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Questions for those running the Tbird Fan assm

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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 02:45 PM
  #1  
trumps2000's Avatar
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From: Bloomingdale, NJ
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: T-5 5 Spd
Axle/Gears: Built 10bolt w/3.73s
Questions for those running the Tbird Fan assm

I hear the Tbird fan assembly is a nice inexpensive upgrade. Right now I have a manual fan and am exploring this option. How did you mount it? If its a 2speed, which speed did you settle on?
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Old Mar 28, 2012 | 05:25 PM
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dixiebandit69's Avatar
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From: The ******* of Texas
Car: '89 Firebird Formula
Engine: TBI 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt, 3.42s, Torsen diff.
Re: Questions for those running the Tbird Fan assm

I used a fan from a 2000 Mustang GT (I happened to have one laying around) which uses the same motor, though the mounting might be different.
I had to make some custom brackets to get it to fit, I can take some pictures if you like. I also had to cut a notch in the lower radiator support, since these fans are much bigger than the factory pieces.
These fans pull A LOT of power. I used a 75 amp Bosch relay for mine with 8 gauge wire. Anything less will not hold up in the long run (I found this out the hard way after many relay failures and burned connections).

You will probably want to upgrade your alternator while your at it. The factory 105 amp alternator couldn't really handle the current draw of that fan with the lights and A/C on, so I had mine rebuilt with a 160 amp kit. It works much better now.

My fan is wired up on the highest speed, and it's triggered by a Hypertech 176-degree switch on the water-neck.
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Old Mar 30, 2012 | 10:17 AM
  #3  
trumps2000's Avatar
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From: Bloomingdale, NJ
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: T-5 5 Spd
Axle/Gears: Built 10bolt w/3.73s
Re: Questions for those running the Tbird Fan assm

Heya Dixie, I Ordered a 16" Zirgo, cuz the price was right, I'll see how it works once, I get it installed. I hope the 105A alternator works. Where'd you get it rebuilt?
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Old Apr 3, 2012 | 06:21 PM
  #4  
dixiebandit69's Avatar
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From: The ******* of Texas
Car: '89 Firebird Formula
Engine: TBI 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt, 3.42s, Torsen diff.
Re: Questions for those running the Tbird Fan assm

I had mine rebuilt at a local auto-electrical shop that does a lot of rebuilds on starters, alternators, generators, etc.
It was a 140 amp kit that was put in, but with the installation of a slightly smaller pulley, the guy claimed that it made 160 amps.
Either way, I've never had a problem since, and that was about 2 years ago, so whatever amperage it's making must be adequate.

Oh, and it looks totally stock (except for the shiny new pulley).
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