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Spitfire Spitfire electric fan installation...

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L

Lionheart

Senior Member
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I have a 77 Spit. I wish to install an electric fan, and I have a couple of questions:

1. I'm going to replace the water pump anyway...can I (should I) order a 79-80 water pump?

2. Can anyone recommend an aftermarket fan that fits the bill (or at least fits the radiator)? [I am looking at Summit Racing's selection right now ~$79-129]

3. Is angling the radiator like the 79-80 Spit necessary or recommended? (I could see the advantages for ease of maintenance on the front of the engine.)

Thanks in advance. This place is the bees knees!

Len
 
I'm running the stock radiator(small), but with a industrial core in my 1973 Spitfire. I never have overheating problems. I think the best radiator is the '76-'78(wide) with the '74-'78 waterpump. You could add the electric fan too.


Adam.
___________________________________________________________
1973 Triumph Spitfire.
 
Hi Len,
If you are angling for an electric fan, check out the Spal electric fan. Absolute best. You can find them at https://www.spalusa.com. Every conceivable size and rating. Certainly not a one-size-fits-all setup. They are designed to run and run well. You won't be disappointed.
 
OK, thanks for the input.
So far:
-Use correct (74-78) water pump.
-Spal fans highly recommended.

TR6Bill, did you use the Spal thermostat and cable kit? That's a significant additional cost.

I notice the Spal kit uses a water thermostat instead of an external radiator temp sensor...any thoughts on that?

BTW, I'm not doing this to fix any overheating problems...just a preventive measure.
 
FWIW, the late waterpump is merely the early water pump without the fan hub pressed on. You can press your existing one off if you wish the look.

Then you can paint cool zoomie stripes on the pulley for that psychodelic look.
 
Thanks for the clarification on the water pumps.

I will take the zoomie-stripy idea under advisement and get back to you.

On second thought, I don't want to be hypnotized whilst adjusting the timing, so I think I'll pass.
 
On my spal for my 6 I had a rad shop install a thermostat bung to the bottom of the rad.
 
I put the Hayden on my 77 Spit.

It was not as powerful as the mechanical fan. I had to pur the old fan back on.

It now has two and runs cool all the time.

Larry
 
Lionheart said:
TR6Bill, did you use the Spal thermostat and cable kit? That's a significant additional cost.

I notice the Spal kit uses a water thermostat instead of an external radiator temp sensor...any thoughts on that?
Click to expand...

Yes, I did use the Spal thermostat (stainless steel) and their wiring/relay setup. The best quality I have seen and I have used 4 or 5 other brands. Spal wins hands down.
 
OK, still working this issue.

I am now thinking that I want dual fans for the 20" x 10" space in my spit radiator. Spal does not carry a compact dual fan assembly. Anyone know where I can get one to fit the space?

If I can't find a dual fan assy, I can mount two 9" fans, but this increases mounting difficulty. I don't want to mount through the fins.

Any novel ideas on fan mounting to the radiator bracket?

I got my "Spitfire & GT6" magazine in the mail today, and strangely, there was an article about installing electric fans...it left me with more questions than answers! No specifics of fan control or mounting.
Len

BTW, I am building a control circuit that will use the stock analog temp sensor to progressively switch the fans as needed. i.e...fan 1 comes on at 180...fan 2 comes on at 200. Both temps will be adjustable.
 
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