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General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: asaul02 on March 16, 2014, 10:12:06 pm

Title: electric fan conversion
Post by: asaul02 on March 16, 2014, 10:12:06 pm
Im restoring (on a budget) my 80 k20 and wantin to put electric fans on it. Im havin some trouble findin a good electric fan kit or figuring out what car to rob them out of at the salvage yard. Just kinda wonderin what anybody else had done and if u robbed them out of a car wut car and wut sensors did u get and I dnt want a toggle switch either. Jus tryin to get a couple of ideas but thanks for readin and any info is helpful. Thanks again
Title: Re: electric fan conversion
Post by: HAULIN IT on March 16, 2014, 11:30:45 pm
Welcome to the site! Do a search in the upper Right corner...there are several good posts that guys have put some time in that cover what your asking. Lorne
Title: Re: electric fan conversion
Post by: jtp520 on March 17, 2014, 11:15:54 pm
I used one from a Nissan because it had a built in shroud.. in my 73 c10 I'm running a 73 Corvette motor. You want to make sure to use a stock or buy a shroud the rule is the min. Air flow for a 350 is 1800 cfm .2200 and up is better. I hooked mine up with a thermostat from auto zone that kicks on @ 180 deg and off @ 170. It cost about $20.  It is really easy to install. It says to place it about 8 to 12" below the top water neck. If your using a aluminum radiator you need to move it up to about 2 to 3" below the top next because of the heat difference. Also make sure you keep your radiator full. I also changed my thermostat from 195 to 185. I found out if not my fan did not kick on until temp was around 200. Also the fan prob has notches in it first run it carfully through the radiator see which notch is closes to the rad. And then pull it out clip it off at that notch and reinsert it and use the pad and locking nut. You can also buy a fan testate that goes directly into the manifold water jacket.  If you can buy a fan mounting kit. It makes installing a breeze The wiring is supper simple. .if you don't buy a thermostat r make sure you wire in a relay because it takes a lot of amps to start the fan ( I know people who leave them running but I didn't want that. You will understand what I'm say when you see everything. Installation can be done in a couple of hours if not less. But if you don't want to walk around a wrecking yard amazon has duel 14" fans with relay for $60. Or a 16" for around same price. I also hooked up a toggle switch to over ride just in case I wanted to cool it down. You don't have to but I also wired in a light so I knew when my fan came on. Lastly if you buy a duel set up with the right relay they will turn on separately if needed. Hope it wasn't to long. But I love mine. And I live in Arizona. Good luck.
Title: Re: electric fan conversion
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on March 18, 2014, 07:36:50 pm
4th reply down is my setup...

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=9090.270 (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=9090.270)

Since I installed it, haven't had one single problem out of it up to now and after about 65k of driving... 

Main tip is don't go by the radiator mounted sensor, it sucks, get the one that screws into the head, no problems since...  just the radiator one is inaccurate, and makes the fan run off n on too often.  the in head sensor works perfect.

Also you cannot use the molded hose for an AC truck weather or not you have AC.  must change to the non ac hose and the upside down alt bracket I came up with...

Title: Re: electric fan conversion
Post by: Captkaos on March 24, 2014, 10:23:28 pm
I am running this Perma Cool kit on mine and couldn't be happier..

http://shop.perma-cool.com/19513-Cool-Pack-19x-28-1981-87-GM-P-U-1981-91-SUV-19513.htm
Title: Re: electric fan conversion
Post by: LeftysRodandCustom on April 18, 2014, 12:56:07 pm
Mine is running an ebay setup. 31" aluminum radiator from KMJ Performance for $149 buy it now, and a 16" universal fan for $29 hooked to an autozone control relay that is adjustable from 150-240 degrees for around $20. Works just fine and this isnt what you'd call a "mild" engine