DC fan controller or Spal PWM

[dreuski]

So which one should I use? I've searched all the threads about the DC unit and heard tons of issues with delivery problems and a couple of issues with the fan not turning off at the right time interval after the engine shuts off. But for those of you that have purchased what's your opinion.

How about the Spal unit any issues to speak of?

Dreuski.

[6'9"Witha69]

My DC works as promised. No issues and 10k miles now. just keeps it cool, even last week with 110 degree temps outside and city driving, never over 195 in the heads!

[dreuski]

I am leaning towards the DC controller right now. Anyone know if there have been any improvments in the shipping department and response times? For those of you voting please tell me why you picked either the Spal or DC controller, just trying to get as much info as possible. Mostly interested in reliability, I've heard of one case of a Spal burning up within a year.

Dreuski.

[cad]

Call before you order and ask if he has some ready to go. I ordered 2 at separate times. The first came in about a week...the other I had to call him twice and took a little time. I believe he builds them in batches. One of the guys on this board from Iowa is/was a distributor. He may have it in stock.

[dreuski]

cad,

Thanks for the heads up. On paper it looks like a really good product. My only concern with the DC controller is receiving it and customer service. Read a lot of complaints in the threads. I heard the owner is a member here. Is this true?

Dreuski.

[6'9"Witha69]

cad,

Thanks for the heads up. On paper it looks like a really good product. My only concern with the DC controller is receiving it and customer service. Read a lot of complaints in the threads. I heard the owner is a member here. Is this true?

Dreuski.

Yes. s/n is baskin

[gmachinz]

I still have one in use and I have no problem with it. Brian can get pretty busy at times-just keep trying to reach him. For the money, it's a great controller!

[Azzkikrcuda]

I just got a Spal controller from Gmachinz. I have driven the car about a week with it (2 days were 98 degrees) and it works great. It has a nice sealed case, and is easy to program with 2 buttons vs jumpers on the DDC controller.

[Karch]

cad,

Thanks for the heads up. On paper it looks like a really good product. My only concern with the DC controller is receiving it and customer service. Read a lot of complaints in the threads. I heard the owner is a member here. Is this true?

Dreuski.

I tried very hard to get in contact with DC. I sent a few emails, and tried the phone at least 20 times...usually a busy signal, but a few times it just rang and rang.

I understand if the guy is busy. It may even be a side thing for him, but it's not my daily driver so I'd rather give my money to someone who actually wants the business, and seems to have a good product...gmachinz.

[cad]

I usually had success reaching him after 7pm pst.

[Karch]

Thanks Clark.

[Mentalic]

I orderd a DCcontrols FK35 on 7-14-07 and paid via paypal. Some three weeks now and have not recieved the unit. Never even recived the first email of any kind indicating the order was even processed. Dccontrols has not answerd any of my emails as well.

Make your order, you take your chances. From everyting I read I'm going to like the product if I ever get one.

[GetMore]

I ordered mine on 6/20 and it was shipped 7/31. It can take time, but I think it's worth it.
FWIW, I am nowhere close to needing it, but I figured it was the best product out there, so I ordered it now so that I'll have it when the time comes.

[beecrazy]

It only took 3 weeks to get mine, I think that was in May. Maybe mine backed you up a month sorry. I really like how DCC works, no complaints here.

Don

[ss dave]

I got a Spal controller, cool stuff. It can be manual or variable, or both but when connected to the AC it automatically comes on at full speed.

[ponjohn]

I bought a DC control unit 1.5 years ago and got it in a reasonable time. There was an issue with the documentation not adressing the use of an electric water pump.....I emailed him and got a very technical response.( ie.. almost offensive).... it was worked out and we both came to an understanding of the situation....no longer offended.

It works great, keeps the car at 195 no matter what and that is with the factory settings. I did not move the temp control up or down (by 10%). I took advantage of the a/c control input and use a switch inside to turn it on full IF it does start creaping in traffic, then the temp comes down immediately to 180.

Before using the control with mechanical waterpump/fan it went up to 220 + and I knew I had to do something. I went to a electric waterpump and MK8 fan.

I would certainly buy another. In fact I offered to buy the product line from him if he ever felt like he wanted to sellout.

john