Cooling Question

[franknitticutlass]

When youre buying an electric fan to mount on your radiator,what is its purpose, to push or pull? Whats the minimum CFM of a fan needed for a small block to cool efficiently?

 

[3rdgentug]

u can get puller or pusher fans
but be sure whichever one you get you mount it properly
as far as cfm..bigger is better

 

[madhatter]

I just installed the summit aluminum dual core with dual electric fans and shroud. Took a little fab to make it work, but is keeping the 400 nice and cool. Works off a thermo switch, 185 on/175 off. Whole setup cost $425 shipped.

 

[Phoenyx]

I think having a shroud is important. If you get a puller, get one that comes with a shroud.

 

[3rdgentug]

a shroud is almost an essential!

 

[beermonkey9417]

what about the intrepid dual fan setup? i heard a few things on here that it was pritty good if ya wire it right.

 

[madhatter]

what about the intrepid dual fan setup? i heard a few things on here that it was pritty good if ya wire it right.

Should work just fine. Most factory setups will work great as long as they cover all or most of the radiator.

 

[megaladon6]

a lot of it depends on what engine and how you use it. but if it's a performance build, i think you want at least 2k cfm. most electrics will hit this. IIRC i have a ford/lincoln in mine that pushes 3k+. most fans have their shrouds as part of the structure, but if not make something. the shroud is very critical.
pusher vs puller you want a puller. pushers are good if you have no room in the engine compartment but aren't as efficient.
another thing to look for (just 'cause it's nice) is dual speeds. this way you're not overworking the alternator all the time. you just need dual triggers.
but be careful. many modern fans are now Pulse Width Modulated (especially jeep/mopar) you need a computer to run these. they are cool, but to be avoided.