Re: [Chevelle-List] Electric Fan set up versus Clutch Fan set up=response to Bill and more input needed

[Bill Bruyn]

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 ----- From: Ken's Email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 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 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Bill Bruyn Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 1:04 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Chevelle-List] Yet another question: Electric Fan set up versus Clutch Fan set up 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 ----- From: Ken's Email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 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.   Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now