Electric fan upgrade - Pros & Cons?

[s14=pimpin']

hi everyone,

OK, I'm debating whether or not to upgrade my fan to a smaller, electric fan. As soon as I find a pic of the fan, I will post it.

Pros - smaller, allows me to finally install my homemade CA extension

- isn't dependant on the motor, which in turn, I will regain a bit of power.

- has its own temp sensor, so I don't have to manually turn it on

- improves cooling? not sure about this one

Cons - draws power from the battery, which puts more strain on the altenator. Since I am also running a small amp + box, not sure if this will cause a problem (I'm already having some starting issues, at times).

- smaller, so may not cool as well?

If anyone could elaborate, it would be much appreciated.

thank you

[ash1y1]

I remember reading somewhere that we could install two small electric fans to replace the one large existing. I don't recall what the second one was for though. I am running two amps with my system and also wanted to change out my current fan with an electric, but I am also considering running a second alternator and battery for my system so it doesn't drain my main unit. Will the extra horsepower I gain be worth adding the extra weight (battery and alternator) or not?

[s14=pimpin']

I remember reading somewhere that we could install two small electric fans to replace the one large existing. I don't recall what the second one was for though. I am running two amps with my system and also wanted to change out my current fan with an electric, but I am also considering running a second alternator and battery for my system so it doesn't drain my main unit. Will the extra horsepower I gain be worth adding the extra weight (battery and alternator) or not?

don't think the added HP will make up for te extra weight you may add, but you may still feel a marginal gain in power, IMO. I think it would be best to upgrade altenator as well, like those audiophile guys do, just haven't researched upgrading altenators yet, nor do I really want another expense. How would you set up another battery (location, trunk?)? Ever lift our batteries? They are freakin heavy man!

hopefully someone replies shortly

[ash1y1]

Yeah the battery would be in the trunk, but you're right, I think I may go with a more powerful alternator.

[s14=pimpin']

seems like the best route for the 2 of us, although my amp is of small wattage, better safe than sorry, right? Plus we need to shave all the weight we can.

[240SXer]

The fan shouldnt need to always be on, and the stock alternator should put out plenty of power. I'd think so at least. But the power gain is decent, and so is the fuel economy (at least it was in my KA24E truck). A more powerful alternator will decrease power because it'll be harder to turn, so it's pointless, if you're gonna do that just stay with the stock fan.

Also, mine appears to have some sorta stock electric fan that's in front of the clutch fan, i've never seen it on, but what's that about? Is it for when the AC is on?

David.

[180crafter]

240sxer= Yeah that extra fan is for the air conditioner.

[Sygerwulf]

hmm strange, I've ran my AC and watched to see if my fan came on but it never did, however my AC is freezing cold. Does it only come on when the condenser gets very hot?

[Julio Bro!]

The only issue could be one of reliability; from an engineering point of view, the best sports car in the world don't use electric fans, unless they have unusual engine configurations or no space for the belt-driven type.

I wouldn't replace it, but some here say it's worth the effort; just make sure it's a good reliable unit with solid connections to the sensors and supply.

[Julio Bro!]

hmm strange, I've ran my AC and watched to see if my fan came on but it never did, however my AC is freezing cold. Does it only come on when the condenser gets very hot?

The electric fan is engine temperature based, it turns on if the engine reaches a certain temperature, if not, the computer will not turn it on.

[Sygerwulf]

lol I love you K car

[Sygerwulf]

*uncontrollable cuckles* noooo..itsh..nooott

:bonghit :bonghit :bonghit

[s14=pimpin']

hey, thanks alot guys

still a little confused though. Julio says its not worth it, but I'm not tuning my KA until I've come to a conclusion on what turbo to use. I figure its a universal fit, so even if I do swap, I can use it on another motor, correct? It is a nice fan, although I am buying it used, so I will have to take a look at the connections, thanks again.

240sxer, are you currently using a fan? Thanks for the info, the main reason why I wanted to replace the stock unit was to free up space so I can use my homemade CAI, the stock fan is so big, and ordering from Injen is no fun!!!

cya guys

[240SXer]

I ran an electric fan on my KA24E truck. It was nice. Saves tons of room, looks better, faster, etc.

David.

[s14=pimpin']

do you think you'll be getting one for your 240? Or do you have bigger plans?

thanks again

[240SXer]

hehe.. Honestly... I'd get one if I could figure out where to put it. In front of the clutch fan there is a little electric fan, do I take it out? What do I do? I'm assumeing i'd get two pullers mounted on the engine side of the radiator. But what about the stock electric fan? Can I use that relay? I just don't know too much about it yet. But i'll eventually get one. I just have a few other things that I think would net more performance for now (intake/exhaust/pully)

David.

[R240NA]

The electric fan is engine temperature based, it turns on if the engine reaches a certain temperature, if not, the computer will not turn it on.

