Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

McCoyAZ · 07-11-2012, 11:08 AM

I am told that instead of trying to find a shroud that fits in my conversion from a 6cyl to a V8 radiator and engine that I should just get an electric fan and not deal with all the hassel.

I am also told that the best fan around as far as CFM is concerned is the Taurus, Windstar or Lincoln Mark VIII fan. Although apparently they draw a huge amount of amperage.

So the question is:

Whats really the best choice?

If I do go with an electric fan, what else do I need to consider?

Rich 5150 69 · 07-11-2012, 11:15 AM

You`re going to have to buy a fan big enough to pull minimum of 2500 CFM thru a fan shroud so you will need that also, you`ll need a auto temp switch to control said fan. You might look at spal fans get a 16 inch curved blades, they pull 3200 CFM.

http://www.google.com/search?client=...w=1246&bih=582

McCoyAZ · 07-11-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich 5150 69

You`re going to have to buy a fan big enough to pull minimum of 2500 CFM thru a fan shroud so you will need that also, you`ll need a auto temp switch to control said fan. You might look at spal fans get a 16 inch curved blades, they pull 3200 CFM.

http://www.google.com/search?client=...w=1246&bih=582

The Taurus fan and the Mark VIII fans are supposed to be rated at 3600 cfm.

I was thinking I would just wire it direct and when the truck starts the fan would be on.

Good idea or bad?

1BadAction · 07-11-2012, 12:16 PM

The Taurus/MKVIII fans are excellent, and even though they are *gasp* ford, you can't beat OEM reliability, especially something critical like an E-fan.

You need a Coolant temp switch and a BIG Solenoid for power. 100% on all the time is not a good idea.

MOTOIMPAIRED · 07-11-2012, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1BadAction

The Taurus/MKVIII fans are excellent, and even though they are *gasp* ford, you can't beat OEM reliability, especially something critical like an E-fan.

You need a Coolant temp switch and a BIG Solenoid for power. 100% on all the time is not a good idea.

Agreed!! I put a Taurus fan on my drag car and it works awesome. $15 from the you pull it yard....

Middleagecrisis · 07-11-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOTOIMPAIRED

Agreed!! I put a Taurus fan on my drag car and it works awesome. $15 from the you pull it yard....

Any particular year/engine combo Taurus to look for?

McCoyAZ · 07-11-2012, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1BadAction

The Taurus/MKVIII fans are excellent, and even though they are *gasp* ford, you can't beat OEM reliability, especially something critical like an E-fan.

You need a Coolant temp switch and a BIG Solenoid for power. 100% on all the time is not a good idea.

BAD:

Could you elaborate a bit for me please about the temp switch and Solenoid please? I hear that I should run this on a 30 amp relay also?

Is there a concern about the size/age/reliability of the old alternator? It's on a 64 283 motor.

**Clyde65** · 07-11-2012, 03:40 PM

You can get a temp switch/relay ( 30amp+) from your local auto parts store dude. Hayden makes one, make sure you put a large inline fuse on it too, like 50AMP

1BadAction · 07-11-2012, 03:44 PM

30 amp? The Taurus fan will laugh at that.

You need a BIG relay (75 AMPS) or a solenoid. The thermal switch usually goes into a pipe threaded hole in your cooling system (I've used thermostat housings) and grounds out at a certain temp to turn the fan relay on. By the time you piece it all together, it would probably be a better deal to get one of the simple fan relay controls for around 50 bucks, then you can control the temperature that the fan kicks on.

I can't say about your particular alternator, but EFans will surely put a charging system to the test, especially that massive amp draw when they first start up. You probably will need to worry a little less than a guy running EFI and all the electronic devices that entails.

Chevysdominate · 07-11-2012, 04:08 PM

If you go with the Taurus fan and not the mark VIII fan you will be fine with a regular 30/40 amp automotive relay on single speed. Low speed on the Taurus fan draws 18-24 amps. The low speed will be all you need unless you plan on running something wild. I have a Taurus fan on my 65 and it has cooled a 500+ hp 406 in 90+ degree heat on low speed. It currently cools a 5.3 with no problems too.

shok · 07-11-2012, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1BadAction

..

I can't say about your particular alternator, but EFans will surely put a charging system to the test, especially that massive amp draw when they first start up. You probably will need to worry a little less than a guy running EFI and all the electronic devices that entails.

