Advice on cooling fans needed.

[trapin]

OK, I have a radiator now. I went with an aluminum 3 row radiator for a small block Chevy. It will bolt right in and I'm thinking I shouldn't have too much of a problem finding hoses to fit...at least I hope. What I need to know is....what size/output of electric cooling fan should I go with? Does it necessarily need to be a dual fan configuration or can I get away with a 16" fan? I'm looking at roughly 480-490 horse at the flywheel. What do you guys recommend? Thanks.

[JeffT]

Spal makes some nice stuff.

http://www.spalusa.com/store/main.as...&item=30102050

[Mike Norris]

Spal does make nice fan units and here is what I try to use on just about everything space permitting.

http://www.spalusa.com/store/main.as...&item=30102052

The dual fans with a nice shroud just about guarantees good cooling in all conditions and with the air on.

If you decide to go single, just be sure to try to build a nice fitting and efficient shroud that will pull air through the full surface of the radiator, not just where the fan is.

Mike Norris

[camcojb]

I use the Lincoln Mark VIII fan in everything it'll fit in. It moves more air than any of the dual Spals I can find, and is less expensive. I've been buying them lately off Ebay, some guys pull them apart, completely detail, refurbish if necessary and sell them looking like new for $100-$120.

Jody

[trapin]

Jody....this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-IN...Q5fAccessories

If so, do I need this relay for it or is it not necessary?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Tauru...Q5fAccessories

[camcojb]

Jody....this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-IN...Q5fAccessories

If so, do I need this relay for it or is it not necessary?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Tauru...Q5fAccessories

yes, that's the fan. Make sure you have 6.5" of clearance where the fan motor goes; the shroud can be trimmed an inch so 5.5" is about the minimum needed. The fan motor is offset some which actually helps if your radiator core is wide, the motor can be set up so it doesn't line up directly with the water pump pulley if clearance is tight.

I use a 70 amp relay with mine, due to the initial high amp draw when it kicks on. You can get them off Ebay and other sources for under $20. If you go with the nice controllers they don't require as high of a relay as they control the instant on of most systems.

Jody

[trapin]

Thanks Jody, I'll have to do some measuring when I get the radiator installed. One last question...what's the best way to mount it to the radiator that you've found? Got any pics?

[ProdigyCustoms]

The Mark VIII fans are great budget alternatives and are OEM quality. Get a big alternator though, 140 AMP range. The HIT when the fans kicks on is 60 AMPS!!!! You can shut off a fuel injected car with a low amp alternator with that much hit.

[camcojb]

Thanks Jody, I'll have to do some measuring when I get the radiator installed. One last question...what's the best way to mount it to the radiator that you've found? Got any pics?

simple and cheap method, just bought some aluminum strap material and did this on a friends car:



On my 69 I used some of the Be Cool straps:

[BA.]

yes, that's the fan. Make sure you have 6.5" of clearance where the fan motor goes; the shroud can be trimmed an inch so 5.5" is about the minimum needed. The fan motor is offset some which actually helps if your radiator core is wide, the motor can be set up so it doesn't line up directly with the water pump pulley if clearance is tight.

I use a 70 amp relay with mine, due to the initial high amp draw when it kicks on. You can get them off Ebay and other sources for under $20. If you go with the nice controllers they don't require as high of a relay as they control the instant on of most systems.

Jody

Good to learn of the OEM adaptability here, but I have a novice question.

What is meant by 'go with a nice controller"? There's a controller?

[John Wright]

Good to learn of the OEM adaptability here, but I have a novice question.

What is meant by 'go with a nice controller"? There's a controller?

These have a "soft start", so that they don't draw as much during start up.

http://www.spalusa.com/store/Main.as...tem=FAN-PWM-V3



...but this one has a warning about using it with fans that draw over 30a continuously...which includes the Taurus and Mark VIII fans

[camcojb]

Good to learn of the OEM adaptability here, but I have a novice question.

What is meant by 'go with a nice controller"? There's a controller?

don't have to use a controller. I've done several controlled either by the computer running the engine or a simple preset grounding switch installed in the head or intake, that grounds the relay at a certain temp, say 180 degrees. They do pull some amps so size your wiring and relay accordingly, but I have yet to find an aftermarket fan or pair of fans that will pull the air and control temps like the Mark VIII factory fan.

Jody

[H2Ogbodies]

Ditto on the mark VIII fans. They are the best fans you can find....even in used condition.

[Mike Norris]

Learn something everyday I can see that a progressive controller would be great with that single fan.

Mike Norris

[BonzoHansen]

I think my DCC would work great w/that ford fan.

[Taman]

I'm looking at a dual fan off a fourth gen Camaro. Get a dual thermostat and have different on and off.

[trapin]

Thanks for the pics Jody. I'll have to look into getting some of those Be Cool straps if I go this route. I just have to see if the fan will fit on the radiator or if it's too big. I just heard something interesting today from an engineer at work. He told me the HHR fans draw a ton of air and don't use too much power and are starting to become popular with hot rod enthusiasts. Anyone else heard of this?

[trapin]

Well, I went for the Mark VIII fan. Got one off of eBay for $52.

[CarlC]

Can't go wrong Tony.

There's some info on my website about another way to mount the fan, but it does require machining and welding.

I had the DCC part in my car before. It was likely my fault, but the pwm created a lot of radio noise. DCC says to connect the controller directly to the battery, but that's 15' away from the fan.

[trapin]

The one I got is a single speed but it still has the Siemans motor on it. It's a narrower fan (5.5 depth) and I figured less hassle than a 2 speed. Frank mentioned getting a bigger alternator (which if he's talking the size of the unit I would hesitate to do with my LS1 and proximity to the frame) but Jody mentioned a 70 amp relay would remedy any hit to my current alternator. .....or am I getting it wrong?