I was just wondering what everyone is using for cooling. I have a Mav that has been converted from the 6cly to a 302 and find that the 6cly rad just isn't cooling. So I'm going to upgrade the rad, get a flex fan, and a rad shroud, and the only real question I have is does everyone here use a shroud, and for those who do what shrouds do you find work best and where and what did you get them off of?. I heard fox body mustang shrouds work well.
My 77' Maverick came with a 302 and a fan shroud from the factory. We did add a cooler to the car a few years ago that has helped a lot. AutoKrafters carries fan shrouds for 71'-77' Mavericks V8's with or without A/C and they claim they can be used for cars that have had a conversion from a 6 cylinder to a 302. They are not cheap however, they want $119.95 for one.
I bought an AK shroud and they are very poor quality ... I promptly returned it and bought one an OEM one off of eBay ... much, much better than the repop. The Maverick reproduction is nowhere near as nice as the Mustangs reproductions which are identical to the OEM ones ...
I'm glad you posted that. I knew AK carried them, but wasn't sure if they were any good or not. Besides, I always thought the shrouds from a Maverick with A/C were different from one without A/C.
I think the A/C car shrouds are deeper and cover more of the fan ... I have an A/C shroud on my car and it entirely covers the fan ... If I recall the AK repops were the thinner non-A/C type ...
I highly reccomend a shroud, as it can make your engine run up to 10 degrees cooler. I know this from first-hand experience. You should also go with at least a 3-row radiator for V-8 Mavericks. Mine usually runs at 185 and never goes over 195...
I would look for a stock 302 a/c rad, and a fan shroud, usually easy on Ebay. I have put a lotta big motors in cars, and I would skip the flex fan. The stock is not as romantic as a bigass Griffin, or Becool aluminium rad, but it would be a bolt in, and you could get stock hoses, and not spend days trying on various oddball sizes. Fan to rad separation would be stock. I would also suggest you check: 1. Timing 2. fuel mixture 3. rad pressure cap 4. thermostat 5. temp gauge 6. lower rad hose to see if you got the spring in there If you changed to a serpentine, or the transplant is from a serpentine car, 7. make sure the fan is turning in the correct direction 8. Make sure you have the correct waterpump, etc. Also, if you get a shroud, the fan needs to be about 1/2 into the shroud. Check with an original car for proper placment (mine is in pieces on the garage floor, cabinets, counter, shelves)
Here is the A/C V8 Fan Shroud installed ... using the stock 6-blade fan .. http://mmb.maverick.to/attachment.php?attachmentid=5777
The stock V-8 fan (it's actually a "flex fan") may not look pretty but it works quite well...probably better than aftermarket units. I would stick with that unless you're going with an electric fan...
I sent in my fan shroud to be used as a pattern for the shrouds currently offered by AK. At this time they are offering an AC V-8 shroud...which also fits the non-ac cars. The AC shrouds are not as deep because of the AC compressor being in the way. Yes, they are not an exact replica.....as the new ones are made of fiberglass and have a smooth finish. You also have to drill the holes in the ears...but I am sure they would function fine.
Camtemple - Was your old engine a 250hp with a/c? I am looking for a fan shroud for my 1974 Maverick (6 cyl - 250 hp with A/C). Does anyone know if there is another Fan Shroud that will fit my Mav? I heard someone say that a Mustang fan shroud would fit....
