installing an electric fan
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 94
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From: virginia beach va
installing an electric fan
i am thinking of removing the belt driven fan and installing an electric fan. has any one done this (i am sure that wasa dumb question). what kind of fans would anyone recomend? how hard it is to hook the fan up to a thermostate so it will turn on at a preset temperature.
thanks in advance
thanks in advance
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Alberta
Re: installing an electric fan (ray77vette)
I've heard good things about this kind of conversion.. I haven't fully converted my 79, but I did add a 13" electric to the front of my rad as a backup for really hot days and slow moving traffic. I lost an engine to overheating and when I put in the new one, I swore I wouldn't let my egine overheat again. You'll gain a little horse power from the total conversion as well. Probably set you back about $500 buy the time you get the wiring harness and relays you'll need to do the job..Good Luck..Let us know if you go for it.. :steering: :thumbs:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,807
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: installing an electric fan (ray77vette)
Get Dual Spals from Dewitts. You can't go wrong. DeWitt is a forum vendor. Also, scroll down on this page, there is at least one other thread on this. Do a forum search as well.
The temp sensor/sender will probably operate best mounted in the intake manifold. Be sure the sender range is compatible with the radiator thermostat. In other words, a 180 t-stat and a 205 on-185 off sensor.
[Modified by AlwaysWave, 8:01 PM 9/27/2003]
The temp sensor/sender will probably operate best mounted in the intake manifold. Be sure the sender range is compatible with the radiator thermostat. In other words, a 180 t-stat and a 205 on-185 off sensor.
[Modified by AlwaysWave, 8:01 PM 9/27/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Re: installing an electric fan (ray77vette)
I chose to perform this project on a budget. I purchased a used 16" electric fan for $45.00, Painless Wiring brand wiring harness and temp sensor for $40.00 plus some aluminum from home depot to fab the mount. Entire project was around $100.00. Never had an overheat to date.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Gordonville MO
Re: installing an electric fan (ray77vette)
Just some stray info on adapting used OEM fans - many of them are
more powerful than the expensive aftermarket ones and can be done
much cheaper.
But with the biggest ones, you need a hi power alternator and run it
thru a relay.
file:///D:/Cars/electricfans.html
I've got some more info someplace about wiring and installing, will try to
find and post.
more powerful than the expensive aftermarket ones and can be done
much cheaper.
But with the biggest ones, you need a hi power alternator and run it
thru a relay.
file:///D:/Cars/electricfans.html
I've got some more info someplace about wiring and installing, will try to
find and post.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
From: Part breakage is just weakness leaving my Stingray
Re: installing an electric fan (ray77vette)
I just finished a switch to dual flex-a-lite 12" fans. The install is easy, but they use a strange through core attachment. I haven't had a chance to really test the cooling under daily driving, but at idle the system works perfect. on at 205ish and off at 175. cost about $400.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: installing an electric fan (Doug70vert)
Dual Spals with the wiring kit costs $395 from Tom DeWitt. The premium cooling fans on the market.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Re: installing an electric fan (Doug70vert)
Doug and anybody with the "strange through core attachment"
TAKE THEM OUT!!!!!!
i have a new radiator at home waiting to be put in because of those "strange through core attachment" over time they will work holes in your radiator trust me.
i am looking for something to use with my flex-a-lite. i am going to call be cool and see if they have anything that will work.
whats up rudy? :cheers:
Mike
TAKE THEM OUT!!!!!!
i have a new radiator at home waiting to be put in because of those "strange through core attachment" over time they will work holes in your radiator trust me.
i am looking for something to use with my flex-a-lite. i am going to call be cool and see if they have anything that will work.
whats up rudy? :cheers:
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Re: installing an electric fan (Michael Tucker)
I am using stock dual fans from a 96. Using a 76L-81 core support the bottom worked great. I had to fabricate a bracket for the top. I am using a Tuned-Port so the ECM switches one fan and a temp switch in the head switches the other. You could easily use another sender to switch the first fan. Well under $200 complete in the car: $100 fans, $18 sending unit, $40 for 2 new GM relays, and then some misc wiring and bolts.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Re: installing an electric fan (ray77vette)
I just took two fans from an old toyota my buddy was using for target practice. Cost - 6 beers. To control the fans I will have one fan on at all times and another one connected to a temp control circuit I am making at work. Cost - I get paid at work :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,807
Likes: 0
From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: installing an electric fan (Michael Tucker)
i am looking for something to use with my flex-a-lite. i am going to call be cool and see if they have anything that will work.
whats up rudy? :cheers:
Mike
whats up rudy? :cheers:
Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Re: installing an electric fan (AlwaysWave)
I bought used dual Flex-A-Lites on EBAY and wired it with the Painless wiring kit. The switch is in the intake. Keeps the rat cool in the summer.
