• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-

Electric Fan Cfm Sizing ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Scrasauge
  • Start date Start date May 29, 2017

Scrasauge

Active Member
Sep 24, 2003
118
5
29
Reserve, La
May 29, 2017
#1
  • May 29, 2017
  • #1
I have been searching and coming up short with the info im looking for, I have a 65 mustang with a stock 302 HO, with a 3 core radiator and as of now I have a belt driven fan that just doesn't quite do the job with the hot weather here in Louisiana, Im looking to put a 16" electric fan on it, but I read some places that 2500 cfm is enough, but then I read that on 302 ci or more that a 2800cfm or more is needed, can anyone tell me what they are running, and also eventually I will add a/c to the car so I will need to factor that in as well.
 

tos

Founding Member
Apr 27, 2001
896
68
59
Cincinnati Ohio
May 30, 2017
#2
  • May 30, 2017
  • #2
I would upgrade to a 3 row aluminum radiator at least and go with the most cfm you can get. You never know when you'll end up in stop and go traffic on the hottest day of the year. But realistically your radiator with a 2500 cfm should be sufficient. Especially if you put a shroud on with it.
I am running a 3 row Champion radiator with a fan I believe is a 16 inch but not quite 2500 cfm on a 347 stroker and haven't had an issue with overheating, but then I'm in ohio and haven't run my AC in stop and go traffic yet either.
Be safe and go big then you don't have to worry.
 

iceberg65

Member
Apr 24, 2017
12
8
23
Jun 5, 2017
#3
  • Jun 5, 2017
  • #3
I ended up aiming for a 3000cfm rating and going with dual S blade 12" fans on a factory 3 row rad for my 4v clevland it has no cooling issues going through slow traffic on a hot day, no shrouding on them either they are just direct mounted to the rad. If I get cooling issues I'll shroud them. I would think that 2500cfm would probably do the job if the cooling system is in decent shape.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Engine Contour fan CFM
  • Mustang5L5
  • Apr 6, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
13
Views
380
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 22, 2026
qikgts
M
Engine 1988 Foxbody - Overheating Summer
  • MDrisc
  • Oct 26, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
496
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 28, 2025
Mustang5L5
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
699
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Today at 9:06 AM
gray owl
G
A
Discussion on mild budget build/ top end
  • Acesario
  • Feb 21, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
20
Views
655
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 23, 2026
General karthief
0
V6 to V8 Swap info
  • 02_2v_Curtis
  • Jan 11, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
586
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jan 11, 2026
02_2v_Curtis
0
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?