The fan turns on low speed at 202 degrees, high at 212, OR when the AC is on. Your fan should be on whenever the AC is on. That fan is fine for cooling on it's own, but an upgrade to a pair of fans, or a larger unit will cool more.

[WAbernethy]

I am running electrics on mine. One 12" and 10" puller type. External thermostat wired to control ground to both. Make sure you use big enough wire, had a little electrical fire b/c I was only using 12AWG wire! 2 fans might have been a little overkill, one fan would probably work fine. Gets rid of that annyong whrrrrr sound and frees up the motor's higher reving potential, if there is such a thing on a 12 valve.

[doctorj240]

I have dual 12s hooked up to a thermostat. I agree w/ Wabernethy. It helped throttle response a little bit. Well worth the $90.

[Sygerwulf]

I guess I'm in need of a new fan then lol because I've never seen the thing on. I even turned on the AC and watched it and it never came on.

[240SXer]

Cool, so I just put one on the outside side of the ratiator as a pusher and let it work with the stock? I'll have to look at the setup again to really see how much room there is. Anyone have a pic of an electric fan on a 95 SE?

David

[s14=pimpin']

heym thanks alot for all the input guys! Do you think one fan (10" I believe) is wothy enough of cooling down the engine? Not running any crazy mods or anything, and plan to keep the KA stock for a while, just want minor upgrades and I found a really good deal on one, so why not? Did it quiet down the motor considerably?

thanks guys

[doctorj240]

The only issue could be one of reliability; from an engineering point of view, the best sports car in the world don't use electric fans, unless they have unusual engine configurations or no space for the belt-driven type.

I guess this makes sense but the best sports car isn't running through stop and go traffic with no air flowing through the radiator on hot city streets. They're zipping around at 150 mph flowing plenty of air through the engine bay.

Oh yeah... I know there are turbo 240s running only a 12" fan. To be safe though I would not go with a 10 if you plan on upgrading, go with at least one 12".

[s14=pimpin']

thanks doc,

Ever drag your car? Plan to go turbo or stay na? Did you change your fuel lines BTW?

[doctorj240]

Not at the strip. Every time I've gone its either rained or something weird has happened. I'm going to try to go soon (maybe this weekend?) Right now I'm guessing I will run around a 15.1. I'm planning on building my KA (port & polish, forged internals, maybe a nitrous shot for a while) before I go turbo, which will most likely be when I graduate in a year and a half. And no I haven't changed the fuel lines out although I would like to at some point in the near future.

[s14=pimpin']

are you building for the strip or autoX? sounds like a drag car to me. Did you notice a difference with the fuel pump/ZX filter combo? I think lines would pay great dividens.

[doctorj240]

Yeah right now I'm pretty far from civilization for college so right now I'm just into straight line acceleration. I don't really want to drive 3 hours to a city for autocross. I did notice a little difference but not too much. It'll help more when I get some forced induction. I agree with you about the lines though.

[s14=pimpin']

Gonna turbo the KA huh? U gonna build your own turbo, or go with a kit? Fabing your own is a cheaper alternative, can net big gains if researched properly, and the money you save can be put into other aspects of your ride (big brakes, uspension, ect.). A guy on FA named Adam H. took this route, and he is killing everyone in his solo 1 class (KA24E motor). If you are interested, join the toronto 240 club, alot of guys are in the process of building turbos, one guy built a supercharger, really knowledgeable friendly guys who are always willing to help. I gotta drive a long way as well for autoXin'. Its alot more fun flying through the on ramps at triple the posted limit for me, than it would be to drag in a straight line, although the rush is just as exhilerating!!! good luck on your project, how many ponies would you like to reach?

cya

[doctorj240]

Cool man. From what I've read Toronto's the place to be as far as fast 240s as well as Florida and Georgia. My plan was to build my own turbo both to save money and to get parts "I" want. Not what the kit makers think you should have. I've been doing plenty of research on what would be a good set up for a KA and I think I've come up with a pretty decent one. I'll probably buy an s13 and do the SR swap later so I can autocross. How can I join the toronto club?

[s14=pimpin']

Go and start a yahoo email account if you don't already have one. Once started, go to the bottom of the screen and select groups. Look for SON240SX group, thats us. Its in a bulletin set up, but you can search old topics and stuff, alot of turbo talk. Really resourceful guys that will lend a hand. We got a guy from costa rica who's building up a turbo and posts all the time, really good reading, although I'm not sure what route to take at the moment. If you are having problems, let me know, I remember when I first joined it was a pain in the *** to get up and going on the club.

and when you get in, make sure to introduce yourself. Just curious, but where did you hear Toronto has fast 240's? There are quite a few out here, but I figured the US guys got the REALLY fast ones. Plus its RWD and our Canadian winters aren't very kind - the 240 wasn't all that popular up here until lately due to crappy driving conditions for a good 6 months. With global warming, winters have been much more pleasant! And with the release of F & F 2, the value of my car should triple!

stupid ricer kids......

take care