I look forward to participating in more cruises and parades this summer and want to ensure I run as cool as possible. Lots of low idle starts/stops.

Anyone have suggestions/sources/install tips?

Engine is stock 425 w/mild cam, Edelbrock carb/manifold. Cooling system stock, shroud intact. I am leaning towards electric w/temp controller but maybe someone has had good experience with aluminum multi-blade fan. I'm not looking for WOT performance. Thats a given with the HP/torque already there.

Thanks in advance, engine pics at https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...r.php/uid/4428

 

I'm sure you know you can buy electric fans from people like Summit Racing, Be Cool, Jegs, etc. If you do, don't forget to use one of these in the water jacket of the intake manifold.

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...09458&D=309458

I highly recommend mounting the fan inside your existing shroud if you can find a way to do it. You can also buy wiring kits from the same sources that supply the fan, if you don't plan on doing the wiring from scratch this is a good way to go. Remember, if you use one of these things, wire the fan hot, not on accessory and to fuse it. That way the fan will run after you turn the car off until the temperature drops and you will have the protection of the fuse.
I am not a "fan" of the multi-blade fans you mentioned. Just my personal taste though. I think there is another thread here that talks about the different fans, pros and cons.

 

Do you have a heating problem now? What type of mechanical fan are you running? Frankly, I'd get a large blade clutch fan and an aluminum radiator before I put in an electric fan.

 

I don't have a 'serious' heating problem. I got 'hot' (idiot light) during a cruise a couple weeks ago and had to pull over twice to cool down The third 'heat' I pulled out of the cruise. I was not the only 'hot rod' to experience this then. It was 80's, bumper to bumper, two cars wide, cruising a loop around the town (over 1200 cars and 30,000+ lookers).

I still need to install gauges (awaiting a custom console) and do the usual checks- timing, thermostat, fuel mixture. I did bump the idle up a little, but too late to have an effect. I watched from the sidewalk a little, then left for Red Lobster

I'm not a 'fan' of the aluminum flex fans either. I ran one in my 68 Nova for awhile, only then I was after adequate cooling with less HP loss WOT.

Good advice on the aluminum radiator. It may work out the same $$ as a good electric fan and wiring requirements. I will research that as an option too.

 

From my experience with an electric fan, I wouldn't use one because i don't really think they work that good and sometimes when i drive my car i forget to turn on the fan. Just don't waste your money on an electric fan is my is my idea. lol