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Topic: Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans (Read 2173 times) previous topic - next topic

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

I've been around the block many times when it comes to what HP mods are worth the $$$ spent and those that are not. When it comes to cooling fans, both clutch equipped and not, I've always have been under the paradigm that an electric fan was worth maybe 6-8 HP. While surfing some YouTube vids, I came across this dyno comparison that really opened my eyes to the possibility that an electric fan is a much more cost effective mod than I had ever imagined.

I've added the link to Engine Masters episode 20 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXdLgaFXZzs. Make up your own mind after watching, but I have to admit that I never thought an engine driven fan sapped so much HP.
1986 Thunderbird Elan 5.0 EFI AOD, 3.73:1 SN95 rear, 17" Mustang Bullitts w/Firestone WO Indy 500's. Future plan: 349 stroker, C9 block, forged dish pistons, Scat 9000 crank, 4340 I beam rods, ARP head/main studs, ported explorer intake, 1.72 CC RR, Vortech V2 supercharger, Mr. Freeze Meth Inj, intercooler, TFS 190 11R CNC heads (66CC), BBK shorties with 2.5" duals, 4R70W Transmission, Taurus fan.

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

Reply #1 –
I couldnt tell the difference with zero fan.

I had my plastic fan come apart and blow up my fan shroud after i down shifted on a freeway on ramp leading up to a 75mph speed limit. I pulled over, pulled the whole fan/clutch assembly off and drove to work with no fan. Drove it that way for a few days while i got parts for my 3g and Taurus fan.

I was really excited to do all the work on it, but looking back, it was $200 pretty much wasted. I do still prefer the Taurus fan setup though.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

Reply #2 –
Since most ass-O-meter aren't calibrated for small HP increases/losses, I doubt a average Joe can tell the difference between a clutch fan and none...  Below 2500 RPMs there will be a small difference at best...

I can relate to the Engine Masters video... About a 100 years ago(OK closer to 50) I swapped a fixed, seven blade fan on to my 390, 4-speed Galaxie... Compared to the orig four blade it had a major loss in power, was obvious at more than 1200-1500 RPMs(yes car had a tach)... Took it back home and reinstalled the four, the seven went for s...

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

Reply #3 –
I've noticed more of a difference by-passing the power steering pump. That's where a good chunk of the drag is.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

Reply #4 –
My 86's plastic clutch fan roars like a school bus starting form a dead stop. A Taurus fan an a 3g conversion are in the mix. I also was given a brand new set off underdrive pullies from the guy I bought my 8.8 from. Might consider trying them with the 3.73 gear ratio.
1986 Thunderbird Elan 5.0 EFI AOD, 3.73:1 SN95 rear, 17" Mustang Bullitts w/Firestone WO Indy 500's. Future plan: 349 stroker, C9 block, forged dish pistons, Scat 9000 crank, 4340 I beam rods, ARP head/main studs, ported explorer intake, 1.72 CC RR, Vortech V2 supercharger, Mr. Freeze Meth Inj, intercooler, TFS 190 11R CNC heads (66CC), BBK shorties with 2.5" duals, 4R70W Transmission, Taurus fan.

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

Reply #5 –
I noticed a...noticable...difference when I did the electric fan on the 3.8L.
It's Gumby's fault.

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Tbird232ci;461102
I noticed a...noticable...difference when I did the electric fan on the 3.8L.


Well yeah, on a 3.8 a ½Hp increase would probably be noticeable... :rollin:

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

Reply #7 –
Electric is a nice add on, you get a little more room up front. hp wise I don't think it would be that most reason to change. Just make sure you wire it right and heavy with a good relay.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

Reply #8 –
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;461105
Well yeah, on a 3.8 a ½Hp increase would probably be noticeable... :rollin:

You got to post a pic of your fairlane.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +
 

Electric vs Engine Driven Cooling Fans

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Kitz Kat;461123
You got to post a pic of your fairlane.
My sig has a clickable link... Also the Comet & one for it's engine...