Good time for this topic and your comments. Do you think the stock alternator on a 66 with a 250 can deal with a taurus fan?

dwcsr · 07-11-2012, 04:26 PM

This will help you determine if you want a Mark VIII style.

http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.c...VIIIrelay.html
http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.com/MarkVIII.html

Mark VIII style is 3200- 3600 CFMon high at the most not 5K 5500 CFM. Taurus is less.

Most all the Mark VIII fans I have seen ( in the hundreds) are single speed used with a variable controller. All Mark VIII fans that have a white plug connector on the motor are single speeds. They all have three wires so you can't tell by looking other than the white connector, you have to test it or just get a TBird fan.

94 4.6L TBird and Cougar fans are 18" 2 speed and look the same as a M8.

You can get an TBrid/Cougar fan at rockauto.com for $68 new. You can also get a new Taurus fan there.

jj1965 · 07-11-2012, 05:17 PM

I upgraded to a 94 amp altenator from a 80's truck. Runs two fans electric fuel pump and all my other accesories no problem. The stock alt would run the battery dead with a 16 inch electric fan.

McCoyAZ · 07-11-2012, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jj1965

I upgraded to a 94 amp altenator from a 80's truck. Runs two fans electric fuel pump and all my other accesories no problem. The stock alt would run the battery dead with a 16 inch electric fan.

Would an 80's - 90's alternator bolt on to the bracket from a 64 c-10 with a 283 in it?

shok · 07-11-2012, 05:26 PM

Well that's all I needed to know

I'll explore the clutch fan option a little more closely then since I don't plan any other mods that would require a better alternator.

brap999 · 07-11-2012, 07:08 PM

I bought an aluminum 2 row radiator for the 60-66 C10's with Electric fan and aluminum fan shroud combo on Ebay for $289. The fan was just some generic electric fan that sells on ebay for under $20. Then I got a temperature switch for the fan with a probe that sticks between the radiator fins for 30 bucks From Summit. That in combination with a 180 thermostat and my truck hovers around 190 degrees, even when we had 2 weeks of 100+ degree temps. In fact when the fan kicks on I can see the temp drop down from the 190 degree range back to around 180 pretty fast. Not sure how many amps my alternator is, but it still uses the external regulator, so I don't think the amperage rating is too high. The fan has not caused any power problems. My truck is daily driven.

Cody63 · 07-11-2012, 08:08 PM

Why not just grab the relay from the Tarus? I did that on another car and it worked great. Then you can run High or low speed.

McCoyAZ · 07-13-2012, 10:13 PM

I scrounged up a fan from the bone yard out of a 96 Cougar that had a 4.6 litre and air conditioning. Hope it's the right fan.

I am curious if one of you can tell me what these 4 wires go to? I think the big blue one is power, the big black one is ground....and I have no clue what the other 2 are supposed to do.

You will notice that on the plug end they merge into only one wire.

Anybody know?

**grumpy** · 07-14-2012, 07:57 PM

I just finished putting a 93 Taurus fan in. Wired it through a 80amp constant duty solenoid, used 8ga wire and hooked to a 75amp toggle.
Its a monster of a fan. I only have low speed hooked up and I idled around a fairgrounds for hours in 85 degree temps. Never ran above 190 and I have no mechanical fan...

On high, while testing it, it pulled a shop rag from 3ft away.

Im sold...

McCoyAZ · 07-14-2012, 09:01 PM

Seems that everybody you talk to about what size relay and switch to run has a different opinion.

I have heard anywhere from 25 amp all the way up to 75 amp.

The "kit" my auto parts shop sold me was a 30 amp and it says it works on the Taurus fan, but then who knows until it works or doesn't.

Anyway it is raining here now or I would take a few pictures of what I did.

We need the rain so i'm not complaining.

bama63 · 07-14-2012, 09:56 PM

how about this

Amazon.com: Dorman 620-101 Radiator Fan Assembly:... new and complete and fits 90-95 taurus 3.8 v6

McCoyAZ · 07-15-2012, 09:17 AM

If you want NEW then I guess thats an okay deal.

I got mine for $35.00 and it looks new and works. Pick a Part yard.

richards72chevy · 04-03-2016, 07:03 PM

How is this set up working for you McCoyAZ?

urmyboyblue · 04-03-2016, 09:23 PM

I have heard good things about using Chevy HHR fans- they apparently push a good bit of air.

Sweetc10 · 12-25-2016, 07:20 PM

im looking to do a ford windstar fan on my 68 c10 ls swap. was looking at doing the Derale 16789

High Amperage Adjustable Dual Fan Control 3/8" Thread-In Prob

Part Number: 259-16789 anybody done the same or think this setup will work? New to this building a truck and dont want to F anything up so any help would be much apperciated.

