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Ultimate Rad/fan setup for our cars?

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Old May 27, 2011 | 07:06 PM
  #1  
RoadHammer's Avatar
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From: Manitoba, Canada
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Auto
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Ultimate Rad/fan setup for our cars?

Hi,

What's the ultimate in Radiator/dual fan setups for thirdgens?

I am in process of building a high hp(800-1000hp) third gen Camaro w/AC and need a some opinions on what setup I should get that won't break the bank($1800 be-cool direct-fit is not an option).
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Old May 27, 2011 | 08:15 PM
  #2  
camaronewbie's Avatar
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From: Cary, North Carolina
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: Ultimate Rad/fan setup for our cars?

Skip the factory fan switch in the head setup and install a seperate fan controller like a Flex-a-lite that probes the radiator - they work flawlessly and are completely adjustable. I run one, about $100, but worth every penny.

A decent radiator, and aftermarket higher cfm electric fan(s) and that should do the trick.
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Old May 27, 2011 | 08:34 PM
  #3  
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esc
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From: North of Houston
Car: '82 Camaro 11.7@121
Engine: 377
Transmission: 400
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 / 3.31:1
Re: Ultimate Rad/fan setup for our cars?

I assume that if you are expecting 800+ HP you will not be using a TPI.

One option which doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves is running a mechanical "Flex Fan." They can pull a LOT more air through your radiator than any electric fan and won't drain your battery/overheat your alternator to do it.

It is especially beneficial if you are running a BIG radiator. I use a dual 1.5" core aluminum radiator and electric fans just don't seem to be able to pull much air through a radiator that thick.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 07:39 PM
  #4  
RoadHammer's Avatar
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From: Manitoba, Canada
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Ultimate Rad/fan setup for our cars?

Originally Posted by esc
I assume that if you are expecting 800+ HP you will not be using a TPI.

One option which doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves is running a mechanical "Flex Fan." They can pull a LOT more air through your radiator than any electric fan and won't drain your battery/overheat your alternator to do it.

It is especially beneficial if you are running a BIG radiator. I use a dual 1.5" core aluminum radiator and electric fans just don't seem to be able to pull much air through a radiator that thick.

I need an dual electric fan setup because I plan on canting the rad forward to give me some room for my turbo up front. A mechanical fan is not really feasible for what I am doing otherwise I would go that route.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 07:45 PM
  #5  
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Re: Ultimate Rad/fan setup for our cars?

4th gen fans do a darn good job of pullingplenty of air.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 07:54 PM
  #6  
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From: Mid West
Car: '87 Camaro
Engine: '92 Carb'd 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: factory stock
Re: Ultimate Rad/fan setup for our cars?

IDK the diameter of the Ford Taurus fan, but there's a few TGO members that swear by the cfm & efficiency of it.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 07:07 PM
  #7  
blackbmagic's Avatar
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From: LI, NY
Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: 355
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 10 Bolt Posi
Re: Ultimate Rad/fan setup for our cars?

4 core champion radiator, and an aftermarket fan setup that will make over 3000cfm. Make sure you use a fan shroud especially if you have the radiator canted forward. This will pull more air through the radiator rather than air moving across the surface.

Setup can be had for under 500. Plus some minor fab work.
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 12:21 AM
  #8  
the solitaire's Avatar
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From: 47798 Germany
Car: '89 RS camaro 305 TBI
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: yep, has those too (stock)
Re: Ultimate Rad/fan setup for our cars?

I´m quite convinced of the functionality of the Maradyne and similar aftermarket fan kits.

Not the cheapest route, but the set completely shrouds the radiator, does not build too deep leaving plenty of space behind the radiator and generally comes with it´s own set of fan controllers.

Couple that with a good aftermarket radiator and you should be well equipped.

Indeed watch CFM, also under load, as this is the only significant information when it cmes to cooling. It doesn´t matter whether a fan has curved, angled, patented, whatever fan blades. It needs to pull an acceptable amount of air also at higher speeds.

Some aftermarket fans pull 1500 CFM as long as the car stands still, only to drop to 150 or less CFM at speeds of 60 mph. Good quality products will also use CFM at driving speeds as a selling argument because these numbers are the ones that make a difference in real life.
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