2nd Generation Specific 1986-1992 Discussion

Electric Fan Vs. Stock Clutch

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Old Aug 2, 2003 | 03:02 AM
  #1  
Streetrally's Avatar
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Well, I've noticed that a lot of people here have converted to an electric fan in favor of their old school stock fan. My question is does it really make a difference, or is it more for cosmetics? As for the horsepower argument, doesn't it just put more resistance on your altornator (sp?) and thus take away hp from there? As for cooling, I've heard that the stock fan cools nicely; does someone have numerical data rather than, "I think my gauge is a bit lower".



Thanks for the info!
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 04:38 AM
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I can't say that I've felt much of a noticable affect by switching to an electric fan other than more engine compartment space which makes it easier to wrench since the big cumbersome shroud is no longer in the way. My water temps seem to stay consistant to what they were with the stock clutch fan vs the black magic e-fan.
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 04:48 AM
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I put an e/fan in more for looks than anything else plus it looks neater..
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 04:52 AM
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Theres arguements that say that the stock clutch fan and shroud ( if in good working order ) will cool better than e-fans.



While this may be true, my Black Magic fan in conjunction with a Koyo radiator keeps my car below 190 almost all the time. And Im not easy on it either

I dont even have that underbelly plastic piece that everyone says is SO important to keep your temps cool.
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by adamlewis' date='Aug 2 2003, 01:52 AM
I dont even have that underbelly plastic piece that everyone says is SO important to keep your temps cool.
LOL maybe thats why i overheated... i figured that was important (goes to jack the car back up and put that on.... lol thanks for the warning because i was gonna not put that back on
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 11:19 AM
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it won't make a difference unless you are actually DRIVING at speed. Basically it keeps all that nice cool air from bouncing off the radiator and going straight down under the car. At idle it won't make a difference.
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 11:59 AM
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yea that factor came to me after i posted that
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 01:14 PM
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Well most ppl just put an Efan w/o a shroud, thats where they go wrong.
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 03:14 PM
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the clutch fan only works when it has to, and when it's free spinning it might use 1/2 of 1 hp. For the reliablility factor to me there is no comparison.



The only reason I'd consider it is because it's a little easier to work on the motor w/o the shroud, but as far as performance goes i'd be suprised if anyone has seen a noticable difference in power by switching, unless their clutch was sticking.



I switched, then after a thermostat burnt up, and a relay went bad I switched back. And haven't had to think about my temp since.



I do believe that a e-fan w/ a shround can keep your car cool during traffic (whitch is about the only time you really use any fan) but it is impossible for it to pull as much air as the stock setup.



on another note, without haveing a e-fan to pull 15 amps from my alternator, I switched to underdrive pulleys, which made a very noticable difference. If you guys are lookin for a couple more hp, Just go w/ some underdrive pullies (unless you have a huge sound system, in which case your probably not too worried about a couple hp anyways) costs the same.
Old Aug 2, 2003 | 11:36 PM
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i just took off my fan and shroud, replaced it with an e-fan. so far it has worked flawlessly(knock on wood) and the fan only pulls 1700cfm. but i replaced my radiator when i did this. and my old one was fugged . it had gunk all over the back of it and was rusted. nehoo its all good



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