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 Gen1 electric fan conversion?
#988179
03/02/10 11:14 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 659
OP
Rock Warrior
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I've done a search, but can't find how many cfm's the mechanical fan puts out. I understand it is variable due to the clutch, but I'm guessing it has a max rating at some rpm? If that info doesn't exist, what is the minimum cfm I should look at for electric? Does size matter vs cfm? flex-a-lite says that the general rule of thumb is to cover a minimum of 70% of the radiator. I bought a 16in 2500cfm but was really only guessing as I could not find the answer i was looking for.
Note, I will also be sending in my alt in for an amp upgrade.
'88 Raider. 2.6L dead...2.4L swap in progress, AT, 33's, 2 bouncy seat,AC, CC, 2.25 exh, 2" Tbar, 2" BL, rear DB, rear LSD,4.90's, SW hubs,gen2 uca's, KYB shocks, snorkel, elec fan, MSD.
'99 chev k3500 crewcab
'15 Subaru XV
'03 BMW i325
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 Re: Gen1 electric fan conversion?
[Re: zarktheshark]
#988180
03/02/10 11:48 PM
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,132
Trail Leader
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Starion alternator is a good drop in upgrade. There is a kit on the Starion board to put a chevy alternator in, its a 130 amp unit. I have two 12" 1650 fans that work very well. Old link I went with dual 12" fans from perma-cool for my 4 cyl turbo raider ( 1650 cfm each).
At slow speeds mine does cool better than the factory clutch fan the 4 cyl came with. By this I meen in gear, and under 1200 rpm. The engine driven fan was just turning too slow to move much air.
It was a challange to get them to fit, I notched the radiator frame and mounted them side by side.
At higher RPM's say 2000 or higher so the factory clutch fan seems to work better. I noticed during my smog test that when the motor was held at 2500 rpm the electric fans were not keeping up as well and I was getting some temperature gain, the mechanical fan does not do this.
Then again in real world driving I cant think of any time I would just hold 2500 rpm, not moving an inch for five min.
On the road and actually driving it did not matter what setup I have, they both cool pretty well once assisted by the vehicle moving.
For my setup the electrics worked best when I need them, in gear and moving slowly. On my 87 I did need to put on a larger alternator and upgrade the wire from it.
Also the v6 engine use a larger fan and clutch assy than the 4 cyl setups. So while I was easily able to improve on my setup yours flows more air to start with.
I retrospect the cost benifit of my setup is questionable. It does work but the fans were about $170 for the pair, the alternator (110 amp) was $40 used and there was a fair amount of effort to put it in.
For me a larger clutch fan would have been a better solution. The upside is I do get a small gain in avialible HP and fuel economy.
Then again what mod on any of our vehicles is really justified?
I am adding a pusher fan to my setup for the AC since mine died. The aftermarket fans flow a lot more air than the factory fan so that will help a bit more.
The factory fan is designed to run slower so it lasts longer, it provides enough flow for the AC. I plan on setting mine up to run slowly if its enabled by the AC but bypass the dropping resistor if its the turned on by the engine cooling system.
Kevin
Kevin
87 Turbo Intercooled Raider, roller cam, torsen rear diff, LSD front diff, lockup auto with modified converter, V6 brakes, low transfer case gears...
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Re: Gen1 electric fan conversion?
[Re: zarktheshark]
#988181
03/03/10 03:12 AM
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,727
Web Wheeler
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While your at it upgrade to the V6 skid plate. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />
98 Montero with cold weather package
96 Toyota Land Cruiser, fully locked Mall Machine :-)
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Re: Gen1 electric fan conversion?
[Re: LRJ4x4]
#988182
03/03/10 03:55 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 546
Rock Warrior
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I thought there had been talk of using an older Taurus 3.8 fan assembly. Evidently it was about the right size and being a factory piece for a V6 probably wouldn't have issues keeping a 4cyl cool. I had planned on doing this now that I have the electric fuel pump, but that only pulls 4.5A as opposed to what, 12 or so for an electric fan? I've read a number of horror stories just on this board about aftermarket alternators for these trucks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />
'87 Raider w/rebuilt 2.6
Weber 32/36
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Re: Gen1 electric fan conversion?
