1968 Corvette 427 390HP Condenser Cooling Fan

[Joseph M.]

Hello,

I have a 1968 Corvette 427 390HP with about 3000 miles on the rebuilt original engine. I installed a new Dewitt Aluminum original style radiator, high flow water pump and added the coolant additive Purple Ice to help lower the coolant water temperature. Without the AC on, the engine actually runs at low to normal temperatures but with the AC on in stop and go traffic, the temperature goes between 210 and 220. While this is not bad for a big block with AC, I was thinking about adding a low profile electric fan to push air into the condenser to supplement the new factory replacement fan clutch. Could you possibly recommend a brand and size that will work well with my application? The other issue is when the hood is put to the upright position to lock it, the tip swings within a few inches of the condenser so space is limited. I am also considering getting a replacement hood latch assembly and modifying it slightly so it doesn't swing as close to the condenser when you go to lock it in the upright position.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Corvette 427 390HP Condenser Cooling Fan

Hello,

I have a 1968 Corvette 427 390HP with about 3000 miles on the rebuilt original engine. I installed a new Dewitt Aluminum original style radiator, high flow water pump and added the coolant additive Purple Ice to help lower the coolant water temperature. Without the AC on, the engine actually runs at low to normal temperatures but with the AC on in stop and go traffic, the temperature goes between 210 and 220. While this is not bad for a big block with AC, I was thinking about adding a low profile electric fan to push air into the condenser to supplement the new factory replacement fan clutch. Could you possibly recommend a brand and size that will work well with my application? The other issue is when the hood is put to the upright position to lock it, the tip swings within a few inches of the condenser so space is limited. I am also considering getting a replacement hood latch assembly and modifying it slightly so it doesn't swing as close to the condenser when you go to lock it in the upright position.

Joseph-----

Adding a fan as you suggest is going to be quite difficult due to the very limited space. In fact, adding just about anything to a big block underhood installation is difficult. Of course, in this case, adding a "pusher" fan to the big block installation would be about the same as adding it to a small block installation, but either way it's going to be difficult.

For the kind of temperatures you're experiencing under the conditions described, I would say that you're doing quite well and very much in the normal and acceptable range. So, I would not recommend going through the exercise of adding an electric fan.