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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 10:28 AM
  #1  
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Default Electric Fans

Has anyone out there installed electric fans infront of the radiator on an early C3 BB?

Thanks,
Steve
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 10:58 AM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (69L68)

You should not install fans infront of the radiator. Pusher style fans are not very efficient and will often block air from going through the radiator. The recommended setup is a high quality puller fan mounted behind the radiator, replacing the mechanical fan.

I have the Spal dual 11" fans on my '71 454 and no mechanical fan. It has no problem cooling even on a 100+F day with AC on in traffic. Also hear good things about late model F-body fans and fullsize lincoln fans.
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 11:03 AM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (69L68)

I was thinking of it as an addition to mechanical fan. Removing that shroud is a nightmare.

Steve
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 11:19 AM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (69L68)

I highly recommend Permacool 16" 2950 cfm fans.. They are less than $90 and by far the best bang for the buck..

There are a few threads out there about electric fans.. Do a search for electric fans...
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 11:47 AM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (GrandSportC3)

I have a 16" Spal that does quite the nice job for me.
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 11:55 AM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (GrandSportC3)

I highly recommend Permacool 16" 2950 cfm fans.. They are less than $90 and by far the best bang for the buck..

I agree!! Plus their high performance fan doesn't have a cover so it flows more freely! I just bought mine the other day, but haven't put it on yet.
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 12:06 PM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (69L68)

Has anyone fitted a round fan (like some of Permacools) directly onto the rear of the fan shroud?

I think this would allow for the air flow that GM engineers designed but also not require the removal of the shroud.

Just my 0.02 worth.

:rolleyes:
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 12:26 PM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (69L68)

With electric fans, you don't need the old shroud. You can snip it down the middle on the bottom and it will come right out.
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 01:22 PM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (Brettmc)

How are you guys doing the wiring? I know I need a solid 12V supply. Where is the best place to get that undr the hood? Does it need to to be switched with the ignition?

Thanks,
~Jay
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 01:44 PM
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Default

I put in a set of dual electric fans in front of the radiator. It dropped right in perfectly and is held in with zip ties. The neat thing is, you can't even see them! They spin on their own even when off from the airflow of the engine driven fan. I was concerned they might block airflow but engine temp is fine in all driving with airtemps under 75 degrees. I really only need the electric fans for stop/go driving on hot summer days. Wiring? I took an "on all the time" accessory plug from the fuesblock and ran the wire thru the hood release cable hole. You may want to run the electric fans for a short period of time after you shut the engine off. Wire runs along the vacuum hoses past the radiator. Spliced in a fuse in the engine compartment. MJ
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 03:04 PM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (Jay M)

In response to wiring the fan- My Flexilites came with a control box etc. You To get power to the control box, I ran a new 8 gauge wire off the alternator to a junction box that I mounted on the drivers side firewall. (Drew power from the junction for the fans.) I then ran a wire away from the junction and spliced it into the old alternator wire. Covered it all with conduit and it looks and works great. The junction box is designed so that additional accessories can be added. Mine also needed an ignition (switched) power supply and I drew that directly from the fuse box and ran through the rubber grommet in the firewall. Thanks to a recommendation from another Forum member, I got the information and parts for this installation from Mark at MAD Enterprises (559- 539-7128) (website I think is madelectric.com). This guy was unbelievably knowledgeable and helpful. I called him a couple of times with questions. One time on a SUNDAY AFTERNOON :eek: he took the time to help me draw a diagram to get it right. He also sells relays, high grade wire, junction box etc. Check out the website or call him. :cheers:
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 03:36 PM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (GrandSportC3)

Here's a pic of my setup...



I run triple fans.. (dual flex-a-lite and 16" Permacool)... I need added cooling because of my pretty radical engine...


[Modified by GrandSportC3, 3:37 PM 4/11/2003]
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Old Apr 11, 2003 | 05:20 PM
  #13  
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Default Re: Electric Fans (GrandSportC3)

(dual flex-a-lite and 16" Permacool)
Can we see a better picture of the dual flex-a-lites that I see in the background?


[Modified by Bobchad, 5:21 PM 4/11/2003]
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Old Apr 16, 2003 | 10:13 AM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (69L68)

Thanks for all the responce. I got buried doing house stuff. I had the fan clutch replaced the other day, but haven't had a chance to see if it made a difference. If it doesn't get it I'll put electrics in. Is there any clearence problems headlights or hood when installed in the front?

Steve
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Old Apr 16, 2003 | 10:56 AM
  #15  
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Default Re: Electric Fans (Bobchad)

(dual flex-a-lite and 16" Permacool)

Can we see a better picture of the dual flex-a-lites that I see in the background?
It's too dark in the garage to get a good picture... I will make a pic as soon as I take the 68' outside... This could be a couple of days...
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Old Apr 16, 2003 | 01:19 PM
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Default Re: Electric Fans (GrandSportC3)

Go to the link below and double click on the thumnails. Kind of dark, but you should be able to see the set up.
http://www.stacyandtim.com/1979_corvette_cooling.htm

Dual Flexalite w/ therm controls/Be Cool Alum
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