Cooling SystemThe Gen II motor has always run hot and is was no surprise I had cooling problems when we put the motor in the Chev. Instead of running at a cool 70c - 80c degrees, a traffic snarl saw the temps going to 110c!I got a lot of opinions on the best way to keep it cool and it seems everyone has their own theory. I decided to remove the engine fan and go a thermo fan pulling through the radiator. It's a 16 inch ICE Thermo that pulls 2600cfm, hopefully more than enough when I'm stuck in busy Melbourne traffic. Norm from Aussie Desert Cooler supplied the fan and suggested a smaller water pump pulley to get the pump spinning quicker as well. I mounted the fan off the radiator and modified some steel brackets I bought at Bunnings. Using the steel and carboard washers and nylon lock nuts, the fan is secure and rattle free.  Could do with a nice paint job maybe??? The steel brackets were a thin gauge making them easy to modify but not the best solution, my limited power tools make working with heavier gauge steel a nightmare. I'll probably get someone to fabricate better brackets for me.  The thermo is just connected to a switch under the dash at the moment, I plan to use an electronic thermostat with the override switch. I replaced my ugly overflow bottle with a Cal Custom stainless steel 10 inch radiator overflow bottle from Australian Auto Accessories in Nunawading. Also hid the horn, removed the broken washer bottle to generally clean up the front section of the engine bay.  I'm not wrapped about the tranny cooler on the radiator, I'll probably get a hot rod transmission cooler and hide it underneath somewhere. THE RESULT? Well I think my overheating days are over, the fan is a bit noisey but is certainly does the job. The temp gauges sits between 80c and 90c in traffic. We'll have to wait for a few more warmer days to confirm. Oct 05 update I've replaced the thermo mounts with some thicker grade steel, they're a lot stabler. The trans cooler is now off the radiator replaced with a hot rod unit installed parallel on the chasis rail. Next- Interior - New Belts |