L78 Nova Rad Help
 

Installing a 68 Camaro BB 4 core rad into my 70 Nova. Bolts in OK but just want to check if it is supposed to be set back from the cradle this much ?? 3/8" gap from tank edges to cradle and only 1-3/4" between pump pulley and rad.

I can Squeek in a flex fan using a 1/2" spacer (required to clear the alternator and lower pulley) but it is TOIGHT LIKE A TOIGER ??
Am I missing something ?
Pics to follow..,

Thanks for any input Gary

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics..._rad_right.jpg

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

The rad was original from an ss396 68 Camaro but may have been recored. It was missing the tabs for the lower shroud hooks. I fabbed some up to mount the shroud.
Gary

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

The gap between the radiator and core support looks a little wide, I'll take a pic of mine and post tomorrow night,originally a 396 nova had no spacer between fan and water pump pulley

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

I believe originally it would use a clutch fan ?? correct ??
I don't think a clutch fan would fit in the 1-3/4" gap.

Are the original Nova rads only 3-core?

Thanks for your help.
Gary

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

Big block Novas used a 3 core radiator. No clutch fan and no spacer. Stock fan was a 5 blade type, bolted directly to pump pulley. Even with a 3 core, it's close to the fan... A 4 core will work. Some guys do have 4 cores on there BB Novas.

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

What is the correct Fan PN I should be looking for ?

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

3939001 is the PN!! The Parts Place Inc. carries a nice repop of this fan. Give them a call at 630-365-1800. Try a 1-800 first. Original fans if you can find one, go for big money. The repop fans will run you about $239.00.

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

The correct fan is the steel 5 blade unit...2 of the blades are offset...as mentioned it bolts directly to the water pump flange.

The only year for a clutch fan with BB was 1968...but, there was a short water pump that year.

I have a 4 core in our 70 BB TH400 L78 car...it's tight, but it works.

Your photos seem to show a wider space than I remember...but, I'll have to check to be sure.

-wilma

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

THANKS GUYS !!!
Appreciate the help !!!

I will be picking up the original (shot) rad from the original owner for the resto.
For now the gameplan is get it running for the local spring indoor car show "barn finds" and put a few laps on it this summer.
Teardown fall 17

Sounds like I'll pick up a repop fan for now.
Gary

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

Don't let The Parts Place Inc. sell you their spacer they claim is needed. Its not.

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

So, they are still doing that. I told them a while back when i bought the same fan that the spacer wasn't needed.

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

They could care less, that's why they sell caution fan stickers. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

Re: L78 Nova Rad Help
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m22mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They could care less, that's why they sell caution fan stickers. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img] </div></div>

<span style="font-size: 11pt">You are correct... </span>