Mechanical to electrical fan conversion...

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Christopher Wall - 12 Jun 2005 18:36 GMT

I know it's been done often, and I've read many articles on converting to an
electric fan. I was curious at to whether anyone knew what the CFM rating is
on the 9 blade plastic fans that come stock on the car? Is there any
electrical fans that you all would recomend over another? Minimum CFM
ratings? Is it even worth the hassle?! I've considered a junkyard fan from a
Taurus, or Lincoln LSC or similar. My future plans for the engine won't see
more than around a nice 300hp, it's daily drivin, and I'll be fixing the A/C
soon too (I've gotten a little soft lately...).

Thanks for the input,
--Chris

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Spike - 12 Jun 2005 20:12 GMT

There are a number of factors involved. For example, do you have a
problem with overheating with or without AC on? Do you have to sit
and wait in traffic for long periods of time? Do you live in a hot
climate year round, or just during the peak of summer? Is it a high
humidity area?

Mustangs with 289s (no knowledge about 390s, etc) from the 60s were
sometimes prone to overheating, though with my 65 Mustang, back in
1970, I never had this problem. Of course, at the time, I lived in
Tacoma, WA where the weather is cool to moderate year round.
With a 302 powered Mustang in the mid 70s while living in the Mojave
Desert, with AC, I still never had a problem overheating even with
summer temps well above 110 degrees.

There are some advantages. Generally, this would be less power loss.
Since you are not going for high horsepower, and your use (as is mine)
is as a daily driver, and unless your personal situation calls for
making the switch, I personally don't think it is necessary or worth
it.

I will be installing an aftermarket AC in my present Mustang. If I
recall correctly (not having the literature in front of me) the source
provides a 6 blade steel fan to replace the 5 blade stock fan, and
recommends the 6 blade over the present Flexifan (which may be another
option for you).

As for CFMs... I'd recommend browsing through parts catalogs such as
Jegs
www.jegs.com
1-800-345-4545
or
Summit
www.summitracing.com
1-800-2303030
where you will find CFMs listed for various fans.

>I know it's been done often, and I've read many articles on converting to an
>electric fan. I was curious at to whether anyone knew what the CFM rating is
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>Thanks for the input,
>--Chris

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

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Christopher Wall - 12 Jun 2005 23:36 GMT

I guess a little more info would be good! '88 5.0L No real problems as of
yet, but did seem to fluctuate in the water temp with the A/C when it
worked. I think it was just the gauge though as I recently replaced the
voltage thingy (I know, real scientific) on the back of the cluster. I live
in GA, moderate to high temps, miserable humidity, and yep, I play in
traffic a couple hours everyday!

Thanks for the help Spike!
--Chris

> There are a number of factors involved. For example, do you have a
> problem with overheating with or without AC on? Do you have to sit
[quoted text clipped - 54 lines]
> Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
> w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

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Spike - 13 Jun 2005 00:08 GMT

Ever hear of a place called Unadilla? Some friends of mine owned the
gas station. Had a BIG celebration when they got the second pump....
LOL.

Seriously, you can add the fan if you want. Or you can wait and see if
you have a problem which requires it. I'd sure wait and see.

If you don't need it, you can always put the money toward something
you do need.

>I guess a little more info would be good! '88 5.0L No real problems as of
>yet, but did seem to fluctuate in the water temp with the A/C when it
[quoted text clipped - 64 lines]
>> Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
>> w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

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Christopher Wall - 14 Jun 2005 01:09 GMT

Isn't that in the neighborhood of Americus, Valdosta, and Midway area of the
state? I think I've seen a sign for it, once...LOL

> Ever hear of a place called Unadilla? Some friends of mine owned the
> gas station. Had a BIG celebration when they got the second pump....
[quoted text clipped - 84 lines]
> Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
> w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

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Spike - 14 Jun 2005 02:29 GMT

If you saw the sign.... you missed it.... : )

>Isn't that in the neighborhood of Americus, Valdosta, and Midway area of the
>state? I think I've seen a sign for it, once...LOL
[quoted text clipped - 87 lines]
>> Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
>> w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

Hey! Spikey Likes IT!
1965 Ford Mustang fastback 2+2 A Code 289 C4 Trac-Lok
Vintage Burgundy w/Black Standard Interior
Vintage 40 Wheels 16X8"
w/BF Goodrich Comp T/A Radial 225/50ZR16

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Musttanguy - 13 Jun 2005 15:40 GMT

If you are considering going the electric fan route I would highly
recommend going with the 130 amp 3G alternator upgrade. The stock
alternators can hardly keep up with a stock, no load system as it is.
This will provide an adequate charging system to power the extra load.
It's also nice knowing you won't have to worry about extinguishing
flames from your original when it decides to go.

Tim (Musttanguy)
www.PonyPerformance.com

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Christopher Wall - 14 Jun 2005 01:05 GMT

Yep! I've already got that one taken care of. Well, it's sitting in the
floorboard for the past week waiting for this weekend to be installed! With
just a small aftermarket stereo, MSD, and fog lights, I've eaten 3 stock
alternators in the past couple years. Decided it was time to do it right for
a change!

> If you are considering going the electric fan route I would highly
> recommend going with the 130 amp 3G alternator upgrade. The stock
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Tim (Musttanguy)
> www.PonyPerformance.com

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WindsorFox[SS] - 15 Jun 2005 05:31 GMT

> I know it's been done often, and I've read many articles on converting to an
> electric fan. I was curious at to whether anyone knew what the CFM rating is
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks for the input,
> --Chris

Interactive technologies has a nice kit that uses the original fan
shroud.

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