The class we are running in says we can remove the electric fan. The question is do we need the fan? I've heard the car stays cool enough without it. Advice?

 

Depends on a few factors:
1. How much down time at idle
2. Speeds reached at track
3. Air inlet space to radiator (condition of airbox-airtight)
4. Condition of radiator
More than likely you can remove it. Try to keep car moving while running and get a good temp guage.

 

1. How much down time at idle
-not much at all since its only a track car.

2. Speeds reached at track
-3rd through 5th gear

3. Air inlet space to radiator (condition of airbox-airtight)
The inlet is stock but will be slightly bigger soon.

4. Condition of radiator
-Good condition.

I don't have a good temp guage at the moment so I better leave it on and get some baseline temps. Then I can remove it and see how hot it gets.

 

A lot of first gen track cars I have seen use no fan. I was told that they don't need it and that they actually get better cooling at speed without the fan. I assume the other advantage is the power increase from no mech fan, but that wouldn't help with an electric fan.

-Max

 

Take it off.

If your session is black or red flagged, just shut the car off until it's time to go again. If your cooling system is operating properly, and your air intake is sealed to force all of the air through the radiator, you won't have a problem. If you sit and idle for more than 5 or 10 minutes at a time, keep a close eye on your guages.

 

I don't use a fan on mine.

PaulC

 

My thoughts about a cooling fan on your race car. You will need a excellent system to start like a new radiator. As far a electric fan goes. Well most people will pull the thermostat, which means you have a tough time entering the track with your engine at normal operating temperature because you will not be able to sit on the grid idling to maintain oil/water temps if you pull the fan off the car.

Red flags and paddock adjustments are a issue too.

Ask yourself: "can I afford to rebuild this engine by leaving my fan off the car?"

I recommend at least run a smaller electric fan, making sure it pull air thru the oil cooler as well. Wire it to a switch/relay so can control when you want it on/off.
A Mazda 626 pusher fan works to keep the heat down at idle, I have found.

John

 

Looks like we better keep the fan. Thanks for the info.
I'll check the engine temps as we progress next season.

 

I have an elec. fan on my IT7 but have seriously considered removing it. Right now it's just the stock rad. but plan on installing an aluminum one when summer comes around.