07-11-2012, 11:08 AM	#1
McCoyAZ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kingman, AZ Posts: 1,574	Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans I am told that instead of trying to find a shroud that fits in my conversion from a 6cyl to a V8 radiator and engine that I should just get an electric fan and not deal with all the hassel. I am also told that the best fan around as far as CFM is concerned is the Taurus, Windstar or Lincoln Mark VIII fan. Although apparently they draw a huge amount of amperage. So the question is: Whats really the best choice? If I do go with an electric fan, what else do I need to consider? __________________ http://s994.photobucket.com/albums/af62/ScottAz2/

07-11-2012, 11:15 AM	#2
Rich 5150 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Galt, Calif Posts: 2,437	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans You`re going to have to buy a fan big enough to pull minimum of 2500 CFM thru a fan shroud so you will need that also, you`ll need a auto temp switch to control said fan. You might look at spal fans get a 16 inch curved blades, they pull 3200 CFM. http://www.google.com/search?client=...w=1246&bih=582 __________________ `64 C10 vortec 350/350/373 posi `69 RS/SS 350/350/308 `37 Ford 406/350/324 traclock `68 Dart 370/904/323 suregrip

07-11-2012, 12:16 PM	#4
1BadAction Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 160	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans The Taurus/MKVIII fans are excellent, and even though they are gasp ford, you can't beat OEM reliability, especially something critical like an E-fan. You need a Coolant temp switch and a BIG Solenoid for power. 100% on all the time is not a good idea. __________________ 2010 Basalt Black Porsche Cayenne GTS - Daily driver 1991 2500 Suburban, Black - 454/80E tow monster, soon to go under the knife... Again. 1979 16' Action Marine/"Johnny Cash" Merc Bridgeport Champ Motor - Metalflake Maniac

07-11-2012, 03:40 PM	#8
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans You can get a temp switch/relay ( 30amp+) from your local auto parts store dude. Hayden makes one, make sure you put a large inline fuse on it too, like 50AMP __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

07-11-2012, 03:44 PM	#9
1BadAction Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 160	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans 30 amp? The Taurus fan will laugh at that. You need a BIG relay (75 AMPS) or a solenoid. The thermal switch usually goes into a pipe threaded hole in your cooling system (I've used thermostat housings) and grounds out at a certain temp to turn the fan relay on. By the time you piece it all together, it would probably be a better deal to get one of the simple fan relay controls for around 50 bucks, then you can control the temperature that the fan kicks on. I can't say about your particular alternator, but EFans will surely put a charging system to the test, especially that massive amp draw when they first start up. You probably will need to worry a little less than a guy running EFI and all the electronic devices that entails. __________________ 2010 Basalt Black Porsche Cayenne GTS - Daily driver 1991 2500 Suburban, Black - 454/80E tow monster, soon to go under the knife... Again. 1979 16' Action Marine/"Johnny Cash" Merc Bridgeport Champ Motor - Metalflake Maniac

07-11-2012, 04:08 PM	#10
Chevysdominate Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Springtucky, Oregon Posts: 265	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans If you go with the Taurus fan and not the mark VIII fan you will be fine with a regular 30/40 amp automotive relay on single speed. Low speed on the Taurus fan draws 18-24 amps. The low speed will be all you need unless you plan on running something wild. I have a Taurus fan on my 65 and it has cooled a 500+ hp 406 in 90+ degree heat on low speed. It currently cools a 5.3 with no problems too.

07-11-2012, 04:26 PM	#12
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans This will help you determine if you want a Mark VIII style. http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.c...VIIIrelay.html http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.com/MarkVIII.html Mark VIII style is 3200- 3600 CFMon high at the most not 5K 5500 CFM. Taurus is less. Most all the Mark VIII fans I have seen ( in the hundreds) are single speed used with a variable controller. All Mark VIII fans that have a white plug connector on the motor are single speeds. They all have three wires so you can't tell by looking other than the white connector, you have to test it or just get a TBird fan. 94 4.6L TBird and Cougar fans are 18" 2 speed and look the same as a M8. You can get an TBrid/Cougar fan at rockauto.com for $68 new. You can also get a new Taurus fan there.

