Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

[Mark E.]

A couple of threads mention how unique, hard to find, and expensive the fan is for a 1970 LS5 with AC. Apparently it's unique to that year and application. And because it has tips that stick out from the shroud, it's also vulnerable to damage if there's unexpected engine movement.

My car's (apparently) original fan is in good condition, but because it's a driver that occasionally goes through the gears , I'm thinking of putting it away for safekeeping and replacing it with a functional, affordable fan that looks original to the casual eye (i.e. it fits the shroud and clutch, and it's not a flex fan).

Any suggestions?

[Mark E.]

Re: Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

Anyone...?

[Tom L.]

Re: Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

I understand your desire to protect that darn tipped fan, very rare, especially for you. At least you do have the 889 service replacement if bad things happen to yours. Anyway, other than changing to a '75 and up fan along with the clutch and water pump you're limited. I'd "think" that the fan used for 69 big block with a/c would function OK. I'd guess others might chime in. The partnumber is: 3955182 Here's a link to the fan on the flea (Not my fan BTW)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-CORVETTE-ORIGINAL-SMALL-BLOCK-FAN-WITH-CLUTCH-/321907905147?hash=item4af334d27b:g:IvsAAOSwBahVAccA&vxp=mtr

[Joe L.]

Re: Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

I understand your desire to protect that darn tipped fan, very rare, especially for you. At least you do have the 889 service replacement if bad things happen to yours. Anyway, other than changing to a '75 and up fan along with the clutch and water pump you're limited. I'd "think" that the fan used for 69 big block with a/c would function OK. I'd guess others might chime in. The partnumber is: 3955182 Here's a link to the fan on the flea (Not my fan BTW)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-CORVETT...hVAccA&vxp=mtr

Tom and Mark------

The 3955182 is the one that I would suggest, too. It should work fine. However, the 3955182 is GM-discontinued and usually pretty expensive. The linked example on eBay looks like a good price but it looks like it might have seen a hard life. Still, as long as it's not bent, it should be OK.

By the way, the different bolt circle fans for Corvette began for 1971 rather than 1975.

[Tom L.]

Re: Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

Didn't type clearly, I meant changing this fan, clutch and pump. It's an option but more involved and less correct.

[Mark E.]

Re: Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

Thanks guys!

To clarify: The 3955182 fan can be swapped in using the original pump and clutch. And I assume its overall diameter is compatible with the original shroud?

[Mark E.]

Re: Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

I understand your desire to protect that darn tipped fan, very rare, especially for you. At least you do have the 889 service replacement if bad things happen to yours. Anyway, other than changing to a '75 and up fan along with the clutch and water pump you're limited. I'd "think" that the fan used for 69 big block with a/c would function OK. I'd guess others might chime in. The partnumber is: 3955182 Here's a link to the fan on the flea (Not my fan BTW)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-CORVETT...hVAccA&vxp=mtr

This eBay fan has a stamping of 3955182 D71 . Does this mean April 1971? If so, does this mean it's a service replacement made in '71 for 1969 applications? I'm asking because I wonder if it has the pre-'71 bolt circle pattern I need.

[Joe L.]

Re: Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

This eBay fan has a stamping of 3955182 D71 . Does this mean April 1971? If so, does this mean it's a service replacement made in '71 for 1969 applications? I'm asking because I wonder if it has the pre-'71 bolt circle pattern I need.

Mark------


Yes, the D71 denotes April, 1971. So, this fan originated as a SERVICE piece as this fan was not in PRODUCTION use at that time. However, its origin does not matter. A 3955182 is a 3955182. It will have the 3" bolt circle as used for pre-1971 Corvette applications. Its OD will fit perfectly in your shroud. In fact, the same shrouds were used for 1969-72 so compatibility in this regard is assured.

[Joe L.]

Re: Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

Didn't type clearly, I meant changing this fan, clutch and pump. It's an option but more involved and less correct.

Tom------


The fan pictured here is a reproduction of the GM #342715. It was used for 1974-76 Corvette applications with C-60. It's basically the same as the 3955182 except for the mounting bolt circle and the tip configuration. Of course, as you mentioned, its use requires changing the waterpump, fan clutch and waterpump pulley(s).

[Mark E.]

Re: Functional Replacement Radiator Fan for 1970 LS5 with AC?

Thanks Joe. You're the man.