Recommendations for Electric Fan Conversion?

I’ve been wanting to ditch the clutch fan on my 2.4l for electric. I’ve seen the Flex A Light #675 direct fit but it’s discontinued from the factory. Any other recommendations on a kit or universal build? Thank you!

 

Why ditch the mechanical fan?

 

HP and gas mileage improvements, less noise, more engine bay space?

 

Nah. A properly working viscous fan works awesome and the HP loss is relative to the cooling it is performing. I only like electric when space is an issue. IMO it's a downgrade.

 

Factory mechanical fans are typically much better than 99% of aftermarket electric options. Noise means it’s providing good cooling, and if you noticed any hp or mpg boost, all that would signify is that you lost cooling capacity due to the new fan not doing as much. Factory electric fans good, aftermarket bad.

 

I'm running a Flexalite #680 dual fan with dual 12" dia 2500cfm fans designed for a first gen Toyota truck . I'm running this fan set up on my 1972 Camaro SS that has a 600hp Shafiroff racing engines 427sbc . This fan keeps engine temps at 180° even during hot and humid summer days in Middle Tennessee

 

Here's pic's of it ....

 

Now you got me wondering. Are there any mechanical fan blades that are quieter than OEM? Aside from Aisin, which I think is OEM, Rockauto lists Four Seasons and VDO.

 

I doubt it.

If your fan is loud often you may have a cooling issue or a bad fan clutch. I can't say I ever hear mine unless it's really hot outside and that's rare, but I live in Oregon.

 

I'm not entirely convinced that this is true in all cases. I'm using a 17" fan with a homemade aluminum shroud and this sucker pulls air. I've never had an overheating issue because of it and my a/c runs great.

I'm currently using one of these:

Hayden Automotive 3817 Ultra-Cool High Performance Fan
- but these have been discontinued. Been using this one on my 96 Tacoma daily for 8 years.



This is what I use for installs around here:

$143 Derale 18217 17" High Output Radiator Fan,Black

Derale 18217 17" High Output Radiator Fan,Black

I think this company bought out my previous fan. I've used this brand on my 90 Toyota Pickup. Both work really well and move a lot of air.

 

Thanks for the input y’all! Sounds like it’s really not worth the hassle and $$$ for minimal gains, plus my stock fan works just fine.

 

Not to mention I added a jaguar 120amp alt and used 8awg wires to power my fan. It draws a lot of amps and bigger wires allow more amperage with less heat on the connectors and wires.

But once you have it nicely set up, its freakin great.

 

Have you tried/tested with a shroud and 17" e-fan? I can attest that my truck cools better and stays under normal temps. Plus I live in southern NM where it's hot af and I don't ever overheat.

 

I did an electric fan conversion on my 78 CJ7 V-8 years ago and the popular choice on Jeep Forum was from a 92 Ford Taurus. It moved massive amounts of air and you could get one from a salvage yard for cheap. Never had any issue with overheating on the hottest of days. However because it moved so much air it was not quiet. Also I had to add a high current controller, bigger alternator as others mentioned. I doubt you would see any noticeable mileage savings going to electric.

 

i personally haven’t but guys who I offroad with has. I’m in central CA with temp reaching 110+ during the summer and still reaching 90+ at 8k elevation.

your vehicle configuration is completely different and they abuse their vehicle, 42” tires and heavy as hell

 

For comparison, not saying electric fan is useless but they serve a different purpose.

Temp: ~90 degree at 11am during the climb.
My truck is an automatic supercharged v6 02 DC w/ factory fan, a camper shell, solid axle on beadlock 40” tires, plated front and rear bumper etc and heavy AF. My buddy truck is an 01 5speed v6 xcab w/ shroud e-fan, solid axle with aluminum 37 and factory front and rear bumper. ~1600’ elevation to ~5600’ in about 8 miles. My scan gauge coolant temp never exceed 191 while he was 210. My truck is heavier than his, boosting the whole way up, stayed in front of him, produce more heat because of the supercharger and automatic transmission, yet my coolant temp is about 20 degrees lower.

 

For reasons like that, I would say the upgrade is essentially useless if the intent is to run at a lower coolant temp. It’s $$ to literally operate at the same temp when in town with the factory fan clutch. I seen it first hand with the group of guys I off-road with. There’s pros and cons to the fan clutch setup, it’s more pro to me. I am considering an electric pusher fan, but have no room. Plus, I seen 2 guys (a Toyota and Suzuki) electric fan failed on the trail and had to keep short distance driving to not overheat when existing the trail. That’s no fun.

 

I really don’t notice the fan noise. I’d love to switch to electric fans for looks and engine compartment space but would worry about overheating.