2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
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Old 11-19-06, 05:23 PM
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e-fan.

can i hook the my aftermarket e-fan to the electric fan infront of the radiator?( or what ever that little fan is.) or do i really have to get the fuse and the relay stuff.. ? im not good with hooking up relays.. ( dont understand them )
Old 11-19-06, 09:19 PM
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you should read the FAQ for FC sticky thread, it has a whole bunch of stuff on E-fans and yes you will need a thermo-switch, relay and fuse or circuit breaker. If you don't understand them, you should be sticking with the (better than anything aftermarket) stock fan.
Old 11-19-06, 09:24 PM
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cant i just use the stock thermo switch?

Last edited by tandolla; 11-19-06 at 09:49 PM.
Old 11-19-06, 10:07 PM
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* the green wire * ?
Old 11-19-06, 10:52 PM
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no, the stock temp switch feeds the ECU. It is not a On/Off switch for a fan
Old 11-19-06, 10:54 PM
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Originally Posted by tandolla
cant i just use the stock thermo switch?
No you can't, it's a non-adjustable 207degF switch, which is completely wrong for this application. You need to use a quality adjustable thermoswitch, and you have to use a relay and fuse. Like Mark said, if this stuff is beyond you and you're not prepared to spend some time learning it, then leave it alone or pay someone else to do it. Most e-fan problems are caused by bad installs, and taking short-cuts with the wiring can lead to an electrical fire or an overheated engine.

Why do you actually want to do this?
Old 11-19-06, 11:57 PM
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wouldnt it be wise to get a stronger alternator? no?

jimmy
Old 11-20-06, 12:05 AM
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NZConvertible : I'm new here, so I'm not wishing to rock the boat. But it's quite feasable to run a e-fan with the stock fc thermo switch. Atleast with an 89 jap import

Used the switch (back of water pump housing/neck) as a negative switching device. to trigger a E-fan through a relay. Works perfectly.
Old 11-20-06, 12:33 AM
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^ Oh boy here we go.
Old 11-20-06, 01:17 AM
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well how come my fan infront of my radiator.. ( behind bumber ) will turn on when that thermo wire is not pluged in.. but then when it is pluged in it doesnt turn on till heat temps get high? i am willing to learn this iwas actually taking time to understand it and i know how to install all the stuff.. just need a thermo switch to get it to work... so there is nothing i can use on the factory motor to get it to work? * i am willing to spend the money just would not like to.. * lol i guess i would never like to spend money but hey.

so can i get this thermo - switch instock at a Shucks or do i need to special order one for my specific vehicle?
Old 11-20-06, 02:28 AM
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iceblue : Did I say something wrong?

My setup is wired.

85 - thermo switch (refering to the single spade(?) terminal switch on waterpump housing in an s5 turbo)
30 - 12v
86 - Ignition source
87 - Fan
Old 11-20-06, 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by calrx7
wouldnt it be wise to get a stronger alternator? no?

jimmy
Pretty much manditory as well, but there are people running without it.

Of course when the E fan is on, on these cars without upgraded alts and the volts are dropping under 13.5, then the spark is weaker and power is down with emissions up anyway.

Last edited by Icemark; 11-20-06 at 10:48 AM.
Old 11-20-06, 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Worm Burner
iceblue : Did I say something wrong?

My setup is wired.

85 - thermo switch (refering to the single spade(?) terminal switch on waterpump housing in an s5 turbo)
30 - 12v
86 - Ignition source
87 - Fan
The switch on would be way too high... you want the fan to come on 20F lower than it is with that set up.

+ 20F is pretty sizeable temp range.
Old 11-20-06, 10:45 AM
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so can i get this thermo - switch instock at a Shucks or do i need to special order one for my specific vehicle?

Why do you actually want to do this?
i got a free dual e-fan and i want it in so i can free up the cluter look of the engine bay.. . looks alot better now.
Old 11-20-06, 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by tandolla
i got a free dual e-fan and i want it in so i can free up the cluter look of the engine bay.. . looks alot better now.
Compared other cars I've seen, the 7's engine bay isn't cluttered.
Old 11-20-06, 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by tandolla
so can i get this thermo - switch instock at a Shucks or do i need to special order one for my specific vehicle?



i got a free dual e-fan and i want it in so i can free up the cluter look of the engine bay.. . looks alot better now.
Just be aware that if you follow through with this you may be sacrificing a well working cooling system for a less efficient system resulting in possible over-heating issues and engine damage. All for a less "cluttered" engine bay.

I don't know what fan you have so I'm not saying it WILL be less efficient but it IS a strong possibility. The stock shroud and clutch fan work very well and unless they are broken I would reconsider what you are attempting.
Old 11-20-06, 04:07 PM
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.. alright well guys im pretty sure if this fan can cool off a 11 second car.. im pretty sure it can cool mine.. **!!! CAN I GET A UNIVERSAL FAN SWITCH OR DO I NEED TO GET ONE SPECIFIC FOR MY ****** VEHICLE!!** i have asked this 3 times and i have not recieved an answer..
Old 11-20-06, 04:18 PM
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Universal.

See writeup:
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/efaninstall.htm

This is also covered in the FAQ.
Old 11-20-06, 04:27 PM
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What kind of gains can you see from removing the mechanical fan on a typical modified rotary? i know its probably really low, but is it even worth the swap from mech to e-fan for most people?
Old 11-20-06, 04:33 PM
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i have hears it is less then 1hp
Old 11-20-06, 04:35 PM
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aaron i bought a universal Thermo Fan switch,. but it does not penitrate into the radiator.. ( didnt relize this till i get home. ) should i take it back and get one that i have to thread into the readiator?
Old 11-20-06, 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Icemark
The switch on would be way too high... you want the fan to come on 20F lower than it is with that set up.

+ 20F is pretty sizeable temp range.
So kicking in at 197.6 and switching off again at 188.6 is to high? (I work in celcius 92-87).

The biggest bitch about installing a thermo Fan was since I've removed the stock shroud I don't have that handy place to put my tools anymore.
Old 11-20-06, 04:46 PM
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HHAHAA i was thinking that last night.. i was like "**** i have no where to put my damn tools any more "
Old 11-20-06, 05:12 PM
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Originally Posted by FCKing1995
What kind of gains can you see from removing the mechanical fan on a typical modified rotary? i know its probably really low, but is it even worth the swap from mech to e-fan for most people?
Actually, it only results in net losses. The energy used in converting rotational energy to electrical energy to rotational energy by going electric is larger than the losses in the slight drag of the disengaged clutch fan.

Furthermore, due to the fact that an e-fan is either on/off or very discretely stepped, it provides a less stable temperature than the clutch fan, whose viscous lockup is proportional to the heat of the system.

Also, it is not an inexpensive task, since it requires a better alternator, a fan controller and, obviously, the e-fan.

Therefore, unless you either require the engine room for some reason or are unable to use and unable to replace your stock fan, the e-fan is not an upgrade.
Old 11-20-06, 06:03 PM
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why do you need a fan controller?


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