I just bought a '56 Chevy w/ a 502. It has about 560hp/567lbs torque. While cruising at speeds above 40 miles an hour or so, the engine temp. stays about 180-190 degrees (on a warm 75 degree day). Problem is, as soon as I get into stop and go city traffic it gets 200-220 degrees redface.gif . It has a Griffin Aluminum HP Series radiator (smaller 22" core, stock mount as opposed to the larger, 27" core) w/ a generic Summit electric pusher fan that provides 1600cfm of air flow. I know that I will at least need a larger fan. I called Griffin and they said that the radiator I have is good for up to 600hp. He then told me to get a fan w/ at least 2000cfm flow and that should be enough to get the temp. low enough at low speeds (I am looking at a Be Cool single electric pusher fan w/ 2360cfm) . My question is, do you guys agree w/ what Griffin told me, that is, all I need is a higher flow fan, or do you think I will need to go w/ a larger core aluminum radiator (like one w/ a 27" core)with a dual fan set up.
Now for the dumb, basic question, at what temp. do I need to start worrying? (i.e 200,210,220 etc.)? Thanks Guys!

The use of a single puller would be my recommendation.

I myself would use the Ford/Lincon Mark VIII (http://www.geocities.com/smithmonte/Auto/MarkVIII_Fan.htm) . There are two year model units available, 93-96 an 97-98; You'll want to use the 97-98 model year fan. It runs about $165.00 and pulls about 4250cfm......something the BeCool will never be able to do.

You will also want to read these threads:

Fan discussion 1 (http://www.camaros.net/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=19;t=000064#000002)

Fan discussion 2 (http://www.camaros.net/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=19;t=000107#000002)

Fan discussion 3 (http://www.camaros.net/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=19;t=000016#000001)

Fan discussion 4 (http://www.camaros.net/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=007175#000007)

I agree with Griffen. The radiator is enough and your statement of a 'pusher' fan pretty much sums it up for me. They are the less efficient when it comes to cooling fans. That, and the size that you stated is much too small for a mans motor! ;) The Lincon Mark VIII fan is 18" in diameter....... As far as a 'worry' temperature I would start to worry at around 220*F. If it ran there I wouldnt worry, but if it started past 220*F I would start to worry.

Hope this helps.......

[ 07-25-2003, 05:48 PM: Message edited by: chicane67 ]

Winmon,

I just went through the same problem with my 540, becool alum. rad. stewarts pump etc. My temps in traffic a little above 215. Most of the guys on the board suggest the Licoln Mark 8 setup, I did not choose to go that way. But with all due respect to these guys that fan set up is probably cheaper and most certainly pulls in the area of 4000 cfm, and will cool most crazy high hp applications. It does pull a tremendous amount of current, I beleive you will need a 70 amp relay to run it. A high output altenator is a must.

I went with the becool 16" spal, it pulls 2350 cfm, today I was tuning the car in my drive way 20 min. or so and never goes above 195. As soon as the fan turns on it holds it right at 195. I would suggest setting it up as a puller not a pusher. It is more effiecent configured this way. Im not sure if my fan shroud is helping, but the fan fit so nice inside it that I left it there. Becool has a nice bracket setup to support the fan to the radiator, I have to admit it is pricey.

Good Luck with your decision, there were pics posted on the licoln fan do a search and you can check it out.

Rich

Thanks for the advice (and links) Chicane67 and 67ragtp! That Lincoln fan sounds great (I am a big fan of bigger is better! graemlins/thumbsup.gif ), but I do not have that much room. I only have 20"w x 15.5"h x 3.5"d to work with. I am going to give a 16" puller Spal (w/ 2360cfm) a try. That is actually the one that Griffin recommended. I found a place to get a Spal that sell them for $139 (Summit wants $195 for Be Cools version!). Thanks again....