I just wanted to ask what you guys would recommend for flow rate on a electric fan for a mildly modded 360 used mostly for daily driving and weekend fun. Thanks

 

At least 5k+ cfm.

 

You really think he needs that much Seth? Gtex is running the Flex-a-lite 150 and it is 2800cfm. I have the same fan and am planning to install it soon. My flex fan with no shroud does not do the trick. This is another area where you really can't over do it though. If they made a 5,000cfm fan that was affordable and dependable i would be all over it. Flex-a-lite also makes a dual 13.5" fan that flows 4600cfm. It is over $300 I think.

 

Admittantly, I tend to estimate high, especially when somebody says "weekend playing". I am shocked to hear Gtex is getting away with running only a 2800cfm fan on his motor! Wasn't he having cooling problems?

 

He thought he had problems. Turned out to be a bad guage. This summer we will find out for sure but right now he says it is staying nice and cool. The way I see it is that with a regular fan and shroud you wouldn't be pulling near the air at idle as the electric fans would. At 60MPH the flex fan would probably out do the electric but you rarely need a fan going that fast anyway.

 

What Sean said.

So far so good. It's real stable. But I have not seen AC usage or Texas summer heat yet. I'm optimistic, it will work. Things usually got hot when running the AC and sitting in traffic during the summer. Here is where the electric will shine. I think by actually having a slightly smaller footprint, it will help the flow through at higher speeds.

I just liked the build style, mounting style and built in shroud of this 15" Flex-A-Lite. It's the Black Magic model.


I also relocated the tranny cooler to the back of the cab, between the frame and the edge of the cab. I had a motorcycle radiator with an electric fan laying around. The fan fit perfect. oops, that's another 12v gizmo....anyway, I didn't want to have the AC cooler, radiator and tranny cooler all stacked together. My AC cooler is almost as big as the radiator.

http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/69f250/tc.htm


Of course, there is a lot of Greg engineering in all of this, and most of you have seen where that's got me :-) $$$$$

 

I know allot of guys who had cooling problems with a @3kcfm fan after they went to it. But to be honest, some of that was assuredly due to other less than optimum conditions in their cooling system. Having everything else in peak condition really helps...and will let you get by with a smaller fan. Most folks don't have the rest of their cooling system in top shape, or their not running a four core which is why the smaller fans have troubles. I'm still surprised Greg is getting by with a small fan on his 466 though...maybe its the cooling factor of driving 100+

 

I think a lot of it has to do wit the vehicle. In particular, how much breathing room is under the hood. These old trucks have a lot of room. I do have an all new engine, water pump, and 4 core radiator to help. I do think my heater core needs to be replaced. Heater ain't workin' very well at all.

BTW, it's just a 446, at least for now :-)

Seriously though, it holds steady at 190ish whether on the highway at 3400rpm or piddling in traffic. I even backed of the temp sensor trigger point.

 

My fan install is waiting for flex-a-lite to send me four new threaded rods because the ones they gave me were stripped and had plier marks on them. The built in shroud is worth a lot I think. I have a new 4 core and am planning on getting an edelbrock pump when I feel I need it or after I get everything else up to snuff.

 

ScottJM,

Before going with any e-fan...make sure your cooling is in excellent condition. Especially the radiator...a 3 core will work, but it needs to be clean inside (and out) with no blocked tubes. Afterall, the radiator is what cools the engine and the fan cools the radiator.

Ok with all that out of the way...the #295 flex-a-lite is probably the best bet. Thus far, mine has not needed the 100% cooling speed yet. Of course...I do not have A/C either.

Cool features for the #295:
* Built in variable speed control module with adjustable thermostat, A/C relay and manual switch connection

* Variable speed control operates the fan from 60% - 100%

* Airflow flaps allow maximum ram air cooling while fan is not operating

Unless you go with a complete setup from Be Cool. That includes a side flowing radiator and 16" e-fan. Rated for over 500-600hp. Nice setup, but $cost$ a lot too. Plus that will need a little more fab work for the install on the radiator.

Personnally my setup works very well. Griffin alum radiator (top to bottom flow...like original); Edelbrock alum water pump; Flex-a-lite #295.

Me too! Hope it does work out...but as it has already been said, prior condition of the cooling system plays a big role...and Gtex has his in "tip top condition"! Will be interesting...

 

if you want to buy new , 'Black Max', if you just want something that works any toyota front wheel drive electric fan not only works well but you can even make two fit with out much work , and they work good, i had trouble keeping my tow truck cool under load untill i tried them, and they seem to last forever, good luck , bob