Old School Or Electric Fan

[TeamEntity]

Just a general consensus warmed over 289, No A/C No P/S O.E. radiator that just recently passed the flow test and pressure test. I want to keep the o.e. fan shroud. So was wondering what have you done. Gone electric or kept it stock. How was your cooling? any problems? thanks.

 

[hurt]

I went electric and haven't had any problems, but looking back I would probably go with the traditional fan or fan with clutch for simplicity.

 

[LastDeadLast]

The last two cars I've had I've installed electric fans in. Never had any failures at all.

To me, the effeciency gains (meaning horsepower) and the better cooling (as long as the correct fan is chosen) are worth it.

-Shannon

 

[2+2GT]

No question- Use your shroud, and install a 6-blade clutch fan with a thermal clutch. Almost exactly the same function as an electric, but no wiring, no relays, no sensors to connect or screw in anywhere. Comparable cost, very reliable, easier to install. What's not to like?

 

[65ShelbyClone]

No question- Use your shroud, and install a 6-blade clutch fan with a thermal clutch. Almost exactly the same function as an electric, but no wiring, no relays, no sensors to connect or screw in anywhere. Comparable cost, very reliable, easier to install. What's not to like?

Exactly. I like thermostatic fan clutches too.

Something that can rear its ugly head with an electric fan is the charging system. If the fan draws more current than the alternator generates at lower engine rpm, it can be tough on the battery. Sometimes getting stuck in traffic with a lot of idling and fan use can actually drain the battery.

 

[2+2GT]

When my car is idling on a hot day, you can hear the clutch fan going on and of as though it were electric.

 

[mhjo]

In the 10 years I had my car, I have tried all sorts. The best results I got from clutch fan (Thermal). Non thermal is a nusence, as it engages at low rpm and disegages at high.

Use stock shroud, as the fat aftermaket ones are too efficient, and makes engine run too cool. (I have posted this problem).

 

[hhead]

Agree with the factory 6 blade, thermal clutch, and shroud. No problems. I run A/C, PS, PB, alum heads, all with no problem. Cheap and efficient.

 

[TeamEntity]

sweet. sounds good to me. so now no worries i will keep the o.e. look and reliability. Don't get me wrong i've used electric on other projects but i'm keeping the o.e. look and feel as much as possible.
Btw MHJO there is a thread on here in the classic section that the guy put in a fat shroud and and his cooling is too much.

 

[TeamEntity]

I forgot to ask. what about flexi lite fans? I have one that came with the car. 6 blade. If thats good. I can't remember but i believe that you do not use em with a thermal clutch. but i cannot remember. My stock o.e. fan is a 4 blader.

 

[2+2GT]

Flex-A-Lite is a brand name, they make all sorts of fans. If you mean one of those flexible blade things, don't bother, they aren't very efficient.

 

[TeamEntity]

yeah those things, the ones that will cut your hand off just looking at it

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Flex fans are cheap and move a lot of air, but they are loud and impose a fair bit of drag.

 

[TeamEntity]

i might just then pick me up a repopped 6 blade. with thermal clutch then.

 

[rbohm]

I forgot to ask. what about flexi lite fans? I have one that came with the car. 6 blade. If thats good. I can't remember but i believe that you do not use em with a thermal clutch. but i cannot remember. My stock o.e. fan is a 4 blader.

if you are talking about the metal flex i lite fan, those things are heavier and less efficient than the factory four blade fan. if you are talking about the plastic fan, those things are light as heck, and pull a lot of air, but they are LOUD!!!! even with a shroud. personally i would go with an electric fan, or a thermo clutch fan.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

The six-blade flex fans are pretty light, but the big 7-blade "heavy duty" versions are indeed quite heavy.

 

[tx65coupe]

I know alot of people like electric fans, but for a street car that is basically a cruiser, I would stick with a mechanical fan and add a fan clutch. I have a mechanical fan on mine.

 

[doogie67]

I would like to install a thermal clutch fan on my 67. What clutch do I buy? Does anyone have a part# or the good place to get one?

Thanks in advance.

 

[2+2GT]

Glazier Nolan lists the fan and the clutch in their catalog. With a little care you might find a proper thermal clutch locally, but chances are your local auto parts would need to order the fan anyway. Either way, you should also use a fan shroud with this setup.

 

[tcrote5516]

I am a HUGE fan of electric. Biggest reason: QUICK reves, more responsive. If it was an auto trans, it probibly wouldnt make a difference. But for a 5 speed, I'm a fan (no pun intended)