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Engine Electric Fan Swap Questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter James.Little
  • Start date Start date Jan 6, 2013

James.Little

Member
Jan 6, 2013
135
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Lubbock, Texas
Jan 6, 2013
#1
  • Jan 6, 2013
  • #1
I have a 89 5.0L 5-Speed and I want to add an electric fan. I already have a 160Amp 3g Alternator. I was wondering on recommendations for how large of a fan I should look for? Also I think I want a adjustable thermostat relay, is that a good idea? If not, what temperature should I get (relay)? Do you guys have any recommendations on fans in general? Should I get two small ones or one large one? What else should I know?

Thanks!
 

Exile

Active Member
Apr 3, 2012
128
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29
Dallas, Tx
Jan 6, 2013
#2
  • Jan 6, 2013
  • #2
Early 90's Ford Taurus, Ford Contour, and Lincoln Mark VII electric fans are the most popular in the performance community.
Pair it up with this fan controller, and you'll be good to go. http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/DER-16749/150-240-Degree-Adjustable-Fan-Controller

Im running a Taurus fan on mine...
 

flyinhigh90

Member
Nov 23, 2012
107
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19
San Bernardino
Jan 6, 2013
#3
  • Jan 6, 2013
  • #3
i just got the black magic extreme 185 from ebay best fan for the money i havent had no problems and it comes with everything u need and easy installation...
 

boostfrk

10 Year Member
Aug 30, 2011
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Colorado
Jan 6, 2013
#4
  • Jan 6, 2013
  • #4
Taurus/Contour/Mark VII are all popular swaps. You can even work it to fit inside your stock shroud.

Many recommend using a variable speed controller, like the Flex-a-lite 31165. This decreases the in-rush amp draw that some of these high speed/high CFM fans can pull on startup.

I picked up a fan from a 2002 Mercury Villager and it fit perfectly inside a stock shroud. I'll be using the above mentioned Flex-a-lite variable speed controller as well.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
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Jan 7, 2013
#5
  • Jan 7, 2013
  • #5
You might want to note where you live (what ambient temps the car is driven in) and what mods the car has. That can change the recommendations.

Good luck.
 

84Ttop

They make new pistons every day, so why worry?
5 Year Member
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Jan 7, 2013
#6
  • Jan 7, 2013
  • #6
I like the derale twin fans, 4000 cfm. we can run on a 95 degree day and keep the car 165* only draw back is it pulls almost 50 amps but it sounds like you have a big enough alternator.
 

James.Little

Member
Jan 6, 2013
135
4
19
Lubbock, Texas
Jan 8, 2013
#7
  • Jan 8, 2013
  • #7
I wonder if I could grab a electric fan from my local junk yard.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
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Jan 8, 2013
#8
  • Jan 8, 2013
  • #8
James.Little said:
I wonder if I could grab a electric fan from my local junk yard.
Click to expand...
Sounds like a plan
 

Shakerhood

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 28, 2004
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Jan 8, 2013
#9
  • Jan 8, 2013
  • #9
James.Little said:
I wonder if I could grab a electric fan from my local junk yard.
Click to expand...
I just picked up a dual fan out of a Mercury Cougar for mine.
 

flyinhigh90

Member
Nov 23, 2012
107
1
19
San Bernardino
Jan 8, 2013
#10
  • Jan 8, 2013
  • #10
i live in cali and i have mine set for 200 degress i dont even know when was the last time mine kicked on ... all i have to say is that flex a lite works good and for the money i cant complaint .....
 

James.Little

Member
Jan 6, 2013
135
4
19
Lubbock, Texas
Jan 9, 2013
#11
  • Jan 9, 2013
  • #11
Thanks for the help guys! What would be a recommend CFM if I am going aftermarket?
 

HuskerNation

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Nov 4, 2011
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West Des Moines, IA/Omaha, NE
Jan 9, 2013
#12
  • Jan 9, 2013
  • #12
I went with the ProForm from LMR. The fan has been great so far, and I know of a friend who runs this on a 347 with no issues. Been good for him for over a year now. Cheaper kit, keeps the engine where its suppose to be, and comes with everything you need. Pretty simple install too. Wiring can be a bit confusing, but a little research anything can be done, even if you have little knowledge of how to do it.
 

HuskerNation

Member
Nov 4, 2011
252
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West Des Moines, IA/Omaha, NE
Jan 9, 2013
#13
  • Jan 9, 2013
  • #13
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/PRO-67015/86-93-Ford-Mustang-50L-Electric-Fan-Kit

Its a 2800 CFM, with adjustable 180-240 thermostat controller.
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
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In the garage
Jan 9, 2013
#14
  • Jan 9, 2013
  • #14
You can't go wrong with either a MkVII or contour fans. I think they both pull well over 3000cfm. I've had a MKVII on my supercharged 87 and it worked great. IMO, don't bother with the lower model black magic fan. It won't keep a stocker cool.

For a controller, you want one that ramps up so it doesn't put so much of a load on the electrical system. I used to use one about 10 years ago from a guy that is no longer in business. The two best on the market today imo are either the DCC unit of the flex a light vsc. ( can't remember the pn right now) They are both about $100. Keep in mind if you want the DCC unit, be prepared to wait several weeks.

I found a contour fan from a 90's car - think 3.0 motor?- at the upull for like $20 and will but the FAL VSC to hook it up.
 

James.Little

Member
Jan 6, 2013
135
4
19
Lubbock, Texas
Jan 9, 2013
#15
  • Jan 9, 2013
  • #15
What do you guys think of this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOYOTA-AVAL...fits=Model:Taurus&hash=item2a1232bec0&vxp=mtr

Or should I just go to a junk yard and get an actual Tarus fan?
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
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Jan 10, 2013
#16
  • Jan 10, 2013
  • #16
You are going to want something that pulls a real 2500+ CFM. That's why we recommend the tried and true fans. The OEM stuff is very hard to beat, as it's made to function for 70K+ miles (through a warranty period).

Since you're talking about the Taurus fan, for clarity, the ones generally referenced are from the 3.8L engines.
 

James.Little

Member
Jan 6, 2013
135
4
19
Lubbock, Texas
Jan 13, 2013
#17
  • Jan 13, 2013
  • #17
Ah, thanks for the tip!
 
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