Electric fan swap, on the cheap

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east302

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Do the electric fans give a noticeable improvement in a/c performance? It’s a bit warm here (Jackson, MS) so my a/c needs all the help that it can get.
 
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east302

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Sorry, that was me messing up my post. It showed up twice, so I tried to delete and edit it and made it worse.

The gist of it was me wondering if the electric fans really improved the a/c performance. It’s hot as hell already (Mississippi) so I’m looking for anything that will help short of a fan stuck onto the dashboard.


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kennythewelder

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Do the electric fans give a noticeable improvement in a/c performance? It’s a bit warm here (Jackson, MS) so my a/c needs all the help that it can get.
NP I deleted my post too. Anyway, yes, It helps a lot at idle. I am a good bit south of you. I am in Lafayette Louisiana, so I also know about hot weather. Mid 90s today. The biggest reason I did the swap was to help the AC. My truck cools off a lot faster. I can start it, and let it idle in the driveway, and the AC is cold. I could never do that before. My AC was always cold going 70 MPH down the road, but now it is cold just sitting at a red light or stop sign, or the drive through at Popeyes, MC Donalds, or whatever. If you do decide to do the swap, you will also need to do the big 3 up grade so the alternator can keep up with the extra demand. I am still running my OE 105 amp Alt. I'll be glad to answer questions if you decide to do the swap, if you need.
 

gmachinz

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No bother for me, I already finished with the new housing. It took about 5 minutes, maybe
For those w/o welding skills (and aluminum at that) go to Advance Auto and tell them you want a thermostat housing for a 1980 Monte Carlo. Its made in Mexico, its aluminum and comes with 2 threaded ports-a 3/8 npt and 1/2 npt. Its like $9.
 

gmachinz

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Or....Jegs, Summit carry spacers with threaded ports too. Here’s one of my installs from a few years back.

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kennythewelder

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Or....Jegs, Summit carry spacers with threaded ports too. Here’s one of my installs from a few years back.

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I didnt want a spacer, but hay thats just me.
 

RDF1

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Do the electric fans give a noticeable improvement in a/c performance? It’s a bit warm here (Jackson, MS) so my a/c needs all the help that it can get.
Depends on your current setup.
It possible could help. Especially at idle in traffic with all the crappy construction now.

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gmachinz

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The condensor is basically a big heat exchanger. It wants to shed heat to keep AC head pressure down-so there are two ways to do this: go with a larger capacity/tube condensor (not easy to find and pricey when you do) or go with the most powerful electric fan you can find/fit. Make sure as already stated the charging system is up to the task, and you’ll have no problems. I use the same logic for guys converting from R12 to R134. You don’t HAVE to have a big ole dual pass, horizontal flow, chrome plated, twinky dispensing aftermarket condensor to have cold AC. R134 requires slightly less volume and operates at a bit higher pressure. So....to offset that completely go with a stout fan assembly to pull much more CFM through the radiator and condensor and you’d be surprised at how good R134 is in even older iron.

AC systems are not complicated-maintain stable pressure by being able to pull heat out and once you can stabilize it all with a proper electric fan, you’ll be freezing nipples in no time!
 

kennythewelder

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I wante to update this thread. After the cheap e bay thermo switched failed, I found a repcement thermo switch at Orilleys. It fits a BMW I think. It closes at 195 nd opens at 175. Since I am running a 170 degree thermostat, this is perfect.
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BOTTLEDZ28

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Did you test your A/C temps bfore and after the fan mod?
My 98 has the stock fan and my A/C temps at idle are 41 degrees. It goes up to 46 while cruising down the highway. My engine temp NEVER gets over 210.
 
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