79 C3 cooling fan question
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 61
Likes: 8
79 C3 cooling fan question
Hello, I removed the stock A/C, hoses, heater box, and hoses, and now I'm wondering if I hook the electric fan to a toggle switch, and delete the clutch fan, will I have enough air movement to cool the engine? Freshly built 383 stroker, brand new 4 core aluminum radiator. Thanks in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
Hello, I removed the stock A/C, hoses, heater box, and hoses, and now I'm wondering if I hook the electric fan to a toggle switch, and delete the clutch fan, will I have enough air movement to cool the engine? Freshly built 383 stroker, brand new 4 core aluminum radiator. Thanks in advance.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 571
Likes: 101
From: Texas
Hello, I removed the stock A/C, hoses, heater box, and hoses, and now I'm wondering if I hook the electric fan to a toggle switch, and delete the clutch fan, will I have enough air movement to cool the engine? Freshly built 383 stroker, brand new 4 core aluminum radiator. Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 2,468
From: Indiana
I would say no..not enough..oem fan was a booster when too hot..both were needed at times with retarded timing 195f thermostat and ac…
i have mine hooked up to run with ac..none ran with ac before.
i have mine hooked up to run with ac..none ran with ac before.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,225
Likes: 7,823
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Have to agree. That stock electric fan was just supplementary. Never was meant to do the bulk of the cooling.
I run C5 fans. Wired up correctly.
With a 383. You need proper fans.
I run C5 fans. Wired up correctly.
With a 383. You need proper fans.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,946
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
If you follow the "Speed" rule, you don't need a fan at all.
In traffic, you'll need a better electric fan, or pair of fans. The aux fan in your car is just to push air through the AC condenser.
In traffic, you'll need a better electric fan, or pair of fans. The aux fan in your car is just to push air through the AC condenser.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 656
From: Thunder Bay
If you're talking about removing the engine driven fan entirely, then no you won't move enough air. If you're talking about removing the clutch so the fan spins full speed all the time, there is no need to do that and the noise will drive you nuts.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,225
Likes: 7,823
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I agree with the speed rule. My fans never run going down the road. It's hot days sitting at red lights that gets ya! Or going really slow along the beach front as an example.
Still, that bigger engine is going to make more heat than the stock engine. I would be putting in the biggest 4 core aluminium radiator that will fit. And kick butt twin electric fans.
(I have).
Along with a larger Alternator to handle the load. With all new oversized charging wiring. proper fan control. A number of ways to do this but a toggle switch is NOT one of the ways. I do have a "Over ride" toggle switch so I can run the fans if anything fails or I just want to test the fans.
One thing I have learned (the hard way) is to overkill all of the fan electrical. From the power feed wire size to the fuse to the super sized relays. You name it. Go over size on every wire. These fans really pull power. Especially on start up.
Still, that bigger engine is going to make more heat than the stock engine. I would be putting in the biggest 4 core aluminium radiator that will fit. And kick butt twin electric fans.
(I have).
Along with a larger Alternator to handle the load. With all new oversized charging wiring. proper fan control. A number of ways to do this but a toggle switch is NOT one of the ways. I do have a "Over ride" toggle switch so I can run the fans if anything fails or I just want to test the fans.
One thing I have learned (the hard way) is to overkill all of the fan electrical. From the power feed wire size to the fuse to the super sized relays. You name it. Go over size on every wire. These fans really pull power. Especially on start up.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski