Mechanical or electric fan for a V8 conversion? (1 Viewer)

[tdskip]

Hi guys, happy Saturday.

I need to make a decision on keeping the mechanical fan (currently 17 inch) or going with an electric fan set up.

I know 1990 Taurus fans seem to fit OK, but any coaching here for me?

My current approach is the 17 diameter hard metal fan with a yet to be ordered BTB V8 Conversion fan shroud.

She will be a road / fire road rig, nothing too hard core. I live in SoCal but don't expect to be running around in this on hot summer days.


Thanks!

 

[reddingcruiser]

I've had both, but I prefer mechanical fans. I just like the reliability.

I assume from the BTB link that you plan to use the Toyota radiator.

 

[tdskip]

@reddingcruiser - thanks for the response. I have a new Champion radiator that’s a direct fit that has an integrated transmission cooler in it, looking to try to keep everything as both on as possible. That radiator mounted up easily to the existing radiator frame, so I believe the BTB shroud should be an easy fit.

In theory, of course. Grin.

 

[pjohnson]

Mechanical fan. I wouldn't buy from BTB unless they were my only choice. Everything they sell can be found cheaper elsewhere. For a fan shroud, I would wait until the engine with fan and radiator were all in position, then shop for a shroud.

 

[archie73]

I’ll give a nod to the Taurus fan and stock radiator. I had a recommended aftermarket(BeCool) electric and it was alright, but the Taurus is definitely more air flow. I have no trouble at all cruising around or on trails. I get a little hotter climbing long grades, but I’m gaining on that too.
I dont have room for mechanical fan, so no word on that.
If you do get a Taurus fan, they suck a lot of juice. I use the Volvo “soft start” relay and have it on a separate circuit from my ammeter. It’s readily available in junkyards.

 

[tdskip]

Thank you for all the responses, very helpful discussion.

Does the Ford Taurus fan shroud bolt right up, that would be obviously a plus but my guess is there is some degree of drilling the plastic to align the bolt holes?

 

[UZJ40]

I started off with a SPAL 16" fan. My coolant temps would climb going uphill or any time above 50mph. I then went to a Taurus fan. It was better, but not great. In the summer, going uphill, I'd have to slow down pull over and wait for it to cool off (only put up with this for about 2 weeks). I then converted to an OEM fan and clutch and never had a cooling issue again.

With a small front grill opening and poor aerodynamics of an FJ40, stay with a mechanical fan. The best electric fan just can't keep up.

 

[tdskip]

OK gentlemen - mechanical fan it is then.

Short of fabricating something, better options than the BTB shroud?

Thanks!

 

[archie73]

Thank you for all the responses, very helpful discussion.

Does the Ford Taurus fan shroud bolt right up, that would be obviously a plus but my guess is there is some degree of drilling the plastic to align the bolt holes?

Not exactly, I had to trim one side off and add some sheet metal to close the gap on the drivers side. It’s not really that difficult, but I scratched my head for a bit before I started cutting.
For my swap, I went pretty far forward so I would have good airflow over the engine and making sure I could pull the distributor easily. I may have gone farther than I needed. I don’t regret this, but it ruled out a mechanical fan option. It also means I had to trim the plastic that holds the fan motor. This doesn’t seem to be a negative, just something to keep in mind.

 

[tdskip]

Thanks, pictures and description makes it clear.

Have a good Sunday

 

[bikersmurf]

I’ve been running a mechanical fan since ‘96. For years I felt I should upgrade to a Taurus fan so I could turn it off for water crossings. However, at some point I realized it was better to stick with the mechanical and avoid the ~50amp drain on the alternator... as well as many the extra complexity.

Trimmed my stock ‘74 shroud... would recommend a ‘75+ for a larger fan opening.

 

[tdskip]

Thanks - let me look at stock shrouds in ‘75+

 

[spotcruiser]

Make a fiberglass shroud. It's easy and it can be made to suit your exact layout.

 

[tdskip]

@spotcruiser - I came across those in my searching, very cool work by you guys.

I ended up just now ordering the BTB shroud mainly as a time saver.