OE vs. Aftermarket

[ScotI]

First.... Sorry for the novel but I feel sharing as much info as possible helps bring in the most informed suggestions/responses.

I purchased a MKVIII fan kit a while back for a long term project but have not used it yet as the vehicle is still in the build phase. I've picked up another ride & will need to do a fan set-up for this one as well. My dilemma is I'm not very schooled on what makes the OE fans so much 'better' vs. what's offered through the aftermarket.

Some of the key decision makers for me when I bought the MK8 set-up were: OE reliability, large shroud, lower cost, & testimonials from board members here that were very happy w/this set-up. I recently told a buddy about what I was using (his shop builds are financed from deeper budgets vs. what I have available. He uses the BeCool $1200 + kits) & he warned about using OE type fans because of the serious amp draw when starting. I explained about the SPAL pwm controller & he suggested there's more to it than that.

Do I need to be concerned? I thought the benefit of these controllers was to prevent the initial high spike of current as the fan is energized by 'ramping' the amps until the fan is @ the desired speed to control the temp? What else do I need to know?

I looked @ a bunch of stuff online & like others, all the different fan info easily confuses me. Last night (well... early this morning), I came up w/this combo for this latest project:

• Summit p/n SUM-381325 universal fit alum radiator @ 25.75 x 19 x 2.25", dual-row 1" tubes, & trans cooler
• SPAL p/n 30102082 16" single high output, curved-blade fan. Designed for use on multi-row radiators in HD/daily use applications (2470cfm)
• PWM fan controller w/mechanical temp sensor
• 195° fan switch, relay, & wiring harness
• 16" fan shroud gasket

From 'A1-Electric', this 'kit' of parts is about $370. The mounting depth of the fan/shroud is minimal which is good because this truck (64 Chevy short fleet survivor, mild 350/700r4 swap) will have the drivetrain moved up/forward slightly. Total cooling pkg ~$600 & the truck will see typical Texas heat, humidty, & traffic.

School me....