Converting to electric radiator fans

[ivorton74]

My truck currently has the stock clutch fan but in stop and go and at stand still the temp goes up. So I want to convert to electric but what fans can I use and how do I get em to work? Truck is a 74 with a 99 5.3...has stock replacement radiator

[ls1nova71]

Did you ever put a fan shroud on it? No reason the clutch fan shouldn't be sufficient.

[ivorton74]

The engine is sitting forward a bit so when I tried to put my shroud back in it didn't fit

[LeesTruk]

Maybe this can give you some ideas. I'm getting ready for my 5.3 swap, and like you, am using a replacement radiator;



I decided to use a Windstar fan (2001 Windstar). I had to trim off the mtg. brackets and on three of the corners, move them in to allow for hose clearance. Removed about 1/2" section from the cut corners then plastic welded the corners back in place




I took a piece of aluminum angle, fitted it with 2 mounting posts (10/32 screws), then riveted the angle onto the lower core support



I then drilled corresponding holes in the bottom of the fan shroud so that the fan assembly would be permanently positioned on the radiator. The upper radiator cover will be used to fasten the fan assy. via the original shroud threaded fasteners. I'll do this after the radiator is in the truck. I'll fabricate a couple of brackets to be riveted to the upper fan shroud, then screw the fan assy. to the cover plate



My fans will be controlled by my PCM, but there are numerous fan controls available, including here at this site, or you can make your own

Lee

[MalibuSSwagon]

I also used Windstar fans, but from a 1995. Fit is great and they cool the engine quite well.

BTW if you had LT1swap.com re-program your PCM, he programs in fan controls so just pin into the PCM at the right spots and done.

[Houston Ben]

Hey Lee,
How did you attach the fan to your radiator?

[cagodinez]

LS1Nova what 90 elbow do you use to not hit the shroud? I don't know if to use the radiator and shroud on my 1978 c10 or the one out of the doner 2003 suburban, I have the entire truck.
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[crazy longhorn]

How about a 4 row copper/brass rad, with a steel shelf to the back side....sporting 2 /14" flex a lite elect fans. Switched, with painless controls...(on 205/off 195)? She does not ever run hot Longhorn

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by cagodinez

LS1Nova what 90 elbow do you use to not hit the shroud? I don't know if to use the radiator and shroud on my 1978 c10 or the one out of the doner 2003 suburban, I have the entire truck.
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I use the factory LS intake tube. There's pics in the build threads in my sig. Never had one run hot if you get the fan in the middle of the shroud.

[Robznob11]

I'm running a aftermarket vet radiator cost 100 bucks eBay. And I have a dual fan set up off of a v6 camaro I scored for 15$ fit like a glove. Each fan has a pos/neg that a flat blade connector fits right on. I'm using two 40amp relays an 10 ga wire. 30$ thermostat fan controller from AutoZone. It's adjustable. Don't know how much you can see in the pic but you get the idea. I bet a camaro radiator would work too. I run the vet for the built in coolers. I have since went to an aftermarket oil cooler cause my fittings kept leaking.

[ivorton74]

@Lee that's pretty cool man...i should look for some windstar fans...i did have Brendan from lt1swap reprogram my pcm but i rather have a fan control...like use a switch or something

[LeesTruk]

Ben, if you look carefully at the third picture, you'll see the aluminum angle and posts I attached to the lower core support channel. I drilled two corresponding holes in the lower fan shroud to mount the fan onto the angle bracket. It just slides onto the posts. For the upper attachment point I'm going to use the radiator cover threaded nuts that were originally for the factory shroud mounting. I'll make a couple of "L" shaped brackets to be riveted to the fan shroud and attach them to the factory thread nuts on the cover. I'll do this once the radiator is mounted into the truck, and the cover is screwed onto the radiator support. This will give me an exact mounting location. If the fans ever need replacing or repair, all I'll have to do is remove two screws, unplug the fan harness, and lift the fans out.

Lee

[MalibuSSwagon]

Originally Posted by ivorton74

@Lee that's pretty cool man...i should look for some windstar fans...i did have Brendan from lt1swap reprogram my pcm but i rather have a fan control...like use a switch or something

Why? PCM turns the fans on and off when needed, I've never had an issue with overheating.

[83 Silverado]

Why not just run a Hayden cooling fan controller, you can get ones with a per-set temp or adjustable. I have run both a per-set (185F fan on) and adjustable on two different truck with junk yard fans. It's an easy swap with the controller, just need to wire it to key on power.

[Robznob11]

Originally Posted by 83 silverado

why not just run a hayden cooling fan controller, you can get ones with a per-set temp or adjustable. I have run both a per-set (185f fan on) and adjustable on two different truck with junk yard fans. It's an easy swap with the controller, just need to wire it to key on power.

x2!

[Willie Makeit]

why not let the PCM control it like GM intended? I mean, he is going thru the trouble of transplanting a computer-controlled engine and in order to gain all the advantages that the transplant offers do it as it was designed.

[ivorton74]

has anyone used one of these universal shrouds? I was thinking maybe I can just get one of these and I can keep my clutch fan. u can see in the pic how close the fan is to the rad. my stock shroud was way too big