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PSA about budget electric fans

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    PSA about budget electric fans

    Don't be seduced by the temptation of cheaper electric fans - I've had issues with keeping my car cool for the longest time (to the point that I was actually considering adding a second radiator) with my big ass mishimoto z3 radiator and a 16" "3000 cfm" Zirgo fan. The cooling issues seemed to be getting worse lately, which was weird considering the temp changes going on, but then my fan just completely died yesterday. :curse:

    Gets full power & everything, just won't turn on. Haven't opened it up yet but I can only assume something's burned up. Also over a year so I don't think I can get a warranty on it. Anyway, while I was looking at replacement fans I decided to see if this was a one time thing or if Zirgo fans were actually crap. Then I found this video: (skip to 1:05 for the Zirgo, 1:42 for the Spal in action)



    The Spal, interestingly enough, is rated at 2k cfms. Apparently the difference is that Spal rates their fan's cfms through a radiator core or whatever they're meant to flow through, while other companies apparently rate theirs in unimpeded free air.

    Anyway, I ordered a Spal fan today, I'll update as to whether it made a difference or not and how much it made. FWIW, it used to take about 2-4 mins for the temps to go from 210 to 180.

    #2
    Numbers lie. Buy once, cry once. If you're going to do it, do it right.

    All those fatherly tid-bits of advice remain true. Saving money is always a desire..and a wise one.

    Hope your fan issues blow over.
    ACS S3 Build / Dinan 5 E34

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      #3
      My old Taurus fan would drop the temps about 30* in one minute.
      sigpic

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        #4
        Originally posted by e30_302 View Post
        My old Taurus fan would drop the temps about 30* in one minute.
        +1
        Early to mid 90s Ford fans IMO are better than any aftermarket electric fan on the market today.

        I have a Mark VIII fan in my Broncos with a quad core radiator....no problems at all keeping it cool.



        Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk
        sigpic
        Rebuilding since 07/06/2016

        Poorboyz Parts For Sale - Updated 01/20/17 - Will be updated soon - Have many parts to post

        Poorboyz Feedback Thread

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          #5
          I have one of those cheap 14" Hayden electric fans from Pep Boys in my v8 e30. Was about $60. I can leave my car idle all day in humid 100+ degree weather without passing 1/2 way on the gauge.

          Not saying I disagree with your statement that the Spal fans are better then the cheap fans, because obviously they are, but I've actually had good experience with the cheap ones. I've had this one in my V8 e30 for 20k miles, and I had one in my m50 e30 for about 30k miles. Had one in my m20 track car for probably 10k miles. All have worked great.
          85 325e m60b44 6 speed / 89 535i
          e30 restoration and V8 swap
          24 Hours of Lemons e30 build

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            #6
            I use a Jegs 16in fan and it's been great. I've sat and idled in downtown LA traffic for two hours without it budging past the 1/2 mark. Pricepoint was right in between the cheap fans, and the Spal fans.
            91 318is M50 swapped
            05 Honda Pilot

            24V swap thread
            http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=302524

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              #7
              My Spal flat blade is awesome, it cools from 210 to 190 in about 30-60 secs but it sounds like a tornado siren
              - '88 m54 coupe

              <3

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                #8
                Originally posted by Jb325is View Post
                My Spal flat blade is awesome, it cools from 210 to 190 in about 30-60 secs but it sounds like a tornado siren
                That's what I ended up buying - didn't feel like messing with a taurus fan to get it to fit, especially now that it's starting to get cold outside. Hoping it'll cool my 302 good

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                  #9
                  I just picked up a mishimoto fan rated for 1850 cfm and is 16 inch only paid 80 for it from blunt so owe if it dies I guess. Mishimoto should replace it.


                  1989 325is l 1984 euro 320i l 1970 2002 Racecar
                  1991 318i 4dr slick top


                  Euro spec 320i/Alpina B6 3.5 project(the never ending saga)
                  Vintage race car revival (2002 content)
                  Mtech 2 turbo restoration
                  Brilliantrot slick top "build"

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                    #10
                    Originally posted by Jb325is View Post
                    My Spal flat blade is awesome, it cools from 210 to 190 in about 30-60 secs but it sounds like a tornado siren
                    lol. so accurate. i love my spal but when i'm in drive thrus people seek shelter immediately.

                    2003.5 Imolarot M3: daily
                    1995 Alpinweiß M3: hpde

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                      #11
                      My 16" Spal cools my car back down to the 1/4 mark on the gauge when it kicks on. Ive sat in plenty of traffic. never had a problem. But it sounds like a Jet plane when it comes on.
                      1985 325e M50TU(Sold)
                      1991 318is Slicktop (Sold)
                      1990 325is Brilliantrot S50/5 Lug Swapped.
                      1992 525i Manual shitbox Winter Beater

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                        #12
                        I have to agree, it works very well. Had mine installed for a few days before more stuff broke and I decided to part my car out

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                          #13
                          the sound of my spal is music to my ears....I like to know its working.
                          I love sitting down and just driving!

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                            #14
                            Which 16"spal are you using guys ?
                            Puller or pushers ?

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                              #15
                              Pullers on the back of the rad, pushers on the front.

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