To begin with, the first thing I did wrong was to get too small of a fan---a 12-incher---which is about the size of the stock pulley fan. What I didn't take into account was the blade width and pitch, which is significantly reduced on the electric fan. It just couldn't keep things cool when the outside temp rose above 75 degrees. Some more careful measuring revealed that Summit Racing's largest economy fan (16") would fit just perfectly in the space between the front of the radiator and the grill. It is certainly worth getting the biggest fan that will fit---after all, overheating is as damaging to your engine as it is frustrating. With right fan this time, the installation was very simple, and wiring was a straightforward relay with a Flex-A-Lite radiator probe (also from Summit) to give power to the relay, adjustable between 160 and 220 degrees. Everything has been working great, just as well as the stock setup, even in 100+ degree SoCal summer weather (ugh). I recommend the swap: a bit more HP, gas mileage and super-clean engine bay. E-mail me if you want to know more about this project.
(For those of you sharp enough to notice that the temp sensor is bypassed in the photo, the switch broke, and I am waiting for a new one---don't why it quit, just a dud I guess---and in the meantime, the car's gotta stay cool!)
No comments:
Post a Comment