3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

How to wire Spal fans in standard harness

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 28, 2012 | 07:27 AM
  #1  
metalCORE's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Germany
How to wire Spal fans in standard harness

Hey folks,

i just want to replace my genuine fans with 2 Spal ones, just wondering as the Spal just have two pins (12V, ground i guess...), if there is any chance to put these into the OEM 4 pin harness and use them just as the standard fans...

I have an Apexi pfc, so i have set different switching moments anyway, but i guess i will have to use any of the 4 relays(up to all 4) to keep this function...?

I'm no electrician, so perhaps any of you have already went this route and could tell me which wires to use...
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2012 | 07:39 AM
  #2  
djseven's Avatar
Eh
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (56)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,553
Likes: 344
From: Nashville, TN
Factory fans are a better option but do what you will. Sorry I didnt help you with your question but put the factory fans back on and be happy.
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2012 | 07:47 AM
  #3  
DaleClark's Avatar
RX-7 Bad Ass
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (56)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,622
Likes: 2,724
From: Pensacola, FL
I agree. The Spal fans will be MUCH louder, draw more current, and have a short life expectancy. Had friends with FC's try them back in the day, they're terrible.

The stock fans fit fine, flow a lot of air, are quiet, and do everything you need. Don't fix something that isn't broken.

Dale
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2012 | 11:34 AM
  #4  
turbojeff's Avatar
Do it right, do it once
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (30)
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 4,830
Likes: 14
From: Eugene, OR, usa
Not just jump on the bandwagon, a big problem with FDs especially is people modifying things with a lesser quality parts then wondering why they have so much trouble with them. The stock fans are what you need.
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2012 | 02:28 PM
  #5  
cptpain's Avatar
Torqueless Wonder
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,020
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Im sure you can simply replace the OEM fan motors from Ray.


I cant stand aftermarket parts that are of lesser quality than OEM.

There should be absolutely NO REASON for you to go with aftermarket fans when there is absolutely no need for it.... the OEM fans fit in anyway you have your cooling system setup.

Would you want your car sounding like a hair dryer? or would you rather hear the noise of your exhaust?
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2012 | 03:31 PM
  #6  
jkstill's Avatar
Searching for 10th's
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 42
From: Portland OR
Originally Posted by cptpain
Im sure you can simply replace the OEM fan motors from Ray.
+1 for replacing the OEM fan motors - pretty easy to do, and less $$ than Spal fans.

As for the noise, I have a 9" Spal fan on my IC to help cool down after autox runs, and it makes more noise than the stock radiator fans.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2012 | 05:54 AM
  #7  
metalCORE's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Germany
Thanks for your comments guys, but thats not what i'm asking for. :-(

Reason for the change is the oem ones are over the hill, and both compared, there as loud as the spal ones. I guess the spal will flow a bit more, and even if they are louder, noise is not an issue.

Buying new oem ones is the worst thing i could do pricewise...so i bought the spal.

Second reason is i'm going v-mount soon, and as the spal are very flat they are a much better option here...

So no ideas about the wiring...? :-)
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2012 | 09:59 AM
  #8  
DaleClark's Avatar
RX-7 Bad Ass
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (56)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,622
Likes: 2,724
From: Pensacola, FL
Get a used set of OEM fans if yours are bad. You can probably pick up a good used set for $50-75 or so.

LISTEN to what we're saying, there's a reason NO ONE has recommended running the Spal's. No, they don't perform better. Yes, they're far louder. Yes, they will fail far sooner than the OEM fans (which almost NEVER go out).

Many years of wisdom here steering you in the right direction. Trust us.

Dale
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2012 | 12:02 PM
  #9  
RENESISFD's Avatar
Wastegate John
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 9
From: Long Island NY 11746
^ How is a used set of fans from a 20 year old car more reliable than a brand new fan from an OEM supplier?

Why do you say spal fans inferior quality, they are an OEM supplier to many different industries.


OP, Have you checked the wiring diagrams in the tech manual directory? https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-gen-archives-73/tech-manual-directory-614824/


John
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 11:08 AM
  #10  
JM1FD's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Originally Posted by RENESISFD
^ How is a used set of fans from a 20 year old car more reliable than a brand new fan from an OEM supplier?

Why do you say spal fans inferior quality, they are an OEM supplier to many different industries.
I agree. Spal doesn't make junk. It is beyond me how anyone could think, especially given the continued if not increased use of electric fans by OEMs over the past two decades or so, that the art and science of fan building has not advanced in the intervening 22-25 years since Mazda sourced the fans for this car.

That having been said, the OEM fans are sufficient, and the control system was designed to prolong the life of the motors as well as keep the load on the electrical system as low as possible using a three speed approach.

Wiring SPALs in place of the OEM fans is going to require some careful analysis of the loads as well as control temperatures.

The stock "high" circuit would be your best bet in terms of current carrying capabilities, but you need to check the wire gauge as well as the rated current carrying capabilities of the stock relays. The SPAL fans that move enough CFMs for our application are going to eat a fair bit of current.

Using the "high" circuit means that you're going to have to do some wiring to get fans for A/C if you still have A/C, plus you may want to do some more wiring to drop the turn on temperature.

You really need to study the control systems, all the various triggers and temperatures, and wiring diagrams to do this right using the OEM wiring. If I were putting SPALs in my car, I'd ditch the stock relays and whatnot, and wire my own system from scratch.
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 11:09 AM
  #11  
JM1FD's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Originally Posted by metalCORE
Second reason is i'm going v-mount soon, and as the spal are very flat they are a much better option here...
Having read SPAL's specs for various fans, the "very flat" ones tend to not move very many CFMs. You may have a problem there.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
streetlegal?
New Member RX-7 Technical
13
Mar 17, 2022 02:46 PM
EfiniGirl
Haltech Forum
2
Sep 1, 2015 09:31 PM
Professorpeanutrx7
New Member RX-7 Technical
5
Aug 15, 2015 01:38 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:47 PM.