Electric Fan:

[Captain D]

Hi all,

Just curious to learn more about the electric fans if I may please. It's not something that I am looking to upgrade right away (maybe late summer perhaps at the earliest) and even if I did install one, I don't plan to run it very frequently...only when needed in traffic & parades. I've heard of Flex-a-lite brand as being decent. Curious to ask:

- How much of a draw do they use?
- Need to pull the radiator to install (I would imagine so)?
- Nothing is installed on the exterior of the radiator - only the interior / closest to the block, correct?
- For those who do run them, and use them in parades, do you feel that they are worth it in keeping your engine cooler at slower speeds?

If I did decide to run with one, I'd probably opt for a toggle switch perhaps to manually operate it. There is a local speed shop that says that it is an easy job...they would install the relay, the new fan, and even customize the shroud for $400. Not bad I suppose, but just didn't know if it was worth it in the long-run, ins / outs to be mindful of from folks who run them, tips, suggestions, etc.

Thank you for any and all info... 

[RECHRGD]

Yes, they help in traffic.  Just how hot does your engine get? Is it stock or close to stock?  The current draw will depend on the fan you go with.  If you're dealing with original wiring, alternator etc., plan on upgrades there as well.  The best modification I ever did was to get a radiator capable of properly cooling my engine with a good shroud.  It runs cooler than ever now and I was able to throw the electric fan in the trash.......

[Captain D]

Thanks man for the reply + info,

Mostly stock wiring, but a few upgrade goodies under the hood: electronic ignition, EFI fuel injection, & performer rpm rise intake to name a few. Mostly mild upgrades with a 22" Champion aluminum radiator and shroud combo. The EFI seems to draw a little more than expected - not bad, but worth noting. When I did a parade, temperature reading topped off at approximately 200 degrees (maybe a tad over). Most of the time, I'm sitting between 170-180 degrees. So, when I hit the 200 mark, I always toyed with the idea of going with the electronic fan route...even seen them in Advance Auto. But, wouldn't want to cause too much of a draw - even if it was only once in a blue moon that I actually did have to use it. Something to think about it, but more than likely may not go through all that effort. I was dancing around it to see if something jumped out that 'made me want to buy it' I suppose, lol. 

Thank you again for your time... 

[justcruisin]

For a stockish street car I wouldn't even consider throwing out the factory clutch fan and shroud set up for an electric fan swap, if that is what you are thinking. If you want to install an electric fan on the front of the radiator as an assist that is a good idea if you do a lot of slow cruising like car show drive by's. I use a Derale 17" fan in front of the radiator as an assist with an engine drivin clutch fan as the main source of air flow, I have been able to keep temps below 190 in all conditions so far, the electric is on a thermo switch, cuts in at 190 and out at 180, in slow traffic it cycles off and on. Without it the temps will climb to 200, that's as hot as I have let it go as a test. My electric fan draws around 23 amps.

[Captain D]

Having a supplemental fan on the very front of the radiator is what I was hoping to use, yes. I'll have to look into the draw & how it would affect my alternator specifically, etc. I realize that it would only be sporadic from time to time that I would actually use it, but still - worth double checking. Just for the sake of asking, I wonder if I would have to pull the radiator for a frontal electric fan. Probably more than likely though...

[RECHRGD]

Having a supplemental fan on the very front of the radiator is what I was hoping to use, yes. I'll have to look into the draw & how it would affect my alternator specifically, etc. I realize that it would only be sporadic from time to time that I would actually use it, but still - worth double checking. Just for the sake of asking, I wonder if I would have to pull the radiator for a frontal electric fan. Probably more than likely though...

No need to remove the radiator.  Most fans come with flexible plastic attachments that just poke through the radiator........

[justcruisin]

Yep, the fan will fit without taking the radiator out. As said they come with through radiator fixings, although there is nothing wrong with this type of mounting I prefer to mount the fan to the radiator panel with some fabed up brackets. A good electric fan does have some weight to it and I prefer a more solid mount.

[RECHRGD]

If 200 degrees is as hot as it gets, you're fine.  Most newer vehicles run at that temp.  220 or 230 is reaching the point of concern.