I am ready to order new fans for my '89 IROC (L98 engine) to replace the stock fans. I am planning on ordering two 16" Perma-Cool fans from Jegs. I know these won't both fit on one side, so the plan is to mount one as a puller on the radiator side and the other as a pusher on the condenser side. The radiator core size is 26 1/4" wide and 17" high - 1 3/8" deep.

The two questions I have are...

1. Will there be enough room in front of the condenser to get a 16" fan in, or will I have to move down to a 14" for the pusher?

2. I know that the fins on the stock condenser are <i>very</i> delicate. Thus, given that these Perma-Cool fans are mounted with lock-ties, I am worried that the contact points of the fan mounts will destroy some of the condenser fins. Will the bent fins be negligable, or should I investigate another method of mounting to the condenser?

Thanks!

------------------------------------------------------
On a side note, it's really embarassing how GM decided to cool these cars. My '89 IROC has a 5.7L V8 engine with no grille, and GM thought it only needed two 12" fans to keep it cool. My brother's '90 Bonneville, on the other hand, has a 12" fan and a dual-speed 14"/16" fan (not sure which) with a grille--and all that just to keep a 3.8L V6 cool. What the heck?

 

not sure about the fan size question but as far as the lock-ties go i'd say they would be ok, my fans were both attached through the radiator and condensor back when i had my ac still and i had no problems with it.

 

Yeah, I figured lock-ties would be the only way to go.

Can anyone else give me some insight as to what fan I can fit on the condenser side? I would like to get these fans ordered today...

Thanks!

 

Anyone?