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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 135 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 135 | Getting ready to box the frame on my 1958 GMC Suburban Carryall so I can mock-up the 454 big block and 700 R4 trans with the mounts. I have four-cored the original radiator, but I'm unsure whether or not I need a fan clutch. I'm not putting in air conditioning,so is the only issue noise with a constantly running fan, or is there also a cooling concern with no fan shroud? | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | My experience with big blocks is that they run hot. I'd do everything possible to cool it off.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,276 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,276 | The most important thing you should do is use a well constructed fan shroud but a fan clutch will help with noise and mileage much better than a flex fan I hate them things. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | You must have a fan shroud unless the fan is real close to the radiator.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 94 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 94 | I'd remove the fan that you got and put in an electric one with a thermo switch. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 135 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 135 | Thanks one and all for the replies. I would not use a flex fan, and I was considering an electric push fan in lieu of a stock 17" fan. I know a fan shroud will focus the airflow better, but I don't know why a fan clutch would better help to cool, unless it is a thermal clutch. Now, where to get a shroud to fit? | | | | | | ZooKeeper Unregistered | | ZooKeeper Unregistered | They say a pull fan is better to use if you can. The fan isn't blocking part of the radiator of the air as you go down the road & w/a pull fan w/a shroud you're directing the air through a designated area. You could even do it LIKE THIS....Joe | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,185 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,185 | A proper fitting fan shroud is a must. I don't have a clutch fan in my 396 and I have managed to cool it down a lot. I also went to a thinner coolant called 40 below. Old Sub is right, these engines tend to run quite warm and because of their weight (mine weighs 670 pounds) you need every advantage you can get. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,859 Grumpy old guy playing with trucks, cars, and boats | | Grumpy old guy playing with trucks, cars, and boats Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,859 | Pair of electric fans with shroud if you are NOT going to tow. Engine Fan with clutch, Fan shroud and pusher electric fans IF you ARE going to tow. Did I mention the fan shroud?
SPAL and TriPac make the most powerful commercially available (to the general public) electric fans that I know of.
Scott
PS, did I mention the fan shroud
The problems we face today can not be addressed at the same level of intelligence we were at when we created them - Albert Einstein Or with the same level of $ - Me
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 147 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 147 | I have two big blocks, both running on synthetic oil. ( I also have some big block F#$ds on synthetic, including my 37ft MH )
I have an electric fan on the 396 with a stock 55 chev rad, and I have never had a problem in the 32 years the fan has been on the engine.
My 454 has a clutch fan, and although I have run Fexalite fiberglass fan, I prefer the clutch fan.
Bob
55 Cameo 396 TH 400 with overdrive
65 Caliente conv
67 BB Caliente conv
67 Mercury 1 Ton
76 GMC 3/4 ton 454ci
84 Buick Turbo Regal
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