Fans for Side vents

[racephotoman]

Has anyone put small 12v fans inside the side vents to help get the heat out from the engine? Something like those small audio/computer fans. Just an idea??

Walter

[edwardb]

Are you having any trouble with overheating? I see from another post you're running a stroked SBF? You really shouldn't have any trouble keeping that cool without doing anything special, e.g. fans in the side vents.

[racephotoman]

Not for overheating - in fact the electric fans for the most part won't even come on during a cruise despite 70-80 degrees temperature. No, I was thinking to get heat out of the engine bay to help reduce the heat in the cockpit. I have footbox vents, and heat insulation (no rug yet), but feel the heat in the car - thinking bthis may help a little.

Walter

[edwardb]

With the proper insulation and no air infiltration from the engine compartment into the cockpit, you really shouldn't have heat issues. Especially with footbox vents, assuming that air is coming in unheated. Make sure you're not getting air from the between the body and the 2x2 inch tubes by the door hinges. This is the most common place, if not well sealed. Also I expect having the carpet installed could help some to reduce reflective heat.

[skullandbones]

Hi Walter,

I've had many instances like the one you are experiencing now. I'm sure there are lots of builders who do also. It's the nature of the beast. However in this case, I think you are over thinking the process. If you consider the amount of heat the engine, especially the headers, give off in a few cycles it isn't likely that the small computer fans will help to mitigate that. One thing that was done on some of the originals to let heat escape faster was to add louvers in the hood. That is much more effective dumping lots of heat fast. I think the louvers do assist in heat dispersal or they wouldn't have put them in. If you add a little of cockpit barrier such as carpet, it should be plenty for all but the worst conditions. I have installed three layers of dissimilar materials under my inside aluminum: one for heat and two more for noise/insulation besides the carpet. Yes, it is tight in some critical areas but it works. The carpet padding I added is actually an dead air space as well as insulation and noise abatement. If you decide that you have to have the aluminum look on yours then you will have to resort to something like lizard skin on the outside and maybe some heat shields at the header points that are most likely the offenders. This would allow you to reflect some of the heat back into the engine bay. Suggestions about sealing the firewall and surrounding areas are very important. Even a small (e.g. 1/2 inch) hole to the engine bay will transfer a lot of heat over time.

Good luck with your project,

WEK.

[racephotoman]

Thanks for all the advice and help!

Walter