[s-cars] Replacing Viscous Fan Clutch with Electric

[Theodore Chen]

Setting it up in a puller configuration is  more efficient than a pusher. 

Transversely mounted engines have electric fans, and I've seen some very tightly packed engine compartments with relatively poor airflow, such as a police Taurus with 3.8L V6. They spend a lot of time in traffic or just idling. 

I think the key is to use a good OEM quality electric fan, not a cheap aftermarket fan. The cheap ones don't move enough air and have low quality bearings that go bad quickly.  You also need a shroud so that the fan works efficiently. 

Years ago, I converted my Mustang 5.0 o electric fan, to reduce the weight hanging off the nose of the water pump and the load on the bearings. I used a Mr. Gasket fan that lasted about six months and never worked all that well. I replaced it with a fan from an Eagle Premier that came with its own shroud.  That fan had enough power to levitate itself easily.  Combined with a 3" aluminum radiator, it worked well for years until the car was stolen. 

But unless you have a reason to do it, it's probably easier to just install a new viscous clutch and fan. Otherwise you have to get a suitable fan with shroud, fabricate mounts, and set up the wiring with a fuse and thermoswitch.