f-body radiator mounting/installation?

[FlaBoy]

Hey guys,

Sorry for another F-body radiator thread, but I have a few questions for some pf the guys who have allready installed one. I am hoping to install the rad (bought today) and Ramchanrgers dual fans into my car in the next week or two. I got the radiator today from Autozone (#433918) and it looks friggin great. On my way home, I stopped by the local u-pull-it junkyard to see what I could do for mounting options. I remember reading that the upper rad support bracket from an Olds 307 would work, but all the ones I found were too long by an inch or so for the rad, and didt look like they would botl to my core support. I ended up getting a plastic one from a early 90's camaro, which fits the rad great (since thats what it came out of) and I'm hoping I can get it to fit the core support without too much work. Is there a better solution, that will just match right up? If so, any clue on where I can get one? Lastly, what exactly is needed to install the RC dual fan setup into a hotair? I have allready converted my car to the 86/87 style ECM, and ideally would like my ECM to control the fans. I have seen on GN/TTYpe where they explain how to do it by grabbing junyard harnesses, but if I can I'd rather spend the money to get nice new quality made parts, instead of cobbling it together myself (not the greatest with electronics). Mounting the fans themselves I'm pretty sure Ic an figure out, but what sort of wiring solution will I need to get them working? Thanks for all the help in advance. Hopefully the days of 215-220 degree cruising will be at an end for me

 

[Jerryl]

......Lastly, what exactly is needed to install the RC dual fan setup into a hotair? I have allready converted my car to the 86/87 style ECM, and ideally would like my ECM to control the fans. I have seen on GN/TTYpe where they explain how to do it by grabbing junyard harnesses, but if I can I'd rather spend the money to get nice new quality made parts, instead of cobbling it together myself (not the greatest with electronics). Mounting the fans themselves I'm pretty sure Ic an figure out, but what sort of wiring solution will I need to get them working? ........

Try this .......
https://www.casperselectronics.com/..._Code=102066&Category_Code=8485GN_Performance

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

I just installed one several weeks ago and can send you a pic as well. The radiator sits in the same position as the stock one on the fill tube side. You have to bend the trans lines in order to get the to fit. The new radiator is wider than the stock one so the fan shroud will not hold it down. I went to the junk yard and got an Olds 87 307 radiator hold down plate. I the cut around five inches off the right side of the plate and this is the new right hand side hold down bracket. These radiators work great even with the stock fan. Brad

 

[GNeric]

I got my hold down out of an 86 Olds 307 Cutlass and the hold down is exactly the same dimensions as the intercooled plate without the little tabs that hold the A/C lines in place. Easy 10 minute swap.

 

[HOTSIX]

I got and installed the Caspers kit that Jerryl linked you.

Works great and looks factory. Its simple enough to install.
ECM / chip now kick my fan on and off. Beautiful.

 

[FlaBoy]

Thanks for the replies so far. So the upper radiator bracket from a G-body with a v-8 will work? Does anyone know what specific v-8 (or did g-bodys only come with one type v-8)? And what specific years? (i would imagine 86 and 87 at least, but are there more?) And anyone who has pics of this radiator bracket, i would very much appreciate them, I'm sure it owuld make it easier to pick out the right one at the junkyard.

As far as the RC fans go, if I get just the fans, and caspers harness, is that all I'd need to have ECM control of the fans (and again, i have allreay converted to the 86/87 ECM). I see ramchargers sells a harness in addition to the fans, is this neccesary as well??

Thanks again for any help. Oh, and any pics anyone would like to send can be sent to

The.lynchster @ gmail.com

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

I just installed a modine 951 radiator which is the same size as the NAPA one you have. The hold down plate is from an 87 OLDs CUTLASS 307 engine. I just measured it on my 85GN. I had to cut it down because I am staying with the stock fan and shroud. The stock shroud will hold down the radiator on the fill tube side. The 87 OLDS radiator hold down plate will fit perfectly on the NAPA radiator when you dump the stock shroud and put in the electric fans. Make sure you spend the time and upgrade to the 86/87 ECM so that the fans work automatically. Brad

 

[FlaBoy]

So does anyone have any pics of the radiator upper bracket? It would make things a million times easier for me when I make it back out to the junkyard... or is it essentially the same bracket as an 86/87 GN? If so I imagine I could find a pic or 2 of one of them without too much difficulty.

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

Sent you an email with PICS- Brad

 

[83ttypecooled]

questions

Hi,
I don't think the electro fan setup on the intercooled cars will work. Am I missing something?

 

[Mr.Buick]

over size radiator

when I installed the Ramchargers fans I needed a dual relay kit from Caspers because it draws to many amps for one relay

 

[FlaBoy]

I just e-mailed them with that specific question, asking if their regular fan harness would be sufficient for the Ramchargers dual fans, and they said it would be fine, that is what it was designed for.

On another note, does anyone know where to get the appropriate upper radiator hold-down bracket? I spent all day combing every junkyard and used auto parts place in town, with no luck. Is anyone selling one, or know of a likely place to get one? I want to get this project finished soon-ish, but also dont feel like spending 100 bucks for a friggin radiator bracket, ya know?? Thanks for any help!

Email exchange with caspers below:

(me to caspers)
I am soon going to be installing the RamChargers.com dual fan setup for GNs onto my 85 Grand National. I have allready converted my ECM to the 86/87 style and would like for it to control my electric fans. Is your Fan Wiring Harness (code 102066) all I would need to get this wired up? OR would I need any additional wiring? Will this harness be sufficient to handle the load of a dual fan setup? Thanks for any help.

(Caspers to me)
Should be plenty sufficient. That is exactally what it was designed for
Justin

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

Find a junkyard dealer who is computerized. Ask the owner- These guys are very well organized and can locate parts fast all over the country- All the junkyard dealers are online and can find things pronto. Ask before you go into the yard if they have an 87 Cutlass. Brad. My junkyard client has the part for a fact in Rockford IL. Let me know if you want his number. Brad