Easiest Fan Shroud Removal? +electric fans

Schmucker · 07-04-2003, 12:53 AM

What is the the easiest way to remove the fan shroud? I'd like to get it out of the way for some of my front suspension modifications. I already have the upper a-arms, the alternator, A/C compressor, and mechanical fan off. I would think the easiest way would be to remove the hood, then tip the radiator/condensor forward a few inches. If I do that, will I have to remove any A/C connections? I'd rather not have to do that. I haven't even looked at the connections, so I don't know if they are solid. How much coolant will I have to drain out of the radiator? Enough to empty the upper hose, or will the entire thing have to be drained?

I'd like to put electric fans in since the shroud will be out. I'd also like to do this as cheaply as possible because I am cheap (but not cheap enough to make it not work right). Granted I still have the L-48 in, but I'll be building a higher horsepower 400 small block to replace it, approximately 450hp, maybe even up to 500hp (aluminum heads, around 10:1 compression). I'd also like to fix the A/C and have that work, just because it's nice to have. So how much CFM should an electric fan flow to keep this much power with A/C cool? I'll be using the stock radiator also. I'd like to stay away from dual Spals, but a single would be okay. I just don't think they will flow enough. It always has to have a shroud come with the fan. But if you think the Perma-cool 16" that flows something like 3000+cfm would work the best, then I could probably fabricate a shroud or steal one off a Camaro or something. Also, what is the size of the radiator (or usable size for an electric fan). I'd like to pick up what I'll need next weekend at the Iola Old Car Show and Swap Meet.
Thanks. :cheers:

gkull · 07-04-2003, 02:00 AM

With out a mech fan. The best bet is Spal twin fans. they are rated at 2700 some cfm

Schmucker · 07-04-2003, 02:15 AM

Quote:

With out a mech fan. The best bet is Spal twin fans. they are rated at 2700 some cfm

But as I said I'd like to stay away from those as they are too expensive. Also a 16" fan has more available fan surface area so one that flowed 2700cfm would provide better cooler than two smaller ones due to the dead spot the motor in the center creates. Even if the dead spot isn't included, they are still short 10 square inches from a 16" fan. I don't see how they are supposed to be better.

desi · 07-04-2003, 07:48 AM

I actually had to remove my shroud and rad for a cam job last weekend. That sucker is in there tight. I removed the fan, water pump and all plumbing, all brackets for the rad, the shroud still won't come out :mad

After about 4 hrs of trying to remove it, I got fed up and took the Dremel to it. There is one corner where it hits the upper A-arm. I cut a nice round hole in that area .... I don't think I had an option (the show must go on). However, I did it near the very bottom. Now, once everything is buttoned up, you can't even see the cut-out. And of course, I plan to repair it.

Good luck with the removal, it's not that easy. Allow yourself a good part of the day... :D

pik · 07-04-2003, 08:05 AM

Iam replacing my camshaft in my 79 L-48. The shroud would only come out after removing the pulleys off the dampener, and removing the AC compressor from its bracket (but not disconnecting any lines). Obviously the water pump, fan etc was long gone.