so, how about you posting some pics and info on what you are working on? that way people that have experience with your type of ride can respond. there are plenty of threads about mechanical vs electric fans for general info.
I think electric fans are too new for my taste. My car has a SBC 400 cid (THEY TEND TO RUN HOT WITH SIAMESE CYLINDERS) with a mechanical fan and no shroud. I moved the radiator support from the six cylinder position to the eight in order to get the radiator closer to the fan.
I'm running an electric fan with mechanical blades attached to the front of the radiator pulling the air in. There is enough air movment to hold it in place. No need to mount it.
I'll try to help if I can. Here's mine. The first one is the mech. fan I had when I first built the car, it didn't cool it in traffic for some reason. even with the shroud. The second is a Hayden electric, I believe 16 inch with a radiator mounted temp switch. Works like a dream. The switch is a 205 degree on and 190 off, no more problems, at least not with my stock 350 cu. in. Chevy. Good luck.
On my 40 I raised the radiator 1 1/2 in and moved it back( toward the engine) 5/8 in and am running a stock 4 blade fan on a sbc with the short pump. I'll find out how this works this summer I hope.
The OP through out a general question without saying what kind of car or truck he was contemplating using one or both of these fans. What kind of engine or radiator? Here is where our sadistic minds start to conjure up all manor of pla***udes. HRP
Would be good if you posted some more info and pics to keep the hounds at bay man. With that said I would go electric. Just remember to keep your eye on the temp if you decide to manually turn the fan on. Jay
If its a car/truck with a hood and fenders an electric fan is far less noticeable, an open engine is far less forgiving. However I run an electric fan on my 26 because I'm a little more concerned with engine temps than traditional looks.
The Cooling needs to start at the Upper part of the Radiator as the water returns to the top and trickles down and back into the Engine from the lower hose
This is how I did it on my 28/29 rpu. I have one bracket that holds the radiator, mounts the shock and also has the head light mount. The head lights are mounted on the end of the piece of aero tubing. The rad is held in by a pair of spring clamps and also the strap that goes over the top. The bottom of the radiator sets in a saddle that is lined with rubber sheet. Rex
Yes, and no. An engine which is kept at or near its ideal operating temperature will produce more power, and get better mileage, than one that is not. This is not always possible with a mechanical fan. Combustion efficiency is temperature dependent.
Mechanical fans have simplicity an order of magnitude better than electric fans, but may be hard to fit into the space available. On the other hand, I don't think a single new car uses a mechanical fan anymore, so the electric ones must have some advantages. I have cars equipped both ways; they all stay cool enough.
I can't stand an electric fan. I don't care how easy it is. electric fans are just crutches for guys that want the easy way out. That being said my Deuce has both. I could get rid of it and reengineer a new system but I'm lazy and building other cars so I just leave the hood shut and nobody knows.
i would say if you are not towing, hauling or in traffic all the time---i.e., NYC cab, then an electric should be ok and, in fact, should be the preferred choice. But the main thing is to wire it right. i wonder if the new pickups and vans are using mechanical or electric?
For guys running a SBC the advent of the zips riser has cured the misaligned mechanical fans by moving the water pump up a few inches and centering the fan in the correct location for maximum cooling efficiency. Using a well built steel bladed fan instead of the flimsy non efficient thin bladed aluminum fan make a huge difference. I presently have 2 deuces with the zips risers and steel fans,,non run hot,,I also have a big steel fan on the '54 Ranch Wagon and have never experienced overheating. You do what you have to but many times the problem with overheating can be traced to not moving enough air. Another thing to look at,,is your water pump pulley as large as your crank pulley,,a smaller water pump pulley will mover the water faster through the radiator,,a bigger fan will cool the water quicker. HRP
P.S. i feel that fan design and air moving ability (cfm ratings for electrical) and shroud design and usage (if mechanical) is more important than radiator size. Although that is somewhat important too.
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