Current Classifieds

Brake rotors
Date: 03/24/2017 09:02 pm
v8 springs
Date: 05/07/2017 04:46 pm
1974 Pinto Right Rear Interior Trim Panel

Date: 02/18/2017 04:44 pm
instrument cluster,4sd trans crossmember,2.3 intake
Date: 08/26/2018 06:23 pm
parting out 1975 & 80 pintos
Date: 10/31/2018 12:00 pm
72 Runabout Sprint Edition

Date: 04/25/2018 02:51 pm
Mustang ll/Pinto/Bobcat Aluminum Wheel Rim

Date: 07/20/2018 03:00 pm
4 speed pinto transmission

Date: 05/13/2021 05:29 pm
Need 4 wheel center caps for 77 Pinto Cruzin Wagon
Date: 10/03/2018 02:00 pm
1978 PINTO PONY FOR SALE 17,000 ORIGINAL MILES !!!!!!!
Date: 10/10/2019 09:42 pm
postal pinto
Date: 06/03/2020 09:31 am
2 Station Wagons for sale
Date: 04/20/2018 11:10 am

Author Topic: What electric fan to use?  (Read 1687 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline pintoguy76

  • Pinto Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 936
  • FeedBack: +11/-0
  • Gender: Male
  • Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 7
    Badges: (View All)
    Topic Starter Signature Mobile User Poll Voter Tenth year Anniversary Windows User Fifth year Anniversary
What electric fan to use?
« on: May 22, 2014, 11:48:05 PM »
I am wanting to put an electric fan in my pinto. It is a 74 with a 91 mustang DIS 2.3 and is thus wired for an electric fan already.   Currently i am using a direct drive flex fan which i believe is costing me mileage and power. In my attempt to get the car built the way i want it, I have some serious re-working planned (a posi unit in the rear end, 3.40 gears, rear disc brakes, ranger master cylinder, air conditioning, T5 transmission etc etc etc.) I would like to make this car my "trip car". Something to take on long trips... who needs a new car for that!?




An electric fan is a part of this reworking. I would like to hear what others have used in their pintos and see pics if possible. I found many fans at the pick your part yard the other day but most seemed too big. I am interested in some of those cheap red colored fans on amazon/ebay but I am afraid the quality and longevity will be low. Id like to use a factory fan if possible, but fear I am going to be told to use a universal hayden fan of some sort.


What size and CFM should i look at if I do go that route? The engine is stock, although i did buy a header and adjustable timing pulley from someone the other day that I might install soon as well.



1974 Ford Pinto Wagon with 1991 Mustang DIS EFI 2.3 and stock Pinto 4 Speed
 
1996 Chevy C2500 Suburban with 6.5L Turbo Diesel/4L80E 4x2

1980 Volvo 265 with 1997 S-10 4.3 and a modified 700R4

2010 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x2 5.3 6L80E

Offline amc49

  • PCCA VIP
  • Pinto Master
  • ***
  • Posts: 1256
  • FeedBack: +242/-1
  • Another Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 4
    Badges: (View All)
    Topic Starter Poll Voter Windows User 1000 Posts
Re: What electric fan to use?
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2014, 11:53:54 PM »
Pretty much nothing you can buy aftermarket will last as long as a factory cooling fan. They pull a big chunk of power, you will need a high amp alternator to go along with it if you don't already have it. It would be nice to get one of the two speed ones, that way you know it will run at varied power levels and you can wire in a high and low speed.

Offline 65ShelbyClone

  • Pinto Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 787
  • FeedBack: +139/-0
  • Soylent Green

  • Total Badges: 7
    Badges: (View All)
    Fifth year Anniversary Topic Starter Signature Poll Voter Mobile User Linux User Windows User
Re: What electric fan to use?
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2014, 01:35:21 PM »
Get the highest CFM you can for the fan size you plan to use.

One of the variable-speed PWM fan controllers would be ideal for weak electrical systems, but they're not cheap. Lincoln Mark VIII fans move insane amounts of air, but draw something like 40A on full power and spike at least 80A on startup. :o Taurus fans aren't much better.

If you want a high quality aftermarket fan, SPAL is pretty much the leading brand. Flex-A-Lite electric fans are generally just okay and parts-store Haydens are mediocre.

Another option is a thermostatic clutch fan. Very little drag under cruise conditions, lots of airflow when needed, and no burden on the electrical system.

You might check out the electric pusher fans that come on a lot of Mercedes-Benz cars. They are low profile and powerful. It might even be possible to flip the blade and wire it in reverse to be a puller.
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.

Offline Wittsend

  • Pinto Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2498
  • FeedBack: +241/-0

  • Total Badges: 8
    Badges: (View All)
    Tenth year Anniversary Mobile User Topic Starter Poll Voter 1000 Posts Linux User Windows User Fifth year Anniversary
Re: What electric fan to use?
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2014, 03:38:14 PM »
I'm running an electric fan off the computer triggered relay box that are both part of the '88 Turbo coupe wiring harness I used.  The fan itself is a generic aftermarket.  I have a '73 with the 2.3 Turbo so space is rather limited.  Thus the fan is a pusher - without a shroud.  I made my own brackets. Desiring to retain the factory hood latch, the fan is offset to the drivers side.  I upgraded from the 17" to the 20" radiator.

In use it works very well. Cool down time from the fan triggering to turning off is comparable to that of the Turbo Coupe.  If I have an issue it is that the blades are exposed. Something I hope to correct... someday.


Offline 65ShelbyClone

  • Pinto Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 787
  • FeedBack: +139/-0
  • Soylent Green

  • Total Badges: 7
    Badges: (View All)
    Fifth year Anniversary Topic Starter Signature Poll Voter Mobile User Linux User Windows User
Re: What electric fan to use?
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2014, 04:07:19 PM »
That's probably what I'll have to do with my '72/2.3T. I'm even considering using an air/water intercooler to save space.  :P
'72 Runabout - 2.3T, T5, MegaSquirt-II, 8", 5-lugs, big brakes.
'68 Mustang - Built roller 302, Toploader, 9", etc.