Electric Fans
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 10
From: Green Springs, OH
I was going to put an electric in my 77 with a 400. I was changing radiator from a 3 row to a 4 row and thought an electric would look nice in there. so I called flex-a-lite tech and asked how much cfm I needed to cool my new radiator. Well guess what he said. You would be better off to stay with the belt drive fan because the electric fans cannot push or pull hard enough through the 4 row radiators. So I just stayed with the stock fan. Just thought I would throw that out there.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Heck, I made mine for probably $50 total cost. Got the fans for $25 at a junkyard, relays and fuse holders, and some aluminum. Work great. Have them run directly off a switch on the dash though. Lots of times I just leave them off. Big radiator keeps it cool.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 321
Likes: 1
From: Arcade, Georgia
OK, I guess I'll throw my two cents in here. On my project '74 Explorer (302 w/ A/C) it will eventually have an electric fan. I have been running electric fans on my old Datsun 280 ZX (street cruising, mountain blasting and track use) as well as a couple of other projects for several years. It uses less power than the stereo I am putting into the truck (yes, it will have an upgraded alternator when the stereo gets installed) and if you shop around and study, you can get the one that has the thermostat switch. That is the kind you really need. It can run to the temp you set it at and has the option of turning it on manually as well (for cool down in the pits with my Z).
My main reason for putting it in Old Blue??? Clean up the engine compartment to show off some of the hard work I am doing with the engine and body. Its useful, performs well and attractive.
My main reason for putting it in Old Blue??? Clean up the engine compartment to show off some of the hard work I am doing with the engine and body. Its useful, performs well and attractive.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Vans always ran hot tho, not much air space or circulation in that doghouse. In a truck an electric is not required unless you drive in deep water.
Replacing lights with LEDs does lower the electrical load a very slight amount but not enuf to run a e-fan.
Replacing lights with LEDs does lower the electrical load a very slight amount but not enuf to run a e-fan.
