79 C3 cooling fan question
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Joined: Mar 2023
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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
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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
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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: 7,634
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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
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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
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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: 3,212
Likes: 639
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
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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.
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