----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 2:37
PM
Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] Electric Fan
set up versus Clutch Fan set up=response to Bill and more input needed
Well, it
wouldn't be the first time I was wrong, nor will it be the last. Still,
I don't think I am in this case. As I mentioned in my first reply, I have just gone
through this. On a SBC 67 Malibu. With a PRC aluminum
crossflow. Including an AT cooler. With plans for an electric
fan. I did my homework before I ordered my parts, just as you are doing
now. In fact, Dale was kind enough to reply offline to a post of mine
regarding the radiator. BTW, thanks again to Dale for that.
If you're interested,
here's what I learned. The overall width of the radiator (26" in your
case, if I'm not mistaken) includes the tanks, which are installed on the
sides of a crossflow radiator like the one you say you're looking at.
The width of the core on a 26" radiator is 22.5". The dual 11" Spals are
23.46" wide, as Dale points out in his reply below. You cannot
mount those fans on that radiator because of interference from the tanks on
either side. Go ahead and ask PRC to build you one like that and let us
know what they say. Again, you'd need a 31" radiator with a 27.5" core
to mount those - and that's not going to fit in your 67
Malibu.
You indicated that
you're still confused on whether you should go with an electric or mechanical
fan, though you didn't say specifically what confused you. Again,
the mechanical fan will never outperform a quality electric fan at low RPMs,
but the mechanical setup works for a lot of people. If it
works for you, go for it. Be advised that although PRC will provide you
with the materials, you'll need to fabricate your own mounts for the
shroud. And the fan may be too far away from the radiator to work
effectively anyway, as you could end up with too much space between the
fan and radiator after removing the shroud extension (assuming
yours is equipped with one.) IMO, the only reasons to go with a
mechanical fan are 1) cost, and 2) wiring / increased current flow.
Some will argue that the mechanical fan is more reliable, but I don't
necessarily agree with that.
WRT the setup of your
electric fan, you could wire it to be switched on and off manually, to run all
the time, or to run only in a given temperature range. Engine RPM itself
has nothing to do with it. I'm going with a 185* - 200*
sensor.
You haven't said what
climate you're in, but my guess is that the 2360 CFM 16"
Spal is more than enough, especially with a high performance water
pump. If not, you probably have another problem.
Enjoy,
Bill
Bruyn
Gilbert, AZ USA
1967 Malibu daily
driver
.030 over 327; 750 cfm Q-Jet; Performer RPM; GM HEI; TH-2004R, 2200
stall; 10 bolt open 3.08
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 7:24
AM
Subject: [Chevelle-List] Electric Fan
set up versus Clutch Fan set up=response to Bill and more input needed
Bill:
I think, respectfully, you may be off in your assumptions. I am looking
at a PRC aluminum radiator set up. Now, I can go with either a clutch set up
or have a dual Spal electric fan set up. The dilemma is that I need
information prior to moving forward. Why ? If I order the PRC radiator
and go with electrical fan set up, I can order the radiator made with an
internal automatic trans cooler, and the Spal Electric fans will be attached
to the radiator by PRC, along with built in shrouds. So, it will be a custom
made set up. And, it will fit and work.
Now, I have had a PRC aluminum radiator made last summer for my 67
Chevelle SS. I went with a clutch fan set up since I wanted the 67 SS to
have an original look since it is a numbers matching vehicle. I painted the
rails radiator black to have it look original. The PRC radiator keeps the
temps much lower. I kept the old radiator for resale if I ever sell the
Chevelle.
In contrast, I am not concerned with the 67 Chevelle Malibu being
original looking since it has a 383 stroker and other mods. So, I am asking
inputs on whether a fan set up vs. clutch fan set up is the way to go.
My only question is on the set up. I have talked with others who advise
that the electric fans will work at idle and kick off at cruise speeds when
the temperature comes down. Therefore, the two electric fans would be
working at idle and probably have enough CFMs to cool at idle.
I have already decided to upgrade the alternator to either 100 or 138
amps.
Again, I need other comments from Chevelle or other car owners who have
gone with the electric fan set up. Are you happy or wish you did not go to
this set up and stayed with the traditional clutch fan or flex fan/shroud
set up.
Thanks again,
Ken McDee
Dale McIntosh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Bill,
Looking at the dual 11" Spal fan spec sheet and it has the
overall width of the unit at 23.46" and the mounting holes are inside that
dimension. Is there something missing from their tech drawings that
would account for the extra 7.5" you mention?
Dale McIntosh
TC Gold #92/ACES #1709
67SS/67 Elky
Dale�s Place
Team 67
Midwest Chevelles
I'm going
through this right now on my 67. Here's what I
decided.
A
quality electric fan will not be outperformed by any
mechanical fan at idle / low RPMs, and that's where we run into
trouble, in my experience. The Spals are good units, but I
don't think that dual 11" setup is going to work for you - you need
a 31 inch radiator in order to mount it. I'm going with a single
16" puller, myself.
You may need to
upgrade electrical components. I intend to do so anyway, and am
still researching...
Enjoy,
Bill
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2003
8:32 AM
Subject: [Chevelle-List] Yet
another question: Electric Fan set up versus Clutch Fan set up
Regarding my 67 Chevelle Malibu, I am deciding to upgrade the
radiator to a crossflow aluminum radiator. I can also go with either
the traditional clutch fan set up or have two spall 11 inch fans
incorporated into the radiator (along with a built in trans cooler).
My question is what set up do you prefer, i.e., the clutch fan set
up or the electric fan set up. And, have you noticed most modern cars
have gone electric ?
Your opinions sought. Thanks,
Ken McDee
P.S. Car will not be raced. A cruiser/driver.
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