I have had my caprice for some years now. I am currently replacing the vortec 350 with a big block 454. I am installing electric fans and an electric water pump. Having some trouble with the fan shroud and wondering if anyone else has done this same thing and what they did in this situation. I bought an electric fan kit with relays and all the hardware. My other issues is now that I am putting in a electric water pump some of the heater house routing needs to change. I’ll update more in the next few days. Just kind of searching for some suggestions and wanting to see what others have done.
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Installing a 454 in my 1979 caprice
79Box- Newbie (Tier 1)
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- Post n°1
Installing a 454 in my 1979 caprice
slimwud- Active Member (Tier 2)
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For electric fans I used two 14 inch fans they cover almost whole radiator so no shroud needed as of now it runs great and stays cool. The fans you have pictured are kinda small. Another tip would be to hit junkyard for ls1 style fans from camaro caprice or truck/SUV they mount up easily have replacement motors available and are best bang for your buck. As far as electric water pump good luck. If it's a straight race car I can see electric pump being awesome but for street reliably I would stay mechanical.
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79Box- Newbie (Tier 1)
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Yea I might end up getting bigger fans from a wrecking yard. I am going to upgrade my radiator from the stock one to a bigger 4 core one. Got it started today and it ran and was about 220 the whole time. That’s a little hot so tomorrow gonna mess with it some more.
slimwud- Active Member (Tier 2)
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I would stay away from 4 core radiators electric fans can have a hard time pulling air thru 4 core rads.
terry cronk- Freshman Member (Tier 3)
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79Box
What thermostat you running? Drop down one if running a 195, to a 180.