65 Big Block w/ elec. fan?
 

We've dropped a 454 in our 65 c10 and are using a four row radiator.
Problem is .... we only have 2-3/4" between the radiator and the end of the water pump.
Has anyone run into this and is there a thin electric fan that will work in this application?
Please help.
Thanks,
Dennis

I have a 64 with a 396 BB motor.
Right now it has 2 electric fans on it, one in front and one behind the
radiator. Still gets a little warm in the Texas heat, but it works.
This is with an aluminum radiator though.....

I'm not too familiar with big blocks. Do they have different length water pumps, like the shorty pumps that used to go on 350s for corvette applications?

Brian

:b69: How about some pictures on the engine. What headers are you guys using? Part #'s ?
I'm about to put a BB in my 65' also. Anything I should be aware of?
Thanks for your input!!!

Now that I think about it, there were corvette appliations for big blocks! Is this pump a different length?

Brian

When I put the big block in my 63 I removed the panel that was between the core support and the radiator. This gave me an additional 3 inches.

I use Hedman headers on mine with no problem. Also, I have a 454 in my 65 K10 and I just received a zirgo fan 16" 3300 cfm. I have had some issues with the heat in az but I have not put the fan on yet. I am just going to take off my mechanical fan and put the zirgo between the engine and radiator. I also have the long water pump and I would change it but then I have to change all my pulleys. Any questions just ask?

I'm puting my 65 GMC TH400 together now. A short water pump will yeild enough room for a fan clutch, but the pulleys are expensive, and Power steering pump choices are limited. I wish there was a Big Block picture gallery. I'm making it up as I go along.

My 454 fit with fan and fan clutch with about three to four inches between the radiator and fan clutch left however there is no fan shroud that I can get to fit without a lot of modification. It appears that the original fan shroud would work but I would need to buy a smaller diamater fan, short water pump, different ps setup, shave several inches off of the shroud, which is why I am thinking to replace the mechanical fan completely with electric fan behind radiator. I might try it front first. It doesn't overheat much just if I sit in traffic I don;t like to see it get past 210. I would like it around 180-195, which is where it is if there is no traffic but in Phoenix AZ, umm, yeah, a lot of traffic and 100+ degree temps outside.

We are using a 454 from a 74 monte. We grabbed the ps pump and all of the pullys and brackets. It has the long water pump so changing would be expensive at this point.
Our headers are custom made fender well headers. I'll try to send photos later. I've found a 14" thin electric fan but it's only rated at 1250 cfms and draws 11.5 amps.
I'll look into the Zirgo 16" to see if it will clear.
I had a really nice, fairly fast 67 Galaxie 500 that would overheat and embarass me in traffic so I'm trying to avoid that with this truck.
Thanks.

a few photos

If you dont mind me asking what is that radiator out of?

Its a new one, part # 347, from National Cooling Products in downtown OKC. 405.235.1535. I worked with a guy named John.
They sell on Ebay under Complete Cooloing Systems, Inc.

is it an aluminum radiator? Does it keep your rat cool while idling?

No, it's not aluminum.
We haven't started the truck yet so we're not sure if will stay cool.
One of the guys on this board recommended it.
I'll let you know. We HOPE to start it in a couple of weeks.

I know how that is. I waited for 2 months to hear my 427 sing.

l8racer, how close are the back of your valve covers to the firewall? Mine have about 1/4 inch. If you move your engine further back it will give you more room in front.

We are running roller rocker arms so we have to use the tall valve covers. We notched the firewall under the heater box and heated and dimpled it on the right side for clearance. Now we have about 1/4" on the driver's side.

I bought a 16" thin-line from Hayden this weekend. The radiator core size is 21" wide by 16" tall. The fans sits to the drivers side and gives us about 3/4" clear between the water pump pulley bolts and the closest fan parts. Hope it cools it...We'll keep you posted.

Try a electric fan

I have a 396 in my 60 short step, and I chose to go with a elec fan from a Ford Taurus. You will have to trim shroud to fit a little. Also I used Dynaflow headers with no problem.