IMO a properly designed and working mechanical fan with a clutch and proper shroud provides the best cooling. Usually the reason for moving to an electric fan against the radiator is lack of engine bay space. If you have the room there should be no reason to go to electric and if you do you should actually keep the shroud and place the fan in the shroud opening to maximize the surface area that its drawing air through the radiator. a round fan right up against a square radiator is obviously not pulling air over the entire surface. Heat and electronics dont mix.

 

I think you are right Jules. The OEM ones are designed to fit, work and last.

My Flatty cools just fine with the stock 6 blade and shroud. If I were to go electric it would be from one of the automotive manufacturers. I'd also have to go 12 volt and alternator to do it though.

I also agree with AZFX4. What one does depends on that particular build. I'm staying mechanical UNLESS I have no room.

 

My fan shroud is custom built for my application. It was made of 18 ga. stainless steel which was being scrapped by a local company that does stainless fabrication for food service. It was fairly simple to build and the only special tool that I used was a bead roller to stiffen the part that surrounds the fan. I use lots of poster board and particle board for patterns. A little time on my buffer gave the shine before I assembled it.







The clutch fan I picked up at a local pull-a-part. I find that if I spend the time to look, I can find parts that are fairly new. The clutch for the fan appeared to be new.

Probably not much help regarding your question.

 

Thanks Drewski 2, all good information. It looks like I may also have to go that route.

 

Great looking shroud! Nice job!