Best downgrade I’ve ever done

[Jon81K5]

Feels great to clean up something that’s been bothering you for a awhile
My ‘91 K5 (8.1/4L85) initially had a late 90s big block radiator with a permacool electric fans (https://shop.perma-cool.com/Dual-HD-Electric-Fan-Units_c25.htm) and had nothing but issues.
The radiator not being correct for the truck meant the mounts were never great. Also, the core support was cracked and repaired by the PO but it rattled and allowed further radiator movement.
3 years and 4 radiators later (all eaten by the fans), I decided to rebuild the front end and downgrade to a engine-driven fan again. Was able to upgrade to the quad headlight core at the same time

before



During:



Current:









Needless to say, looks clean and engine runs an average of 15 degrees cooler. Best downgrade I’ve ever done. (Anyone want to buy these permacool fans?)

 

[centexk5]

I'm in the same boat but with a mechanical fan. I need to buy a new core support and get the mounts fixed. Electric fans are nice when they are OE or for racers but for something that sees a lot of work, I prefer mechanical.

 

[ZooMad75]

Feels great to clean up something that’s been bothering you for a awhile
My ‘91 K5 (8.1/4L85) initially had a late 90s big block radiator with a permacool electric fans (https://shop.perma-cool.com/Dual-HD-Electric-Fan-Units_c25.htm) and had nothing but issues.
The radiator not being correct for the truck meant the mounts were never great. Also, the core support was cracked and repaired by the PO but it rattled and allowed further radiator movement.
3 years and 4 radiators later (all eaten by the fans), I decided to rebuild the front end and downgrade to a engine-driven fan again. Was able to upgrade to the quad headlight core at the same time

before
View attachment 334306
View attachment 334307

During:

View attachment 334301

Current:


View attachment 334303

View attachment 334304

View attachment 334305
View attachment 334308

Needless to say, looks clean and engine runs an average of 15 degrees cooler. Best downgrade I’ve ever done. (Anyone want to buy these permacool fans?)

View attachment 334302

All that time and effort the original gm engineers put into the cooling system proves it's still a very viable option. Electric fans are good, but there is something about stone simple reliable setups that work.

 

[6872xtc]

If the electric fans were hooked to the radiator, I understand part if the frustration. A friend found out decades ago that the fans should be on their own brackets.

But I do like the constant airflow of a engine driven fan.
And I will tell you that there are guys who want that headlight arrangement that you just took out, since there are more options for upgrading the lights. Maybe you can sell all of it.

 

[ZooMad75]

If the electric fans were hooked to the radiator, I understand part if the frustration. A friend found out decades ago that the fans should be on their own brackets.

But I do like the constant airflow of a engine driven fan.
And I will tell you that there are guys who want that headlight arrangement that you just took out, since there are more options for upgrading the lights. Maybe you can sell all of it.

If he was closer I'd take the single headlight setup in a heartbeat. But I've got a hookup for one.

 

[Jon81K5]

If he was closer I'd take the single headlight setup in a heartbeat. But I've got a hookup for one.

I should of taken pictures but there was nothing salvageable. The core support came out in two pieces and all the headlight hardware was JB welded by the previous owner. All in the scrap bin

 

[ZooMad75]

I should of taken pictures but there was nothing salvageable. The core support came out in two pieces and all the headlight hardware was JB welded by the previous owner. All in the scrap bin

Gotcha. No reason saving that for sure.

 

[anwat]

Is that your trans cooler on the passenger's side up by the firewall with it's own fan? I like the idea, but it wouldn't seem there was enough cool air in that engine bay to give you much of a temp difference between the core and the air flowing through it....how effective is it in that location?

 

[anwat]

Disregard that last comment. I just looked closer at the photos and saw the hood mods. Now I get it.

 

[Jon81K5]

Disregard that last comment. I just looked closer at the photos and saw the hood mods. Now I get it.

Probably not ideal, yes. The PO did most of that however it does regulate trans temps alright so haven’t had the need to change it. Fluid does go through the radiator first but in hot weather and long hills it’s a plus

 

[stockk5]

Nice another CT blazer! Looks great

 

[Jon81K5]

Nice another CT blazer! Looks great

Thanks! This K5 lived in Hawaii for 18 years before I shipped it to Cali. I’m a CT resident so registering it there exempts me from commiefornia emissions... maybe someday it’ll see that coast

 

[imiceman44]

Thanks! This K5 lived in Hawaii for 18 years before I shipped it to Cali. I’m a CT resident so registering it there exempts me from commiefornia emissions... maybe someday it’ll see that coast

You finally brought it here