Moving radiator and fan shroud for Vortech clearance??

M

Melmark93

Registered
Cruise-nights and track season is over, so it's time to start
the winter project. I have been led to beleive that in order
to install a Vortech V2-SQ in a Mark, 1-3/4" to 2" of space must
be gained by moving the radiator and trimming the fan shroud.
After removing the trim panel between the grill and radiator,
I took a good look at all the parts and mounts. I had pondered
moving the AC condenser forward, but found it mounted directly
to the body cross-member. Behind it there is about an 1-1/4" gap
before coming to the radiator, BUT the mounting ears for both
the radiator and fan shroud are molded into the tanks at each end
of the radiator. How do you mod these mounts and have a reliable
support for the rad./fan and also not cause a leak in the tanks?::roll::
Mel C.
93 garnet/grey
 
RE: Moving radiator and fan shroud for Vortech clearance??

I can only say how I've done it:

First, you straighten the top a/c condenser brackets and push the condenser forward, drill and tap holes from the bottom, reattach the bolts.

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech5.jpg

Second, you can either get the smaller radiator, cut the shroud 3/4" around, and lower just the fan shroud a bit.

Or cut the bottom support, bend it into an L-shape, and still reuse the bottom mounts.

In both cases you have to fabricate top radiator mounts and top fan shroud mounts.

http://mark8.org/users/madstgen/images/vortech_install/vortech6.jpg

You'll have a little more clearance as my k-member is shimmed about 1/2" to clear the intake/hood, which in turn brings the vortech at least 1/2" down.
 
RE: Moving radiator and fan shroud for Vortech clearance??

ALL I HAD TO DO TO GET MINE TO FIT WAS TO LOWER THE RADIATOR AND CUT OFF THE MOUNTING TABS. Oops sorry about the caps. I dropped the radiator lower mount two inches. I never trimmed the fan shroud.
Keith
93 BLACK
93 MAROON
Only use the brakes to stop and get gas.
 
RE: Moving radiator and fan shroud for Vortech clearance??

All of the 96-98 Cobra's have Mark VIII heads.
Keith
93 BLACK
93 MAROON
Only use the brakes to stop and get gas.
 
RE: Moving radiator and fan shroud for Vortech clearance??

I put the Mark on ramps this weekend and took a good look under.
A few questions:
1. The single point of interference is between the fan shroud and
the vortech air-inlet elbow or is there contact with the body of
blower also??
2. The small metal lines (2) under the condenser are anti-lock brake
lines??
3. Jeremi, it looks like you moved them forward and zip-tied them
to the wiring tray. Are they easy to bend without kinking
or cracking??
4. Keith, did you have to move them??
5. The lines to the PS cooler are low pressure return lines??
The one with the fancy routing on the k-member seem to interfer
with the lower radiator hose if lowered. I wondered if barbed
fitting and hose clamps would do for a re-route??
That's all for now - Thanks,
Mel
93 garnet/grey
 
RE: Moving radiator and fan shroud for Vortech clearance??

Inlet is the main issue here. If you decide to go with a nice 4" power pipe you'll need even more room. However, it's not only the shroud, it's the actual radiator that gets in the way as well.

There are two brackets holding these lines on both sides, if you undo them you can move the lines easily. I was able to secure the brackets back again though. I don't think I bent them at all.

I didn't have to reroute the cooler lines, maybe just move them out of the way. I believe though that this line is under pressure.
 
RE: Moving radiator and fan shroud for Vortech clearance??

I do not remember moving the power steering cooler. First thing to do is look at your motor mounts. I just bought a new mount and it sets 3/8" to 1/2" higher. I cut my lower radiator mount off the core support and added 2" toeach side it to drop it straight down then I added a z shaped a strip accrose the front as a filler this allows the radiator to go down and forward so you don't have to cut the fan shroud. I made 4"inlet pipeing and have just enough room. It is Dark out side right now I will go see if a photo will show with flash. I also cut tabs off the radiator to clear on the sides.
Keith
93 BLACK
93 MAROON
Only use the brakes to stop and get gas.
 
RE: Moving radiator and fan shroud for Vortech clearance??

Here are a few Photos of Items in the last few posts.
This is my single core Air to Air Aftercooler
http://hometown.aol.com/stpro/images/mvc-545x.jpg

Notice the left motor mount is new and sets up a half inch higher.
My coil pack on the right hit the insulation on the hood when mounted in the stock Vortech bracket so I lowered the coil mount by cutting it off and welding it back on after removing some material. After 80,000 miles of beating on it with supercharger on took a toll on the right mount.
http://hometown.aol.com/stpro/images/mvc-541x.jpg

http://hometown.aol.com/stpro/images/mvc-540x.jpg

This Showes the 2" drop of the core support. Also the power steering cooler lines stub just around the corner

http://hometown.aol.com/stpro/images/mvc-544x.jpg

The Pump is a Flojet 4125-114 5 gpm @15 FT Head.
http://hometown.aol.com/stpro/images/mvc-547x.jpg


Keith
93 BLACK
93 MAROON
Only use the brakes to stop and get gas.
 
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