68 l-71 correct fan

[Nick P.]

Hello

The 5 blade fan on my 68 non-AC l-71 was replaced with a seven blade fan and I would like to return it correct.The judging manual doesn't say alot, but the 69 guidebook says front stampings are "FRONT, "H" and "99" with a rear stamping of "W".Is the 68 fan the same?Would this fan be correct;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4554576382&fromMakeTrack=true

Thanks, Nick

[Louis F.]

Re: 68 l-71 correct fan

Nick, for what it's worth. I bought from the original owner a survivor quality 1970 454 non a/c automatic a few years ago.I took off the fan blade and it was the same as a 1967 big block 427. 17 1/2" it also had 66, front, W and I believe the H as well.Based on the fact they apparently were still using this fan until 1970,I would think big blocks in 1968 used it as well.The ebay ad is not specfic enough.Find out more information from the seller.Maybe a fan expert will help us out. In any event I'm curious. Please email me if you can, with your findings. Lou

[Nick P.]

Re: 68 l-71 correct fan

Hi Lou,thanks for responding.I asked the seller and the only info he gave me was that the fan has the markings "H" and "FRONT" ,therefore, without the "W" or "99", I'll continue my search.
Nick

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 l-71 correct fan

Nick-----

All 1968 Corvette big blocks used fan blade assembly GM #3888366. For that matter, so did all 1968 Corvette small blocks. This is a 5 blade, 17-1/2" OD fan. It was also used on some 1966 and all 1967 big blocks, all 1969 engines, and 1970 engines, except C-60-equipped.

It usually, but not always, has the "66" stamped on it (which some might read as "99") for the last 2 digits of the part number.

The GM #3888366 was discontinued in April, 1971 and replaced by the 7 blade, 17-1/2" fan, GM #3955182. That fan is also discontinued now.

[Tom R.]

Re: 68 l-71 correct fan

I went through archives a while back and seems like I concluded the 3888366 fan blade was replaced by the 3991427 big block fan blade in 69 for non-A/C applications but continued as the blade of choice for smallblocks until 71.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 l-71 correct fan

Tom----

The GM #3991427 fan blade NEVER replaced the 3888366. In fact, it's not even usable as a replacement for the 3888366. The GM #3991427 is a 71+ style fan blade assembly. As such, it uses a 3-1/4" fan clutch mounting bolt circle pattern; the 3888366 uses a 3" bolt circle pattern.