Electric Fan or Fan Clutch.

[Philo]

I recently noticed my fan clutch is going out and I want to replace it before any serious damage is caused. I am currently debating on which of the two options in the title to go with. They are both about the same price, so cost is not a determining factor.

If I keep the fan clutch, I would simply replace it with a OE version and call it a day. If I opt for the electric fan I would get the 16" slim "Spal" fan with a 2000+cfm. With the second option I will have to come up with mounting set-up (as I don't want to run zipties through my radiator).

Pros and Cons. I know the electric will free up a very minor drag on the engine. In return though, It will put a greater strain on the alternator. I've also heard that the electric fan will put off a noticeable noise at idle.

What is R3v's opinion on this subject? Which would you go with? and why?

[jlevie]

On a street car, I'd go with a new fan clutch. unless you can find a killer deal on an SPAL fan, the fan clutch will be cheaper and far easier than doing an electrical fan the right way.

[Philo]

I have the knowledge of how to correctly wire the system in and mount it. Like I said, The price is almost the same. New fan clutch: $70 New 16" 2300cfm spal fan from bimmerworld: $75.

I am looking at the overall pros and cons between the systems. Nothing to do with cost or installation.

[LowR3V'in]

I'd get a new clutch.
I don't like how my volts drop to around 12v when it kicks on.

[Philo]

Which model do you have? Also, is there a noticeable noise difference?

[jlevie]

I have the knowledge of how to correctly wire the system in and mount it. Like I said, The price is almost the same. New fan clutch: $70 New 16" 2300cfm spal fan from bimmerworld: $75.

I am looking at the overall pros and cons between the systems. Nothing to do with cost or installation.

$75 for a 16" 2300cfm SPAL would be a great deal. When I look them up on bimmerworld I see the price to be $149 for that fan. You should use an 82C thermo switch to operate the fan and that's about $20.

[yberther]

also a used fan clutch will be much cheaper...

but yea electric fan is much nicer, I'd think. That is the route I'm going, as I am fanless other than my aux fan for now. The seattle weather kind of allows for this :)

[whiltebeitel]

Clutch fans flow more than you're electric fan ever will. Plus, nothing like a poor ground making the car overheat because the fan won't kick on...

[Philo]

$75 for a 16" 2300cfm SPAL would be a great deal. When I look them up on bimmerworld I see the price to be $149 for that fan. You should use an 82C thermo switch to operate the fan and that's about $20.

So am I seeing something?

[jlevie]

That is a 1298cfm fan, not a 2300cfm. I found that 1800cfm is the minimum on a car w/o AC.

[Philo]

OK. Thanks, I read the chart wrong. My mistake. It looks like I'll just take the easy out and replace the fan clutch.

[JGood]

I have the cheapo 12" Autozone electric fan on my m50 car, and the same fan on my m20 track car. Neither have A/C. I'm in southeastern PA, most summer weather is 80's with occasional 90's. Never had an overheating issue, temp stays where it should be. I'm sure in warmer climates, it would be a different story.

I got the fan and an adjustable thermostat for about $80. The one in my m50 car has been there probably 5 years or more, no problems. The one in my m20 track car has been there a little over 2 years with no problems. I did make metal brackets for that one though, as I don't want rip my rad apart with those plastic things and be responsible for dumping coolant on the track.

A friend of mine just got a 16" fan for his s52 e30 and I can hear it whining while driving his car, or even sitting at an intersection behind him. It's ridiculous.

[Philo]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Ended up ordering a new fan clutch from patrick@bmaparts for $51 shipped. I think it would have been easy to go electric, but it was just unnecessary in my case.

[JGood]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Ended up ordering a new fan clutch from patrick@bmaparts for $51 shipped. I think it would have been easy to go electric, but it was just unnecessary in my case.

Thanks a good price, I don't blame ya. You're just throwing in additional modes of failure with an electric fan conversion anyway. Fan clutches usually last a while.

[bmw325csi]

Leave the fan delete mod for the swap guys.
Electric fans put too much strain on the e30 90amp alternator, esp if your like me and have a sound system, hid's, etc.


edit: unless you retrofit a e32 alternator