Clutch vs Electric Radiator fan

[3stagevtec]

Which would you prefer and why?

I currently have a clutch fan in my Vitara and thinking about replacing it with an electric fan from another vehicle with a similar sized engine / radiator..

I know i will need to mount a termo sensor on the inlet size of the radiator and have it connected to a 12V relay to switch the fan on / off..

I was also considering installing a termo sensor bypass switch so i can manually turn the fan on in extreme hot weather / hard driving conditions or even when i want to give the AC an extra boost..

I'd like to know what your guys think on the topic before i proceed..

Feel free to leave any additional advice as well..

[praise]

I think you are on the right track. Electric fans are the way to go, and especially if they are not functioning, you will know right away unlike clutch fans. Go brave.

[bushwakka]

sheit....well heck, i didn't even know ppl replaced those things

[megadoc1]

using an electrical fan will ease up a bit more engine power
plus u can hook it u to work automatic with the ac

try it post results

[Conrad]

Clutch Fan>Electrical Fans






...at least on RB's

[3stagevtec]

Clutch Fan>Electrical Fans






...at least on RB's

why is that? a reliability issue?

[3stagevtec]

using an electrical fan will ease up a bit more engine power
plus u can hook it u to work automatic with the ac

try it post results

didn't think about auto operation with AC, will look into that..

[Conrad]

I'm not sure but what I can imagine is that the stock clutch fan is made to work with the radiator shroud whereas when the usual double electric fan is used there's no shroud.

Many, especially in Australia have proven time and time again that the clutch fan which already comes with the engine usually offers sufficient cooling for high HP street apps.


...besides I would rather a slowly failing clutch fan which I may notice as an observant driver rather than electric fans which tend to die suddenly leaving you possibly stranded...but that's IMO.

[3stagevtec]

Links and notes..

http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/efanmyth.htm

-realistic gains at ~0.5 - 1hp

-electric fan is inefficient we have to convert mechanical energy (from engine) to electrical energy (from alternator) back to mechanical again to run the fan

-clutch fan is straight mechanical energy used..

-the physical design of an electric fan means the fan and shroud can be mounted closer to the radiator versus an engine mounted fan = more efficiency..

-electric fan takes up less space..

-electric fan can also be left on after the engine is shut off. This allows continuous cooling to minimize heat soak.

-electric fan is cheaper than clutch fans.. (I got a quick estimate of $200 from a foreign used place in south)

-For the most part, electric fans are not recommended as an upgrade unless you have a very specific reason to do so. They may provide inferior cooling to the stock fan, and may create other problems if improperly installed

^ all points copied from above link..

_____________________________________________

how to install an electric fan..

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

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Taken from Perma Cool Website

How much airflow (cfm) do I need to cool my engine?

A four cylinder engine requires 1600 cfm; a six cylinder engine requires 2,000 cfm, a small V-8 engine requires 3,000 cfm and large V-8 engines require 4500+ cfm

[3stagevtec]

The majority of guys who made the conversion though said it was worth it.. Most mentioned seeing a gain in fuel consumption and hp as the electric fans only run when you are at a stand still or moving slowly..

Ford sticks with clutch fans on their heavy duty pickups because of reliability..

A Flex a lite engineer said to stick with the clutch fan for frequent hauling use, but go electric for your regular daily driver..

Others have tested trucks in extreme heat conditions with upgraded electric fans over their stock clutch, and have seen improvements in cooling..

[moti]

electric fan will do the job.

hate the sound of a clutch fan in a bluebird or charmant

[THE SYNDICATE]

using an electrical fan will ease up a bit more engine power
plus u can hook it u to work automatic with the ac

try it post results

X2!

[sigma-turbo]

Many, especially in Australia have proven time and time again that the clutch fan which already comes with the engine usually offers sufficient cooling for high HP street apps.

well being an aussie i'd have to agree that an engine fan and a well designed shroud is the way to cool a hard working engine

i used to do alot of burnout comps and 90% of the cars had engine fans as keeping it cool was number 1 priority

[3stagevtec]

looks like my clutch fan stays in for now..