So, I'm the kind of person that likes to mod in "chunks", if you will. For instance, when My rad shows up, I'm not just replacing it alone. I'm replacing the rad, t-stat and am currently debating on the fan. So, here's my dilemma. Keep the stock clutch fan, replace with a flex fan, or replace with an e-fan (and add thermostat and relays, etc)? I'm looking for maximum power, increased mileage (if I can keep my fat foot out of it), while retaining daily driveability and reliability. Anybody got any convincing arguments for/against any of these options? Keeping the stock clutch fan will cost zero coin. A flex fan will be minimal coin, my brother in law has one I'm sure I can get. The E-fan will be most expensive, but if it's the best option, I don't care to spend the money.
call me strange if you will but usally every mod i do i do it adding in the relability factor, a mechanical fan will be more reliable in the long haul than the electrical set up i myself have been debating keeping the stock fan or getting a flex-a-lite
I've had them all, stock set up, flex fan, and currently electric fan.....if I had my stock setup I would go back stock - is by far the best setup, reliable, little to no h.p. loss, free then electric - costly, not super reliable, high current draw, hard to adjust to exact temp (if you go this route do not use a flexalite, they are waaaaaay overpriced just buy a 2 speed taurus fan from a junkyard: google it) last is the flex fan - biggest piece of **** ever, loud, hp loss, kill water pumps, expensive......basically a worthless piece of crap. Trust me keep the stock hell you can even service it and bring it back up to snuff easily enough (look in the factory service manual or google again.)
the stock fan is crap. my opinion. most of you dont drive older cars, but eventually they will leak. then they dont spin and you overheat. i usually do something like this to them for a temp fix http://www.toyotaminis.com/forum/showthread.php?p=49568#post49568 the taurus fan is unbelievably awesome, but there are plenty of fans in the junkyard. rule of thumb is same or better displacement (motor) and size of the fan.
I've never had a stock fan fail........or leak for a 4wd though I do see the advantages of a e-fan but on a street truck....no need
