By pulling power solely from your vehicle's electrical system, an electric radiator fan is able to provide constant, sufficient airflow, regardless of the engine's RPM. The load previously placed on your engine by the factory, belt-driven fan, then, is effectively removed, resulting in an increase in both fuel economy and overall performance.
You have control over an electric fan - how and when to turn it on or off - as opposed to a belt-driven model, which engages solely on the basis of your engine's action. There are two choices for controlling an electric fan:
Before purchasing an electric fan, be sure to determine the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) requirements for your engine. And remember, engines that have been modified or vehicles often used for towing may require additional CFM.
Typical CFM Requirements | |
Engine Size | Cubic Feet per Minute |
---|---|
4 Cylinder | 1,200 - 1,600 |
6 Cylinder | 1,600 - 2,000 |
Small Block V8 | 2,200 - 3,000 |
Big Block V8 | 3,400 - 4,500 |
If your vehicle is often used for towing, you will most likely need additional airflow. And if your engine has been modified by raising the compression ratio or installing a turbocharger, for example, you will need more CFM. In cases like those, you will have to estimate how much more power might be needed for your individual vehicle. If you're unsure about how much you need, go with the highest-rated fan or fans. And remember, there is no limit to the number of fans you can install, as long they all fit appropriately and are mounted on the same side of your radiator so that they do not cancel each other out.
NOTE: Pullers are more common because they are more efficient, but most fans can be set up as pushers if you do not have room on the engine side of your radiator for a fan assembly.