Electric Fan Conversion?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
Electric Fan Conversion?
Soooooo here we go. As my truck is in the shop getting a power steering redo, i was given a list of other problems. One is that the mechanical fan was replaced with some cheep a** small one that makes "less" noise? Needless to say, it also moves almost no air around which equals POINTLESS! So the guy at the shop said to go for an electric set up.
1974 F250 4X4 390
So what i need to know is
1) Good fans
2) Do i go withy a single or double setup
3) And directions on how to wire up etc
Thanks
1974 F250 4X4 390
So what i need to know is
1) Good fans
2) Do i go withy a single or double setup
3) And directions on how to wire up etc
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
I'll suggest you improve the mechanical fan. New or new used fan and new or added fan clutch. You will spend less money and get more air flow that way.
I just upgraded the fan on my '78/400M. It had a 4 blade and no clutch. A new 6 blade fan from Autozone, new Hayden clutch from NAPA, a 1" spacer and 4 studs from the hardware store got it fixed up. More air when needed and quieter most of the time.
You need a very large and expensive electric fan powered by a big alternator to come close to the capacity of a mechanical.
I just upgraded the fan on my '78/400M. It had a 4 blade and no clutch. A new 6 blade fan from Autozone, new Hayden clutch from NAPA, a 1" spacer and 4 studs from the hardware store got it fixed up. More air when needed and quieter most of the time.
You need a very large and expensive electric fan powered by a big alternator to come close to the capacity of a mechanical.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
You decide......
Lincoln Mark VIII electric fan: $40 at the JY
Electric fan controller: $140 from The Fan Man or SPAL
130-amp 3G alternator retrofit: +/- $30 for the alt, $10 for the megafuse, $10 for cable and heat shrink.
Info & resources:
Electric Fan Conversion Using the Notorious Lincoln Mark VIII Fan - FordMuscle
Mark VIII & SPAL V3 - Page 2
Mark VIII Fan Install in a 1972 Chevy C10 Truck
Dual fans are easier to wire.
A single two-speed fan take a bit more head scratching.
The 3G alternator swap is a no-brainer IMO.
Lincoln Mark VIII electric fan: $40 at the JY
Electric fan controller: $140 from The Fan Man or SPAL
130-amp 3G alternator retrofit: +/- $30 for the alt, $10 for the megafuse, $10 for cable and heat shrink.
Info & resources:
Electric Fan Conversion Using the Notorious Lincoln Mark VIII Fan - FordMuscle
Mark VIII & SPAL V3 - Page 2
Mark VIII Fan Install in a 1972 Chevy C10 Truck
Dual fans are easier to wire.
A single two-speed fan take a bit more head scratching.
The 3G alternator swap is a no-brainer IMO.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
From: Killeen,Tx
I just recently did the 3G alt and electric fan swap, All for less than $100. Couldn't be happier with it. Do yourself a favor and just check it out.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...g-upgrade.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ctric-fan.html
Vince
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...g-upgrade.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ctric-fan.html
Vince
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
Ok so here is my latest thought. So my auto parts guy is getting me a fan to look at 2moro. Its a 2 speed out of a 94 Ford taurus. Its top speed is almost 5000 CFM's. Low speed is at 2500 ish. Sounds good to me. Will also have a temp probe that turns the fan on at 180 and shuts off below 160 i believe. It requires a big relay and a smaller one for the high low. I like the sound of it. The fan new runs 150 i believe....
And as for the ALT, the mechanic is figuring out the best one for me as I type this
And as for the ALT, the mechanic is figuring out the best one for me as I type this
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
the Taurus fans are nice, a lot of them find their way into fox body Mustangs. The cfm's they throw out are great compared to an expensive aftermarket piece and using the thermo switch will be a lot cheaper than some Spal controller. Good Luck
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
I agree with "Blue and White", good mechanical fan. I'v used flex fans,fiberglass fans single and double electric pushers and pullers. A good six blade fan clutch will work when you need it and is quieter , no extra heavy wire and relays to give future problems. That's just me,you do what ever turns you on ._____
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Rusty Roller
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 5
From: Santa Cruz Mountains
429ci 78 F250 4x4
3x on the mechanical fan w/clutch. I did the "up-grade" using the Lincoln 2sp fan and on high I ran hotter; with it running all the time! Put my 5 blade w/clutch back on and temps returned to normal.
I do have the 4 row extra cooling radiator so maybe that has something to do with the air flow but it sure didn't work for me.
I was surprised that it didn't work that's for sure....
3x on the mechanical fan w/clutch. I did the "up-grade" using the Lincoln 2sp fan and on high I ran hotter; with it running all the time! Put my 5 blade w/clutch back on and temps returned to normal.
I do have the 4 row extra cooling radiator so maybe that has something to do with the air flow but it sure didn't work for me.
I was surprised that it didn't work that's for sure....
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
Likes: 11
From: West Virginia
Another vote for a good mechanical fan. I feel like I've been a broken record lately, but basically no electric fan can compete with the mechanical fan and shroud on CFM's. Its dead simple, very reliable, and super cheap too. Electric fans draw a lot of power and they are susceptible to water damage. The power they draw means more stress on your alternator system.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
1) If you are not having cooling problems, why mess with it? Stock mechanical, yes.
2) If you just want an electric fan, upgraded alternator, the Taurus fan is a great system.
I have nothing against electric fans, just have never had the need to go that route.
2) If you just want an electric fan, upgraded alternator, the Taurus fan is a great system.
I have nothing against electric fans, just have never had the need to go that route.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
Ok so after alot of thought and talking to 70's ford owners around me, i went and got the 2 speed fan from the taurus. Now my mechanic wants a electronic system that can adjust the fan speed etc. Whats a good control system?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
ha... ha... funny! But yea i found a spal one. Do they work well for the price?