Q: Marlan, I have a 1971 Datsun 240Z with the LS3- based 6.2L, LS376/480 crate engine in it [current version GM PN 19370411; 495 hp at 6,200 rpm, 473 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm—Editor]. I live in Tucson, Arizona, where it regularly gets up to 105-110 degrees F in the summer. I have a really good aluminum radiator in it with a SPAL 11-inch dual fan-and-shroud puller assembly (SPAL PN 30102052) rated at 2,750 cfm. The radiator size is about 24-inches wide x 16-inches high, and I can’t go any larger due to the frontal dimensions of the car.
As long as I’m going at least 35 mph the engine temperature stays around 190 degrees (the thermostat is a 180-degree unit), which indicates to me that the radiator by itself is adequate. But when I have to stop or get in slow-moving traffic, the temp slowly starts to creep up. For that reason, I’m very hesitant to take it out during the summer because I’m petrified about getting caught in a traffic jam and overheating. There just doesn’t seem to be any fan setup that offers any significant improvement in cfm flow that I can find for my size radiator.
I have a special air shroud which vents the air directly out through two large holes at the front of the hood after it passes through the radiator, and even that hasn’t helped.
What if I added a similar pusher fan assembly to the front of the radiator? Would that help significantly, or would it just block more air and make it worse? Inadequate airflow when stopped is my main problem. What are your thoughts? Are there any suggestions you can offer or am I just out of luck?
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Hot Rod.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Hot Rod.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Making Connections
Project T-top Coupe: We install a Terminator X Max for big power.
LET IT BREATHE!
Project X’s new ZZ632 big-block needed to breathe, and this do-ityourself stainless exhaust kit was just the ticket to make it happen.
TUNING OPTIMIZED
VARIABLES WITHIN FUEL-INJECTOR CONSTRUCTION CAN LEAD TO POOR ENGINE OPERATION. HERE'S HOW TO TUNE YOUR FUEL INJECTORS.
Re-Flange It!
We check out the fab skills needed to run a flat hood on a 1970 Mustang with a very unique and too-tall engine.
THE TRIBUTE FOR THE WIN
Ron Capps wins the NHRA U.S. Nationals driving a Don Prudhomme-Hot Wheels tribute Funny Car.
So Close
Following a nearly flawless performance, a pít lane penalty kept the C8.R off the top of the podium in the IMSA Sportscar Weekend.
A RADICAL SHIFT
When you're a teenager and the police know you by name, it's not usually because of your volunteer work or class-topping GPA. Not at all. That was especially true for Jeff Kainz when he was behind the wheel of his 1975 Camaro. In the '80s, while cruising his hometown in North Dakota, his buddies with police scanners often heard the police tell one another: \"Kainz is out on Main Street.\"
WILD MASH-UP
Built to long-haul the 2023 HOT ROD Power Tour, this 1984 Monte Carlo’s facade hides a performance secret!
6 TIMER!
Tom Bailey captures his 6th HOT ROD Drag Week Unlimited/Overall title with his Sick Seconds 1.0 Camaro.
JIM MCFARLAND'S INFLUENCE WENT WAY BEYOND HOT ROD MAGAZINE.
Jim McFarland, the multitalented, multifaceted Texan who enjoyed several careers in the automotive performance industry, passed away in October 2023 at the age of 88.
