Thread: zirgo elec. cooling fans

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I think the discussion about electric versus engine driven fans is an interesting one. I absolutely agree that it may be folly to expect a simple electric fan attached to the front or back of a radiator to perform as well as the mechanical fans, shrouds and radiators that the auto manufacturers have paid their designers to come up with. That being said, I think we also have to admit that in recent years even the auto manufacturers have made a significant move to electric fans. There are numerous advantages, they can be fit into the tightest of spaces and shapes; they don't consume horsepower from the motor thus improving performance and fuel mileage, they can be controlled by thermostat or by the cars computer system so they only run when needed and can even be set to increase their flow on demand in the case of multispeed fans.

I think that the aftermarket fans are being used so widely because many modern hot rodders have gotten away from the heritage of adapting parts from one vehicle to another to improve performance or meet their needs. They can go to the hot rod shop and buy one of the aftermarket fans, bolt it on and hope it works. This is easier than scouring a wrecking yard to find just the right set up that will probably be cheaper, work better and be designed to last 200,000 miles. Of course in the wrecking yard theme you are still hoping it works, but as Mike said, once he found one the right size it has done exactly what he needed.

IMHO there is nothing wrong with using electric fans as long as they are used in conjunction with a well thought out total system including an adequate radiator, shroud, sufficient fan CFM and control system.

Pat