Is it worth replacing the radiator and fan???? - Corvette Forum : DigitalCorvettes.com Corvette Forums

DTOM · 11-25-2012, 03:04 PM

I am doing some work on the car over christmas and am debating upgrading the radiator and the fan (to electric) to save space in the engine compartment.

I have driven it some pretty decent distances and have not had any trouble with overheating, even out here in El Paso. Access to the front of the engine is probably the biggest reason.

Curious if anyone out there who has done this or is considering has any thoughts?

Any recommendations on a radiator and fan that has worked (or not worked) for you?

XQIZT · 11-25-2012, 03:12 PM

If it's all working well with no leaks, I'd say leave it alone. Especially the electric fan conversion. That takes a bit more effort and planning.

ZZ71s · 11-25-2012, 03:35 PM

http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...inum-radiators

I used one of these guys rad and fan combos easy drop in

DTOM · 11-25-2012, 03:50 PM

XQ, thanks. That is part of the decision I am debating over.

ZZ, in the end, was it worth it? How much space did it save you and did it change the way the car ran at all?

iburke · 11-25-2012, 05:04 PM

One old guy's opinion, If it's not broke don't fix it...

DTOM · 11-25-2012, 05:26 PM

Hey iburke, thanks for the good advice.

On the same note, my 73' taught me early on that she gets to pick the projects, not me. Maybe I should remember that lesson.

At a minimum, I am still doing a decent amount of work on the power steering to take care of a few leaks.

Still curious to hear what anyone has to say about the radiator and fan though. All is well for now, but sooner or later it will need some attention.

Billy Johnso · 11-25-2012, 05:32 PM

I upgraded to the electric fan, on my 77'. I would recommend to the dual electric fan set-up. My car would run cool with the single fan. I did not upgrade to a high performance aluminum rad, but the entire cooling system was brand new and couldn't keep up. Swapped to the dual set-up and not one issue. I also do think that I gained some horses. Good luck.

ZZ71s · 11-26-2012, 06:47 AM

I think it gives the engine bay a cleaner look you might pick up a little Hp not turning the mech fan

6880 Mike · 11-26-2012, 07:28 AM

You ask whether the swap is work the expense. If the stock system is working fine, why spend money you do not have to spend?

You speculate "sooner or later" something is going to happen to the stock system. As long as you keep the system maintained, "sooner" might come much later than you think.

sfallison · 11-26-2012, 10:03 AM

I agree with the old saying.. " If it ain't broke, don't fix it!".
But...
I did change to an electric fan, and it made it a whole lot easier when my water pump went bad. Taking the fan/clutch off is a pain in the rear!

The electric will cool better - no argument there.
I have my original radiator, and used a fan from a Z28 Camaro with a relay kit.

In the end, it's up to you.

gtr1999 · 11-26-2012, 10:52 AM

I still have the original radiator in my 72, when I pulled the engine 7 years ago I just flushed it out. Runs 180* all day long not a problem. Shot a light coat of radiator black on it and kept the clutch/fan.

As the others stated I would leave it alone, maybe flush it, then again if you just want to clean up the engine compartment and like the look of a new radiator and fans go for it.

TX73VETTE · 11-26-2012, 02:03 PM

Hey Bud good to hear from Ya... Im with some of the Guys Spend the money on other areas of your car.. Mine is still running Strong... I installed an newer Radiator about 8 years ago and she runs really cool.....

Daniel

RattVette · 11-28-2012, 01:23 AM

more hp meant the need of a better cooling system for me . swapped to an aluminum radiator and did the taurus fan conversion and never looked back . Engine bay looks better to. car stays 160 all summer long. conversion is simple and the taurus fan shroud is near perfect in size gives an oem look to the cooling system its a pretty cheap upgrade to as there are a abundunt supply of taurus's in the junk yards got my fan with its shroud and wiring (both sides of the harness) for about $25 at a local u pull it yard

DTOM · 12-16-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX73VETTE

Hey Bud good to hear from Ya... Im with some of the Guys Spend the money on other areas of your car.. Mine is still running Strong... I installed an newer Radiator about 8 years ago and she runs really cool.....

Daniel

TX73, good to hear from you too. Still doing well out in El Paso although we are looking at another move this summer. Just trying to do as much work as I can prior to the decision whether to trailer the vette across country or take the big leap and drive it at least part way.

Right now I have the power steering pretty much disassembled, although the Pittman Arm is a pain. I am not sure if the bolt on top if the steering gear is rust welded or just a pain to get off. Looking at several posts, it may be a combination of both.

Good news is, my father in law is a mechanic from out at the GM proving grounds in Yuma and is going to be here for a few days over Christmas. If I get most of the work done before he gets here, he should be able to get me over the hump.

As for the radiator, I am leaning towards flushing it. I am liking being able to see the front of the engine with the power steering pump off though. Really lets me get to a few spots I have never been able to see.