photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
stealthfti | all galleries >> Galleries >> the Sarah Project > some stainless for superior cooling...
previous | next

some stainless for superior cooling...

Here is a partial view of the Flexalite 15in S/S flex fan.

I have never been one to trust my engine's life to an electric fan...have seen too many motors cooked because the electric fan system failed. Clutch type, aka thermostatically controlled viscous fluid-, fans are quieter than a flexfan; but are inferior in performance. It is designed to be less efficient in moving air in order to achieve 'quiet' operation. At best, a clutch type fan provides marginal air flow; and clutch type fans diminish in performance as the miles accumulate.

I am not interested in "marginal" cooling capabilities. With a boosted, intercooled, air conditioning equipped motor, marginal doesn't cut it. Nor does the intermittent cooling provided by an electric fan.

For the SP motor, I converted from clutch type to S/S flex. I kept the auxiliary electric pusher fan up front; and it is still correctly hooked up and wired in. I doubt that it will see much duty; but it is there if needed.

The Flexalite fan is rated to 10,000rpm. And it pulls a LOT more air through the radiator, the intercooler, and the a/c condenser; especially below 2500rpm. It is the best way to go to insure adequate and reliable air flow. I have them on ALL my vehicles; and on many of my customers' as well.


UPDATE: I love my Flexalite fans. They perform very well. But they do not last forever. I have run some of them for over 200,000 miles. And I have had to replace a couple after less than 50,000 miles. The blades DO flex. Which means that the metal can and WILL fatigue over time. The more aggressive the driving style, the more stress and flex the blades will see.

The bottom line is this: the flex fan will do a very good job; it will do its job until the blades fatigue. The fans have to be inspected periodically. And it will have to be replaced some time. The rule of thumb I use is 5 years/100,000 miles; with at least an annual close inspection of each of the blades on the fan. Any evidence of fatigue results in replacement. And when the fan reaches either 5 years of age or 100,000 miles, I usually replace it as a preventive measure.

For some of my customers who like to drive more aggressively, and at higher RPMs than a mature adult would normally drive at, those fans are checked more often. And they do end up being replaced more often.

Panasonic PV-SD4090
1/36s f/3.9 at 11.1mm full exif

other sizes: small medium large auto
comment | share
stealthfti27-Jun-2006 14:31
David, the flex fan spacer [adapter] that I have used the most often is the Hayden #3983, which is 2.25in long and has the 3/4in water pump pilot hole and 5/8in fan pilot nose. The other spacer that I can get, and have used is the Imperial brand #252012 spacer. Both are well made, and will work.

A caveat though: Flexalite says that using spacers other than Flexalite brand spacers will void the warranty. I've used the Flexalite spacers on only one Volvo motor [a B30]: theirs fit for that one. All the others that I have done [B21s, B23s, and B230s] required the 2.25in spacer, And Flexalite doesn't make a single 2.25in spacer. I chose to go with the other brands of spacer; and have had no problems using those other brands of spacers.

The single spacer provides a cleaner looking installation, and is less expensive than stacking two of the Flexalite spacers.

Where to find the spacers? The Haydens I usually found at Pep Boys; the Imperials can be found at Autozone. Both brands are well known, so other places should have them. The flex fans themselves: I acquire them at the candy store: Summit Racing.
stealthfti20-Jun-2006 04:35
David, I use the Flexalite FLX-1315 S/S fans. They are 15in fans. They do require an adapter. Flexalite has adapters, as do a couple of other makers. You need an adapter that is about 2in or 2.25in long; and which has the 3/4in hole to fit the water pump, and a 5/8in pilot for the fan to mount onto. And you will need (4) 80mm long 6mm bolts. I will find the part number for the two brands of adapters that I have used, and will post that info here.
David 19-Jun-2006 09:41
I am planning to follow your example and put in a flexalite fan. What is the model number that you are using? There is a Model 1350 which is 15 inches and 2 1/4 inch width, is that the right fan? Also is it just removing the old clutch fan setup and bolting on the new fan.