99Silverbullet

I’m at the point where I need to set up the cooling system. The car is a ‘65 BB 396 coupe and we are adding the vintage air A/C system. While looking up the fan blade and clutch, corvette sites are wanting almost $400 for reproduction parts. Can I get away with running electric fans without the fan blade and clutch or do I need to run both?

I’ve built other small block cars and running an electric fan was good enough for cooling.

59BlueSilver

Hard to say at this point. I’m running a BB with two electric fans, no problems. But I’m not running air.

99Silverbullet

Yah im worried the ac might put it over the limit

Randy G.

My '67 327 with factory air and automatic transmission would try to overheat on the hotter days in L.A. traffic with the AC on. After checking everything out (timing, vacuum advance, etc.) I removed the radiator and installed a SPAL 16" puller fan that ultimately fit inside the shroud. Keep in mind in front of the radiator is the transmission cooler. Now, even in 105 degree plus heat sitting in traffic when you want the AC on, it stays cool.

I retained the factory fan clutch, and only the expert Corvette aficionados have spotted it. I have a switch mounted under the dash on the driver's side so I can flip it off on or off when pulling into a car show so it can't be heard.

Frankie the Fink

I would try the Hayden 2747 heavy duty fan clutch with a 7 blade, large diameter BB fan and the radiator top seal gap flap used in '67 (takes a little trimming for other midyears) before I did anything else....that's what I run on the '63 with a new DeWitt's radiator and Vintage Air in Orlando - no problems..

https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...-seal-kit.aspx

Cost you all of about $120 to try this out and it might just do it for ya.

wmf62

the sides and the opinions on electric/clutch type/flex fans are pretty well polarized and have been discussed MANY times.

"I" am an electric and flex fan 'fan'..

Bill

59BlueSilver

I tried many different things as have a lot of us before we found out what worked for us. You’ll have to do the same. Seems there is no one magic formula.

99Silverbullet

yep...going to try electric fan and fan/clutch to see where i get.

thanks!

irwiny

Just remember when using the Bosch type relays for the fans, there needs to be a diode protection circuit. A lot of the relays don't have this function and your at risk of a high voltage spike when the fans are turned off.

I just added two 8 in push fans in front of my AC condenser, went to a non thermo fan clutch in the winter to see if there is any improvement to the engine and AC high pressure line.

Irwin

99Silverbullet

What is the difference between the radiator shroud on a 327 car versus a 396 car?

Im assuming just the opening as 327 uses a 17” fan versus 396 using an 18” fan?

Im trying to keep this 327 car looking as much original as i can besides the 396 that is in it.

Plus my old shroud is in perfect shape.

Thanks!

Robert61

I have electric fans on my 66 Goat. I will be putting them on my 61 C1 when the time comes. I have 2 pullers and 1 pusher. But I spend a looooooong time idling at Cruising The Coast. If you're not prepared there you will have trouble.

Vettrocious

I'm running a 327 FI with Vintage Air and a stock radiator, with a puller fan and no belt-driven fan. It stays nice and cool.

Mike

wmf62

do you have a binary/trinary/thermostatic switch on that fan, or is it on all the time?

Bill

JohnZ

It's completely different - so is the the SB-vs-BB radiator and mounting, fan, fan clutch, and the entire radiator support.

99Silverbullet

As stated, what is the difference?

Robert61

I have the trinary switch in mine. I also have the 2 fans controlled thermostatically through the ECM. The third pusher is on a switch that I flip if the temp starts to creep. The trinary switch controls the fans when the line pressure goes up.

wmf62

I have a trinary controlled pusher on the condenser and a flex fan for the radiator

Bill

JohnZ

If you compare a BB and SB side-by-side, the design differences will become obvious; NOTHING is shared between the two - the cooling systems are completely different.

Stingxray

This might help you decide .







IE:
Swapping to Electric fan is as good as a cam change.

99Silverbullet

Good video