So, I decided to go about the e-fan route for my '85 GSL-SE and decided on the 1st Gen Toyota MR2 (1988 to 1989). No idea where people get such deals on them at $20 when I had to shell out $80. Damn junkyard, they really do know how to stick it to someone.

Anyways, I thought I'd post up how the install went for me, along with some pictures. All in all, it wasn't THAT bad, but it did have some problems along the way, like puncturing the old radiator with the drill bit and having to get a new one. Oh well, I needed a new radiator anyways, being the stock one and all.

Before the e-fan install


I ended up getting two thermostat relay kits. The first one cost $25 and was a pre-set on at 185, off at 165. However, the probe in this kit failed miserably and didn't turn the fans on at all. This is a style probe that goes through the radiator core and later on I found out, thanks to Kentetsu, these suck. So, I went back to Pep Boys and picked up another thermostat (adjustable) kit and this one cost $17, and has the metal probe that is layed against the radiator core. This probe, hard to see in any pictures due to being behind the fan shroud and fan blades, is placed in the upper right corner, a couple inches below the top radiator hose. What you see in the picture in that area is the previous kit's probe. However, the new kit's probe is in that same area. With help from gsl-se addict, I was able to figure out how to incorporate the previous relay kit into the cheaper adjustable thermoswitch kit.

So, first off, as far as mounting up the MR2 e-fans to the FB radiator, it's not as easy as one thinks. I had to use an e-fan mounting kit and a couple zip ties to keep it secured against the radiator, nice and tight, to avoid any contact with the engine pulleys. Looking back now, I should've trimmed the top and bottom edges of the fan shroud to make it easier for them to sit more flush against the radiator.


I did have to cut the left tab on the charcoal canister and bracket in order for the right fan shroud to have clearance.


As far as clearance issues, the only issue I have is the smog pump pulley bolts. They are about 1cm, yes CENTIMETER, away from the right fan motor. And, obviously during driving, the fan does rock back because I see a light scuff mark on it. Nothing bad, just a scuff.


And, amazingly, the A/C belt doesn't get in the way of the fan motor at all. Altho, I don't run my belt, however I did put it on to test clearance. Only issue is that I would have to secure that drain hose from the left fan motor to avoid contact with the belt.


And, the best solution I've found for the water pump neck was to use the bolts from the fan/fan clutch. Sure, it's a tight fit, but not bad considering the amount of stuff under an -SE's hood.

The end result? After using a mechanic temperature gauge to test the coolant and adjusting the fans, I have my fans, both of them, come on at about 7 degrees above 185. The thermoswitch kit cools it down until it reaches about 160, IIRC, then shuts the fans off. The engine definitely feels smoother in acceleration, which is a plus, and the fans give the engine bay a nice looking appearance. Which, wish I could say the same for the wiring strewn across the radiator. Later on, I'll look into buying some wire loom, but for now, zip-ties and spiral wire wrap will suffice.

 

Sorry about the difficult install man. I have to remember that I got rid of the A/C and air pump, so I've got a bit more room to work with. Glad the controller is working for you.

 

Here is a picture I didn't have room to upload for, but this is why I had to cut the tab on the charcoal canister. As you can see, that one tab is in the way. So, out came the angle grinder!


And, as far as the wiring for the thermoswitch kit, I did use Aaron Cake's website, very bottom wiring diagram, for help.
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/efaninstall.htm

 

Looks good man!

 

Did you really need the eFan?

 

Yes. That stock fan clutch was on its way out anyways. With this new setup, my engine is running a tad cooler compared to stock. I've read a lot of writeups and threads on the e-fan. Thanks to Ian who showed me a thread that had proof that an e-fan is the way to go. Plus, working on your car is fun!

 

Post a link to that thread man!!!!

 

I run the 3.8l taurus fan. Do you consider yours superior in any way? Worth changing to?

 

i don't know if its superior but they sure do kick *** hard core!!!! you can get away with just one and the run the other during hard driving!

 

What year? Does it fit without modifing the water pump pulley?

 

Clears just fine with a little trimming, almost looks stock. Gotta use low speed, the high speed draws too much current.

 

I think the MR2 fans must fit the SA radiators better. I just drilled a couple of holes on the top of each side of the fan shrouds and bolted it to existing mounts on the radiator. The shroud top edge sits on the radiator lip for extra support. Of course I have no AC or air pump, just the water pump and alternator. Looks like a good install. I have both my fans wired up and on full time except in 4th and 5th gear when the get switched off automagically. Heres mine:

 

Mine mounted the same way that T G Farrel's did. Maybe your new radiator is a little bit different?

Also, I think you may be running the fans down to too low of a temperature. What temp of thermostat are you running? If you run the coolant temps down too far below the thermostat setpoint, your whole cooling system will end up fighting with itself.

I ran only one of the fans for two years, and never had an issue with temps even during hot day autocrosses. I wasn't aware that there was a high speed/low speed setting on these fans. By the force of the air when they kick on, I figure I must be running on high speed...

 

They are single speed. The previous poster was referring to the Ford Taurus efan I think which is two speed and most folks run it on low.

 

How are you getting it to shut off in 4th gear :P

 

What year fan?

 

I ran the trigger wire for the relays thru the circuit that exists on all 1st gen manuals that breaks the circuit when you go into 4rth or 5th gear. The FSM transmission section mentions these. Maybe I should write it up but it's pretty easy to do.

 

yeah please elaborate on this!

 

I'll do a writeup on it. I haven't done one in awhile and this is one everyone will enjoy that has electric fans. Look for it next week sometime, kind of busy this week.

 

But your fans run full time other than when you are in 4th/5th gears, right?

 

Yes. It is pure awesomeness/genius. I couldn't believe it until he showed me.

 

Sounds like a good idea for a street driven ride!

 

I went with the MR2 because I like the look of dual e-fans. Kentetsu's setup caught my eye and I wanted to have a different look. I have both fans running at 190 degrees (I believe, I need to install this aftermarket temp gauge) and during highway driving, they don't even come on. Only during city driving will they come on briefly.

 

Yep, I'm working on using a temp switch in the top of the SA radiator that replaces the temp switch thats there. Its rated for 0 degrees. I'm looking around for some that makes the circuit at ~180 degrees or therabouts and I want find it cheap. The usual 1st gen cost structures in place So for now its on full time unless I'm in 4th or 5th. My reasoning is that by the time I'm in those gears air velocity thru the radiator exceeds anything the fans can pull.

 

All you have to do is read the manual on occasion. Any fool could figure it out. I was just foolish enough to try it Thanks Stu.