1952-59 Ford HP Loss with a Fan

If you're a subscriber to Motor Trend On Demand, you should watch the latest Engine Masters episode. (if you're not...it's $5/month and one of the best things I subscribe to)

They installed various types of fans on a mildly hopped up SBC to see how much horsepower would be lost.

It was shocking.

Now I'm thinking about installing an electric fan on the 302 in my 54 Mainline two-door.

 

My son told me about that show. We ran that plastic fan on every race car we had. Man did we give away a bunch of HP!

 

Yeah....I had no idea it would be that bad. I was thinking a few horsepower....less than 5. Boy was I wrong.

The other stuff they test, like cams, lifters, bashing headers, etc, is all fascinating and very educational.

 

I have been an electric fan *FAN* for a long time, I know HRP loves those big huge metal ones but they do draw HP,but many electric fans draw some amps so you need the relays and an alternator that can supply the juice. Here is some Tech on that: http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-9903-how-to-wire-cooling-fans-headlights-fuel-pumps-voltmeters/

 

Jeff,you know me well, I am not a fan of electric fans but then again I ain't worried about HP,my old wagon goes plenty fast.

In this day a age of knowledge in a instant I honestly believe you can find someone to agree with any fact published.

The most annoying part of the electric fan is the noise,if the hood is closed the look ok.

Don,I'm disappointed in you! HRP

 

Bottom line is if it ain't overheating it's cool !

 

We will both agree with that statement my friend! HRP

 

If you run a electric fan, aren't you just transferring the loss to the alternator? They do't run free either, and the last time I checked, work is work, and nothing is free.

 

An alternator requires less HP than a fan driven directly off the engine. If you have room for a fan clutch you could have the best of both worlds. My '55 Merc doesn't have room for either a fan clutch or most puller type electric fans without somehow moving the radiator forward which requires modifying the hood latch support. A Sidewinder fan will cost you your 1st born. That leaves me with the stock fan or a pusher type electric fan as options.

 

I thought when Fordmuscle changed their forum this was lost for a while I am glad they brought it back so I can share it with you. Notice that the water pump pulley which usually would have a fan bolted to it is centered between the two electric fans (think extra clearance) in the FAQ it noted that we were using Mustang radiators in 1952-56 swaps so this can be applied. http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/cooling-articles/482048-junkyard-upgrade-dual-electric-fans.html

 

Dobie
What's a sidewinder fan?
Jim

 

I just said I was thinking about it.

You know, that with all the work I did making my engine look retro, there's no way I'd install an electric fan.

Plus, my little sedan certainly aint no hotrod....it's just a highway cruiser. And for that, it's got plenty of power.

It did try to get hot on me a time or two last summer when I got stuck in traffic and was creeping along. An electric fan would've been handy then. I'm pretty confident that a bigger radiator would solve that issue though.

I do have an electric pusher fan that I could put on/take off as needed, but it would be visible from the front...and would look like manure.

 

I was under the impression you used a Walker radiator. HRP

 

A sidewinder fan has the motor off to the side of the fan. The fan is driven by a belt. The motor can be clocked anywhere around the circumference of the fan. The fan itself is very thin because the motor isn't in the center.

http://www.mattsonscustomradiator.com/side-winder.html

 

Sad story****ociated with that Walker. It died an unnecessary and untimely death at the hand of a 9 year old and a John Deere 318 lawn tractor.

I went with an off-the-shelf radiator for an early Mustang from OReilly. It fits fine and works but I need a bigger (thicker) one.

 

These are a recent addition: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROWS-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR-FIT-1954-1955-1956-FORD-Customline-Fairlane-Mainline-/201873131174?fits=Year:1954|Make:Ford&hash=item2f009386a6:g:srIAAOSwcUBYEqj6&vxp=mtr Note that the upper and lower hose are 5.0 friendly and it has the cooler connection in the lower tank for an AOD's cooler lines.

 

Oh No,that's a pricey accident,I****ume it couldn't be repaired?

I have had lots of radiators and I know the Walkers are expensive but I have never had a problem with one and the 10 warranty goes a long way with piece of mind.

BTW - my 1932 sedan has had the Walker radiator in it for 22 years. HRP

 

It was pretty mangled Danny. Not just the core, but also the housing.

I tossed it, and due to the fact that the 2016 convention was about to happen, I had to find something fast...something that one of the big parts houses could get quickly, and that was an off-the-shelf radiator for an early Mustang.

 

I hope you took it to a recycle center,,copper & brass would be worth some long green. HRP

 

I did....along with a couple old alternators. The windings in those go for good money too.

 

Thanks Tom
I've never seen one of those before.
Jim