[Re: Jamez]
#988183
03/03/10 11:54 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 659
OP
Rock Warrior
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Yeah, I'm looking into that as well. There is an alternator\starter shop near by and I am working with them on the best solution. I'll keep you all informed of the outcome.
'88 Raider. 2.6L dead...2.4L swap in progress, AT, 33's, 2 bouncy seat,AC, CC, 2.25 exh, 2" Tbar, 2" BL, rear DB, rear LSD,4.90's, SW hubs,gen2 uca's, KYB shocks, snorkel, elec fan, MSD.
'99 chev k3500 crewcab
'15 Subaru XV
'03 BMW i325
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Re: Gen1 electric fan conversion?
[Re: zarktheshark]
#988184
03/04/10 12:10 AM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,479
Roll Me Over
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I think Clay has an electric fan on his Gen1. I thought about electric fans but meh, I never had an issue with the mechanical one and with a fresh dizzy seal makes water splashing around a non issue. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Richard E 1989 Montero - Stock-ish 1989 V6 Auto Raider - 5.3 Vortech Swap. 1987 Mitsubishi Starion 2.6t, soon to be 3.5 1983 Honda XL600R 
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Re: Gen1 electric fan conversion?
[Re: StockRaider]
#988185
03/04/10 02:12 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 659
OP
Rock Warrior
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My main motivation is trying to get a few extra HP out of ole 4 banger without going turbo. I will be keeping the mech fan as it works flawlessly and if i don't like the electric fan I can always sell it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Sure I wont get what i paid for it, but i also don't care about that. btw, don't tell my wife I said that <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />
'88 Raider. 2.6L dead...2.4L swap in progress, AT, 33's, 2 bouncy seat,AC, CC, 2.25 exh, 2" Tbar, 2" BL, rear DB, rear LSD,4.90's, SW hubs,gen2 uca's, KYB shocks, snorkel, elec fan, MSD.
'99 chev k3500 crewcab
'15 Subaru XV
'03 BMW i325
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Re: Gen1 electric fan conversion?
[Re: zarktheshark]
#988186
03/04/10 02:36 AM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,242
Body Damage is Cool
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I had an electric fan in my 88 for a little while, and it was a 95 3.8 ford Taurus fan. They are rated at 4500 CFM, so a higher amped alt. is important. I would suggest at least 75 amps. I had to take mine out cause the alternator went out so this was my down fall. Also the Taurus fan I think will have a hard time fitting with only a 2" BL, I had a 3" and it was a tight fit. Horsepower, it didn't make a difference, not a noticeable one anyway. I took a much easier route and just lowered my radiator three inches so I could put my fan shroud back on and have the maximum cooling back. If you want a taurus fan go here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RADIATOR-...=item2c5360674b
!!!!!!!!!!!!!WHAT ABOUT BOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Re: Gen1 electric fan conversion?
[Re: PA_JERO]
#988187
03/04/10 02:33 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,342
Body Damage is Cool
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My v6 1st gen has electric fan and it also has an additional switch to manual turn it on when ever needed to help cool things down.
I know with my k5 blazer the taurus fans was a great option. it fit perfectly and did an awesome job to cool things down.
The size you have sounds good. I personally am a fan of having a dual fan set up with one connected to the thermostat and the other to a switch to manually be turned on/off
91 Montero LS "Sandstorm", Auto, Dual Bouncy Seats, 2" Suspension lift, 2" Body Lift, GENII front IFS, 32" MT tires
89 Raider "Trailbreaker", 3.0, Auto, Dual Bouncy Seats
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Re: Gen1 electric fan conversion?
[Re: PA_JERO]
#988188
03/04/10 02:47 PM
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,132
Trail Leader
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4500 CFM is impressive. My experience is that 3300 (2x 1650) is OK, more is better. I never noticed a large gain. Mostly I wanted low speed cooling and a tiny improvement in fuel economy.
Zark, I really think you need the roller cam from AU and the TPI manifold that goes with it. Although I think if you tried a turbo 2.6 you would be hooked.
I took mine out for a long highway drive yesterday to go look at a wood chipper. I had forgotten how nice it runs at 70+ MPH.
Now to fix the leaky heater core.
Let me know if you are in the Portland area.
Kevin
87 Turbo Intercooled Raider, roller cam, torsen rear diff, LSD front diff, lockup auto with modified converter, V6 brakes, low transfer case gears...
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