07-11-2012, 05:17 PM	#13
jj1965 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Stillwater Oklahoma Posts: 56	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans I upgraded to a 94 amp altenator from a 80's truck. Runs two fans electric fuel pump and all my other accesories no problem. The stock alt would run the battery dead with a 16 inch electric fan.

07-11-2012, 05:26 PM	#15
shok Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Salinas, Ca Posts: 299	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans Well that's all I needed to know I'll explore the clutch fan option a little more closely then since I don't plan any other mods that would require a better alternator.

07-11-2012, 07:08 PM	#16
brap999 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 223	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans I bought an aluminum 2 row radiator for the 60-66 C10's with Electric fan and aluminum fan shroud combo on Ebay for $289. The fan was just some generic electric fan that sells on ebay for under $20. Then I got a temperature switch for the fan with a probe that sticks between the radiator fins for 30 bucks From Summit. That in combination with a 180 thermostat and my truck hovers around 190 degrees, even when we had 2 weeks of 100+ degree temps. In fact when the fan kicks on I can see the temp drop down from the 190 degree range back to around 180 pretty fast. Not sure how many amps my alternator is, but it still uses the external regulator, so I don't think the amperage rating is too high. The fan has not caused any power problems. My truck is daily driven. __________________ 1963 Chevrolet C10 Stepside 1972 Pontiac GTO 1998 Dodge Viper GTS 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1-1LE *It's never too early to beef up my obituary*

07-11-2012, 08:08 PM	#17
Cody63 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Forney Tx Posts: 22	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans Why not just grab the relay from the Tarus? I did that on another car and it worked great. Then you can run High or low speed.

07-13-2012, 10:13 PM	#18
McCoyAZ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kingman, AZ Posts: 1,574	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans I scrounged up a fan from the bone yard out of a 96 Cougar that had a 4.6 litre and air conditioning. Hope it's the right fan. I am curious if one of you can tell me what these 4 wires go to? I think the big blue one is power, the big black one is ground....and I have no clue what the other 2 are supposed to do. You will notice that on the plug end they merge into only one wire. Anybody know? Attached Images __________________ http://s994.photobucket.com/albums/af62/ScottAz2/

07-14-2012, 07:57 PM	#19
grumpy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 737	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans I just finished putting a 93 Taurus fan in. Wired it through a 80amp constant duty solenoid, used 8ga wire and hooked to a 75amp toggle. Its a monster of a fan. I only have low speed hooked up and I idled around a fairgrounds for hours in 85 degree temps. Never ran above 190 and I have no mechanical fan... On high, while testing it, it pulled a shop rag from 3ft away. Im sold... __________________ Tim Road Hounds

07-14-2012, 09:01 PM	#20
McCoyAZ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kingman, AZ Posts: 1,574	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans Seems that everybody you talk to about what size relay and switch to run has a different opinion. I have heard anywhere from 25 amp all the way up to 75 amp. The "kit" my auto parts shop sold me was a 30 amp and it says it works on the Taurus fan, but then who knows until it works or doesn't. Anyway it is raining here now or I would take a few pictures of what I did. We need the rain so i'm not complaining. __________________ http://s994.photobucket.com/albums/af62/ScottAz2/

07-14-2012, 09:56 PM	#21
bama63 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: gadsden, alabama Posts: 468	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans how about this Amazon.com: Dorman 620-101 Radiator Fan Assembly:... new and complete and fits 90-95 taurus 3.8 v6 __________________ Due to financial constraints, the light at the end of the tunnel will be shut off until further notice



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07-15-2012, 09:17 AM	#22
McCoyAZ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kingman, AZ Posts: 1,574	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans If you want NEW then I guess thats an okay deal. I got mine for $35.00 and it looks new and works. Pick a Part yard. __________________ http://s994.photobucket.com/albums/af62/ScottAz2/

04-03-2016, 07:03 PM	#23
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,652	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans How is this set up working for you McCoyAZ?

04-03-2016, 09:23 PM	#24
urmyboyblue Registered User Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Montevallo, AL Posts: 272	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans I have heard good things about using Chevy HHR fans- they apparently push a good bit of air.

12-25-2016, 07:20 PM	#25
Sweetc10 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Houston texas Posts: 51	Re: Lets talk about ELECTRIC Fans im looking to do a ford windstar fan on my 68 c10 ls swap. was looking at doing the Derale 16789 High Amperage Adjustable Dual Fan Control 3/8" Thread-In Prob Part Number: 259-16789 anybody done the same or think this setup will work? New to this building a truck and dont want to F anything up so any help would be much apperciated.

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