Cooling fans, E-fans, and Flex Fans?
08-21-02, 02:34 AM
#1
Cooling fans, E-fans, and Flex Fans?
Okay there has been quite a few threads about E-fans, and the regular fans. Here is yet another option I wanted to discuss. Flex fans. I know that there are some flex fan conversions, and after previous discussions, I am considering that as an option. Any thoughts or experiences?
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08-21-02, 03:00 AM
#4
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Though so, I ran one on my truck for quite some time with good results, though I don't think that it's that big of a concern as to the drag of spinning one, I think everyone's just better off using the stock if it works, then electric/flex from there, electric definatly makes the engine bay cleaner, which is a nice mod, but I don't see any performance increase from it (maybe less depending on how well it flows)
08-21-02, 04:42 AM
#5
Originally posted by SonicRaT
Though so, I ran one on my truck for quite some time with good results, though I don't think that it's that big of a concern as to the drag of spinning one, I think everyone's just better off using the stock if it works, then electric/flex from there, electric definatly makes the engine bay cleaner, which is a nice mod, but I don't see any performance increase from it (maybe less depending on how well it flows)
Though so, I ran one on my truck for quite some time with good results, though I don't think that it's that big of a concern as to the drag of spinning one, I think everyone's just better off using the stock if it works, then electric/flex from there, electric definatly makes the engine bay cleaner, which is a nice mod, but I don't see any performance increase from it (maybe less depending on how well it flows)
08-21-02, 05:40 AM
#7
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I ran a single 'pull' flexalite fan on my rx4 - but went back to the factory clutch fan, due to the water temp going through the roof. I was only running a factory radiator things might have been better if i was running a four core.
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08-21-02, 07:13 AM
#8
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I have 2 issues to discuss with EFANS.
1. 90% of the EFAN installations I have seen are CRAP. The fan is just slapped on the radiator with some zip-strips and the installer sez its done. With this method of installation, you are only drawing air directly thru 60% (at best) of the available surface area. The stock fan and shroud may look hookey as hell and take up room, BUT they draw air thru 100% of the available surface area. Yeah the clutch is expensive but it WORKS!
2. Electrical System concerns: The S4 charging system is marginal at best. Adding another 10-15 FLA of load is only going to make matters worse. Ensure your electrical system is up to snuff. Good grounds, S5 or S6 alternator, high capacity battery.
BASICS, always remember the BASICS.
1. 90% of the EFAN installations I have seen are CRAP. The fan is just slapped on the radiator with some zip-strips and the installer sez its done. With this method of installation, you are only drawing air directly thru 60% (at best) of the available surface area. The stock fan and shroud may look hookey as hell and take up room, BUT they draw air thru 100% of the available surface area. Yeah the clutch is expensive but it WORKS!
2. Electrical System concerns: The S4 charging system is marginal at best. Adding another 10-15 FLA of load is only going to make matters worse. Ensure your electrical system is up to snuff. Good grounds, S5 or S6 alternator, high capacity battery.
BASICS, always remember the BASICS.
08-21-02, 07:32 AM
#9
I'll vouch for that Banzai.
Man does my Flex-a-lite Black Magic draw some major amps. That, with my Headlights, RPM Switch, Ignition Box on I really don't know how my car even stays started without dying on me. This Is with an upgraded S5 Alternator and an additional wire ran to my Alternator.
Even still I think the e- fan Is over rated, as compared to the stock fan.
Finally, on real hot days, the e-fan's temps goes to 3/4 when I'm stepping on the highway, for example. This did not occur, even once, on my stock set up!
Man does my Flex-a-lite Black Magic draw some major amps. That, with my Headlights, RPM Switch, Ignition Box on I really don't know how my car even stays started without dying on me. This Is with an upgraded S5 Alternator and an additional wire ran to my Alternator.
Even still I think the e- fan Is over rated, as compared to the stock fan.
Finally, on real hot days, the e-fan's temps goes to 3/4 when I'm stepping on the highway, for example. This did not occur, even once, on my stock set up!
08-21-02, 08:33 AM
#10
Opinions are like........
Yeah, I agree. Most E-fans installs suck. They are either mounted wrong, wired wrong, shroudless, or the person uses a generic/junkyard fan and expects it to work.
Also, I also think that most overheating problems aren't caused by the fan to begin with.
I regularly bring up this website.
http://unorthodoxracing.com/projrx7.html
Since noone ever comments on it, I am attaching the picture for what a good install should look like.
The electric fans eat 10-20 amps of juice. But they should only be working as needed and cycling properly. Once your moving, other than A/C, the fan should rarely turn on.
Flex fans suck. They have their place helping the cooling systems of trucks and classic cars........ Just don't stand over one while the engine is revving. I can only imagine what happens at 8000rpm on a rotary with a flex fan.
http://www.safetyandsecurity.bcit.ca...dsAutoFans.pdf
Also, I also think that most overheating problems aren't caused by the fan to begin with.
I regularly bring up this website.
http://unorthodoxracing.com/projrx7.html
Since noone ever comments on it, I am attaching the picture for what a good install should look like.
The electric fans eat 10-20 amps of juice. But they should only be working as needed and cycling properly. Once your moving, other than A/C, the fan should rarely turn on.
Flex fans suck. They have their place helping the cooling systems of trucks and classic cars........ Just don't stand over one while the engine is revving. I can only imagine what happens at 8000rpm on a rotary with a flex fan.
http://www.safetyandsecurity.bcit.ca...dsAutoFans.pdf
08-21-02, 09:27 AM
#13
RX-7 Bad Ass
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I've admired the fan install on that Unorthodox project car for a LONG time, and I finally found out where to get that stupid shroud that they're using.
http://www.vintageair.com makes it, and you can buy it directly from them (or so their website says). List on the shroud is $85. They JUST changed so you can order it directly from them - they want you to buy through a Vintage Air dealer, and I've yet to find a Vintage Air dealer that had a website I could order from or anything. Part of the problem here is they cater towards the hot-rod crowd, and a lot of the hot-rod guys still do stuff the "old fashioned" pre-Internet way.
But, Vintage Air makes good stuff.
Dale
http://www.vintageair.com makes it, and you can buy it directly from them (or so their website says). List on the shroud is $85. They JUST changed so you can order it directly from them - they want you to buy through a Vintage Air dealer, and I've yet to find a Vintage Air dealer that had a website I could order from or anything. Part of the problem here is they cater towards the hot-rod crowd, and a lot of the hot-rod guys still do stuff the "old fashioned" pre-Internet way.
But, Vintage Air makes good stuff.
Dale
08-21-02, 10:55 AM
#15
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Dont waste your time on a flex fan. I already did it for you. :-)
Unless you have a custom mount machined up you will never get it on your 7 correctly.
And plus those blades are sharp I cut the crap out of my hands and arms when messing with it.
Unless you have a custom mount machined up you will never get it on your 7 correctly.
And plus those blades are sharp I cut the crap out of my hands and arms when messing with it.
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