Driving to work today, the temperature outside was in the mid 70s. I have an aluminum radiator and my engine temperature never reached 180° F. I have the factory fan on my 1965 SBC 283. I want to keep the fan because it keeps air moving inside the engine bay. When I had an in-line six engine in there and no mechanical fan, I was having issues with vapor lock in the fuel line, (but the fuel line did hover over the inline 6 manifold and was subjected to more heat than my V8 fuel line).
I was considering making a fan shroud so that the engine temperature would stay down at the traffic light. Right now the temperature will rise to 190°F or above. On really hot days here in SC, I imagine it would go over 200°F.
I think you can see my dilemma. If I install a fan shroud, the engine temperature will probably drop a few degrees because of more efficient cooling.
I’m thinking of going with an electric fan but would like to hear opinions. I understand that the thermostat controls flow of coolant. I have a 180° thermostat. If the thermostat is only partway open because temperature is not above 180°F, then the radiator efficiency is not as much of a factor. I already have plans in my head to make a fan shroud because sitting at idle the temperature will creep up to around 200° F.
Last edited by Lugnutz; 08/01/2022 6:02 PM.
