Need some input on the conversion of my fan to electric.
F150 4.9 auto
I've read about this conversion in the past but would like a more recent update on the where, what , and how. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Trying to nurse a little more horsepower out of this girl.
Have already installed a 3" manifold back flowmaster including cat,
K&N filter, Hypertech power chip, and Blaster coil. Like the improvment but could always use a little more. Not quite ready to go internal. Thanx and the info is much enjoyed.

 

If you use your AC much, then I would not recommend the
electric conversion. IMO

 

No A\C

 

That 3"exhaust is hurting your power more than it's helping. It's REALLY gonna hurt your low-end torque, and I'm not sure the fan will help you because that'll be a greater load on the altinator (sp?).

 

The 3" is definitely an improvement over the stock configuration.
Pulls plenty good down under but I will admit that below 1800 RPM the power & Torque does drop off pretty quickly but driving the RPM can over come this and top end power is mucho improvo. In this case with the power chip the 3" does seem to get the extra bit I was looking 4. Sometimes wish I had the older engine because of the ease to hop up and the limitations of the fuel injection but then I go for a drive and boot it and I guess I'll live with it. I Believe new Injectors of a Larger size and a proper cam match as well as a reprograming of the brain box would help me but the cost and lack of expertise makes me think twice.

 

I have a fair amount of recent experience with electric fans. Unless you're having cooling problems with the stock clutch fan I'm not sure you'll be all that happy with an electric. Most single electric fans don't move as much air as your stock clutch fan and you have to think about the extra wiring you're going to need. I have a mini-van that I converted to V8 and I have two electric fans (a puller and a pusher) - you'll have to use either a probe thermostat in the radiator (not the best option imho) or a cylinder head mounted thermostat (Painless wiring). You also need to wire it to your AC compressor power wire so the fans run when you turn on the AC. Thirdly you will probably want a manual switch on the dash which allows you to override the fans altogether if you want to. (I don't really want the fans running when I'm using the defroster on a 10 degree morning) The only reason I'm even using electric fans is that there just isn't room for my stock clutch fan on this van - particularly with the custom five core radiator. One more thing is that you have to make sure you have a good shroud - the most powerful electric fans (PermaCool) don't come with them - you have to fabricate. Bottom line - unless you really have to, I wouldn't fool with electric fans.

Kris in Augusta

 

I have thought about that idea too. I don't have the factory air considering in 78 it wasn't a really cheap option. So would like 3 puller fans from a cavalier or other small car work? I would like to get some more power. And what the heck kind of minivan did you put a V-8 in!?

 

I have a 95 Cougar 4.6 ( T-Birds are the same) . It came factory
equipped with an electric fan. It never overheats, and I live in Phoenix, AZ where 110 degree days are common.I believe it's wired so the fan is energized by a themostat and the A/C. You might consider retro-fitting one of these units.

 

Sounds like I've been pretty much convinced that maybe this was not the best way to gain not a lot of power and a lot of trouble and difficulty instead. Thanx much for the advice. It will be heeded.

 

78 4x4 Thunder, I'd like to tell you about my V8 mini-van but a few of our friends on here still think Henry's the only one building cars. PM me and I'll fill you in if you like.

Kris

 

I got a 94 f150 4.9 5spd 4x4, that I converted to electric fan. I found that it was super easy and well worth it if you have any cold temps. It is great for fast warm ups, especially when the temps drop below -30c (like its been for the past 2weeks). I also tow my 26ft (4600lbs) travel trailer in summer, with no overheat problems. I still even run the stock 2 core rad.

As for the fan get one from a early (87 or so) pontiac 6000, they are completely shroud fans and fit almost perfect. Got it for $5 at the local pick your own. Bosch relay and switch from NAPA, wired to come on with ignition or manually turn off, hooked to my second battery, which is only supplied with 2 amps from the battery isolator (same load on ALT).

I didn't notice any major difference hp wise, but spool up times were quicker (neutral revs). It definitly didn't gain the 10 to 15 hp some of the kits claim to provide.

But having a quieter engine and fast warm ups was worth it!