Correct L78 396/425 fan?

[Keith B.]

Re: Correct L78 396/425 fan?

The bolts holding the radiator shroud are backwards. (at least that is what I was told at NOVI by the judges when mine were in the same way)

[Bill W.]

Re: Correct L78 396/425 fan?

sorry I hit the wrong key .I have the complete engine from 16120 and car # 17346 .not 13346

[Bill W.]

Re: Correct L78 396/425 fan?

the blades from 17346 have a stamped w on the back and a h on the front with the word "FRONT" (this cannot be seen with the clutch on) 16120 has an h & a w If front is on it it is to pitted to see .

[Bill W.]

Re: Correct L78 396/425 fan?

do you mean the bolts holding the upper shroud to the coresupport ?

[Keith B.]

Re: Correct L78 396/425 fan?

yes. the bolt is a wb and the nut has a integrated serrated "star" washer. Not sure if the flat washer rerally should be included. 67 cars have a thick washer with the bolts.

[Art A.]

Re: Correct L78 396/425 fan?

James, I wouldn't hang my hat on a car magazine road test vehicle for such a detail. Why, because a lot of those car were loaned to the magazine AFTER they went from the assembly plant to Chevrolet Engineering and were "tweaked". I was involved in a number of these situations and the guys in the Design Check Group that did the "tweaking" didn't go to such detail as to put a painted bolt back where a painted bolt came from. They had, at their disposal, a FULL compliment of fasteners and could/did just walk over and get new ones, which probably did not represent production.

Here's another picture of an L78 engine and fan from the August 1965 issue of Pop Rod Magazine which road tested a '65 L78 equipped convertible.

It also clearly shows one of the battery access panel bolts heads unpainted. This was a topic of discussion a few weeks ago.


Regards,

James West

[Jack H.]

Re: Correct L78 396/425 fan?

AGREE, Art's spot on! Plus, in Noland Adams book there's an August, 65 photo of the engine compartment of a 396 that was loaned to Road & Track. If you look closely, it's equipped with the early, straight neck, radiator. So, when the magazine came out, when the picture was taken and when the car was built + any 'touch up' actions by GM prior to giving the car up for test/evaluation are all independent considerations!