything similar to cool their 350. Please let me know your experiences with "budget" setups like these.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 0
From: staten island new york
St. Jude Donor '10
i recently bought a 79 alredy set up with a elecritc fan... i believe the woman got it out of summit racing... also my radiator was old and ready to blow so i went with a 4-core radiator from radiator .com... no problems as of yet the only bad part is that it does cover the whole radiator. i think if i had a shroud i would go with a flex fan
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 4
From: Northern NJ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Bargains on the Spals can be found. I recently (a few months ago) got a brand new dual 11" setup for $175 from a seller on ebay who was liquidating some overstock.
Either that, or maybe they fell off a truck?
All I really know about them is what the listing stated. 
FWIW. Good Luck w/your search.
Either that, or maybe they fell off a truck?
All I really know about them is what the listing stated. FWIW. Good Luck w/your search.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
I picked up a fan at a swap meet for $10. The guy said it was out of a C4 but who knows...
I made a variable speed controller for the fan. It uses pulse width modulation and MOSFETs to drive the fan. I use a separate stock temp sender as the input to the controller. I simple temperature switch triggering a relay will work fine, I am just a big electronics geek and I went a bit crazy.
This setup does a good job of keeping my engine at a consistent temp. The problem I have with it is there is not much air flowing over my headers, so heat builds up there. I will be removing the shroud and switching to a dual fan setup.
One thing to consider when switching to electric fans is your alternator current capacity. My stock one works ok but it is right at the limit. When I switch to two fans I think I will have to upgrade to a higher current capacity alternator.
I made a variable speed controller for the fan. It uses pulse width modulation and MOSFETs to drive the fan. I use a separate stock temp sender as the input to the controller. I simple temperature switch triggering a relay will work fine, I am just a big electronics geek and I went a bit crazy.
This setup does a good job of keeping my engine at a consistent temp. The problem I have with it is there is not much air flowing over my headers, so heat builds up there. I will be removing the shroud and switching to a dual fan setup.
One thing to consider when switching to electric fans is your alternator current capacity. My stock one works ok but it is right at the limit. When I switch to two fans I think I will have to upgrade to a higher current capacity alternator.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Haslet,Texas
Great setup, but it appears you had to mount it into your stock shroud. Mine is missing a section out of it, and so I will be removing it once I choose an electric setup.
As for alternator capacity for dual fans, I already planned ahead when I replaced my alternator and got a 100 amp model.
As for alternator capacity for dual fans, I already planned ahead when I replaced my alternator and got a 100 amp model.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Haslet,Texas
I just found an article about using the earlier Fbody dual fan setup ('93 to '97). The only visible difference appears to be that the shroud has cutouts in it for more airflow through the shroud. I'm unsure of the cfm differences if any. Any ideas on which is better to use....early or late?
Here is the article I was speaking of:
'95 Camaro Fans
Here is the article I was speaking of:
'95 Camaro Fans
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by 73'Vette
Any ideas on which is better to use....early or late?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
I'm running a 16in Permacool fan, NO shroud and it cools my big block off fine. In fact on the interstate I turn if off because temp will drop to below 180degrees. I am running a aluminum rad btw. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by 73'Vette
Great! Do you run A/C, and could you give me a little info on how hard it was to mount?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by 73'Vette
I just found an article about using the earlier Fbody dual fan setup ('93 to '97). The only visible difference appears to be that the shroud has cutouts in it for more airflow through the shroud. I'm unsure of the cfm differences if any. Any ideas on which is better to use....early or late?
Here is the article I was speaking of:
'95 Camaro Fans
Here is the article I was speaking of:
'95 Camaro Fans
Last edited by Jclgodale3; Sep 15, 2005 at 05:36 PM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: Jackson Ms
Originally Posted by Corey_68
I'm running a 16in Permacool fan, NO shroud and it cools my big block off fine. In fact on the interstate I turn if off because temp will drop to below 180degrees. I am running a aluminum rad btw.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Haslet,Texas
Sounds like the LS1 fans are the way to go then. Do you happen to have a wiring diagram and/or list of materials to get them wired up? I could probably figure something out myself, but it would be easier to use the same setup that has been tested already by someone. I'd like to avoid having a roasted 'Vette. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by 73'Vette
Sounds like the LS1 fans are the way to go then. Do you happen to have a wiring diagram and/or list of materials to get them wired up? I could probably figure something out myself, but it would be easier to use the same setup that has been tested already by someone. I'd like to avoid having a roasted 'Vette.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,258
Likes: 1
From: Calif.
Originally Posted by Corey_68
I'm running a 16in Permacool fan, NO shroud and it cools my big block off fine. In fact on the interstate I turn if off because temp will drop to below 180degrees. I am running a aluminum rad btw.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 3
From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
I had the 16" Permacool. It was fine as long as I didn't run A/C.
Now I have the 16" Bosch fan out of a Volvo. With A/C on, works great. I'll see 205 in traffic after coming off the interstate, BUT the longer you let it sit and idle, the cooler it gets. Last time I drove the car across the center of FL in 95 degree heat, I waited in line at the gate at Moroso for 30 minutes idling. The temp stayed around 175-180.
I have a 4 row copper/brass radiator with built in tranny cooler. We never mention whether we're cooling tranny fluid in the radiator and I think that will make a difference too. My A/T tranny lines run to the radiator.
Now I have the 16" Bosch fan out of a Volvo. With A/C on, works great. I'll see 205 in traffic after coming off the interstate, BUT the longer you let it sit and idle, the cooler it gets. Last time I drove the car across the center of FL in 95 degree heat, I waited in line at the gate at Moroso for 30 minutes idling. The temp stayed around 175-180.
I have a 4 row copper/brass radiator with built in tranny cooler. We never mention whether we're cooling tranny fluid in the radiator and I think that will make a difference too. My A/T tranny lines run to the radiator.
