Help me cool this sucker down!

[65and68Stang]

Alright, finally got to do some extensive road testing on Friday.

Outside temp hovering around 90, somewhat humid (in central North Carolina). Car (351W Ford Racing shortblock, Edelbrock Performer heads, Victor Jr. intake, Performer 600cfm carb, Griffin 2-row radiator, 180 thermostat) warms up nicely then runs up quickly to 210+ in traffic in town. As soon as I hit I-40, it cools right down to just over 180 (running at 70mph+). Get off in a little town to get gas, runs right back up to 210. Get gas and jump on a state highway, back to 180 at 55mph. Drove for about 2 1/2 hours total with no issues except at low speed.

Now, I know my current electric fan (Felx-A-Lite low profile, 1250cfm) is inadequate, since I only get temp issues at low speed. I do not have a water pump fan, just the electric, but it only covers a portion of the radiator:

I do not have motor to radiator clearance (only 3 1/2 inches) for a water pump fan and an electric, just one or the other.

What I was wondering, if I add two smaller fans to the open area on the radiator, (two 6 1/2" fans) would that help alot?

Something like this:

That would raise my total CFM from 1250 to 1910.

I have looked for a dual-fan setup, but no body has one that will accomidate my clearances (that I could find).

Any opinions on adding the 2 smaller fans (or any other ideas!) greatly appreciated. Or, would switching to a flex fan work better than the electric(s)?

Thanks,

Kelton

 

[10secgoal]

I would kinda concerned about the thermostat. Why can't it stay AT 180 cruising ? If it can't, maybe something else wrong ?
If not... I have done it a few ways, to include your ways you have now. I had a small block in a 100 + heat in the desert. I could keep it cool as long as I didn't jump on it. The second I did it, it didn't matter how much I drove around, it would overheat until I pulled over. I got the Summit radiator, your rad seems fine. Then I had at the time a huge fan with no shroud, and it stayed cool. Then I wanted to change recently to what I thought was more efficient. A two fan set up diagonally, similar to your mock up. The fan never shut off at idle. It just wasn't enough. Then I got the one I have now, for free. It came from a guy how "wouldn't use a FORD part" This one has a shroud that covers almost the whole radiator. I had to trim it a little to fit. It works the best and doesn't even spin the fastest or draw the most air. It just covers damn near the whole tranny. All that how air being typed, I can give you the part # if you like and you can search the junk yard for a cheap fan, rather then spend money on another fan.

 

[car noob]

do you have enough clearance to put the electric fan on the front of the radiator as a pusher fan and run an engine driven fan as well? If not I'd definately look into upgrading your fan, either to a clutch/direct drive unit or a higher flowing electric. I have a Zirgo fan that is rated at 3300cfm that I'm going to be selling soon as I only have ~2 inches of clearance with my new radiator and now this one won't fit. PM me if you are interested I'll sell it for cheap, have pics.

 

[shift551]

Best Advice I can give you...

Hands down the best way to cool a car down, short of changing your lattitude is always the radiator. Fans only do so much. Fortunately there are radiators out there that can cool the engine temp up to 40%. Though the radiators run like $650, I think they are a good idea to keep her cool. Etremely, cool. Take a look in a YEAR ONE catalogue thats where I saw them, I believe.

 

[2nd Mustang]

One of my friends has a 65 coupe with a 289 motor. He installed an electric fan from a Pontiac Fiero that fit great with the Pontiac shroud, looks really nice. He says it keeps the engine at 190 degrees.

 

[pabear89]

On my 68 it would not cool enough even with a shroud,
I finally had the Rad shop move the top hose connection to the other side.
Darn Ford Eng, what were they thinking putting the inlet and outlet on the same side.
Now it runs at what ever thermostat temp that I have installed no matter what the outside temp is.
PB

 

[65and68Stang]

Thanks guys...here are some responses:

-> 10secgoal - she can stay at 180 on the highway. Its only at low speed/in traffic that the temp starts climbing. I think the shroud recommendation is a good place for me to start though.

-> carnoob - There is clearance on the front...sorta. I have an ac condensor (the ac has not been running in all my road tests though) that I would have to mount the fan to and it certainly wouldn't be as efficient. Someone else recommended the Zirgo and I am definately looking into it right now. Sounds like it may be a winner. Is yours the 16 or 14? I don't thing the 16 will work on my radiator because I only have 15 1/4 inches of fin area top to bottom and the specs say it is 16.7 inches high.

-> shift551 - I've always heard great things about the Griffin. It may come down to it sooner or later, but I'm going to try and exhaust all my other options before changing it out.

-> 2nd Mustang - Do you know if he had a stock radiator? Do you think you could get his dimensions easily? That sounds like a good alternative. Do you know how much amp draw there is with that fan?

-> pabear89 - Mine is already on opposite sides...top on pass side, bottom on driver's side.

Thanks for all your help guys!!

Kelton

 

[mustangracer]

You do probably need more air movement at idle. The general spec I hear thrown around for 289-302 is minimum ~2000 cfm..a 351 even more...so you probably need either a more powerful single or add the dual fans.

I've got the clogged radiator syndrome.. temp is fine til it heats up, then it won't cool off.

 

[2nd Mustang]

->
-> 2nd Mustang - Do you know if he had a stock radiator? Do you think you could get his dimensions easily? That sounds like a good alternative. Do you know how much amp draw there is with that fan?

If I remember correctly, he has a stock size 3-row radiator, power steering and NO air. I don't know about the amp draw, but I do remember he installed a 190 degree sensor for the water temperature so the fan kicks in at 190 degrees.

 

[car noob]

-> carnoob - There is clearance on the front...sorta. I have an ac condensor (the ac has not been running in all my road tests though) that I would have to mount the fan to and it certainly wouldn't be as efficient. Someone else recommended the Zirgo and I am definately looking into it right now. Sounds like it may be a winner. Is yours the 16 or 14? I don't thing the 16 will work on my radiator because I only have 15 1/4 inches of fin area top to bottom and the specs say it is 16.7 inches high.

It is a 16" and the height is 15 3/4 so I don't know if you can make that work or not. I just wish I had the clearance to run this fan as it moves some serious air... oh well.