Going electric
New User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: us
Going electric
Just wondering has anyone here tried an electric fan setup
on there trucks, I read somewhere you could gain a relitive
large amount of horse power by doing this ( 20 +). I think
it was a hot rod mag comparison but can not find it again.
Would an eletric fan be able to keep my 390 cool its basicly
stock with a 4v carb intake and Headders. Let me know what
you all think Thanks
on there trucks, I read somewhere you could gain a relitive
large amount of horse power by doing this ( 20 +). I think
it was a hot rod mag comparison but can not find it again.
Would an eletric fan be able to keep my 390 cool its basicly
stock with a 4v carb intake and Headders. Let me know what
you all think Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 962
Likes: 2
From: Collierville, TN
Going electric
I wouldn't recommend it. Engine-driven fans are very efficient at low rpms, and only present a significant drag on HP at higher rpms. Electric fans are great on small engines that don't need a whole lot of cooling, and that tend to operate at high revs. Truck engines, however, tend to operate at lower revs, where the electric fans don't offer any performance gains.
In addition, big block motors need lots of cooling. I don't think anyone makes an electric fan that would move enough air for an AC-equipped 390 on a hot summer day.
Your best bet is to go with a good flex fan and a performance fan clutch. That combination will give you adequate air flow at idle to keep your 390 cool, and still not suck off too much power when you do wind it up a bit.
In addition, big block motors need lots of cooling. I don't think anyone makes an electric fan that would move enough air for an AC-equipped 390 on a hot summer day.
Your best bet is to go with a good flex fan and a performance fan clutch. That combination will give you adequate air flow at idle to keep your 390 cool, and still not suck off too much power when you do wind it up a bit.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Ranger
Going electric
I use a 17" Electric fan on my Rebuilt 390. I think it works great. As far as horsepower gains, I couldn't say. I am able to peel tires off of my truck if I keep my foot on the pedal. I used a 19" Flex fan for a short while but did not like the sound it made at higher RPM's (Kind of like a sick Jet engine). The only time my baby heats up is at idle, then it takes about 20 minutes for it to get to 200 degrees. I set the fan thermostat to 190 degrees just in case. I like it alot. I know an engine idleing is not moving 1700 CFM of air through the engine compartment. I debated whether or not to install 2 smaller fan versus 1 large fan, but with my 4 core radiator, the large fan seems to be plenty. Also, I do not run A/C on this truck. I suppose all bets would be off if I ran an electric fan with A/C. Other than that, it's one of the best $100.00 I have spent in a while.
