can i put new aftermarket fans on the FRONT of the radiator?

[felixthecat]

I'd want the fan behind the rad. steet rod, hot rod or a DD foci. I'd want the airflow going thru the rad. Have you thought of using water wetter or going to a bigger or all alloy rad.?

[whynotthinkwhynot]

I second Elsolos comment about rodders using factory fans. Search your local junkyard for factory push fans. Seriously bro, that's what I do. I have bought electric fans from makers like Summit and Cool-Flo, and those died within months. If you're doing it to run a wacky turbo set- you don't want the fans konking out on you. I can't tell you what vehicles to look for push fans on, but you'll find some eventually. IIRC, Chrysler put some on PT Cruisers in 02+ to deal with AC issues at idle.

Regardless, you will want to tie into the existing wiring- although you can skip the resistor if you want. I would wire those through without a resistor. Reason being, you have proper fan control with a diode to prevent the fans from forcing voltage back into the system- so use it.

[Magus2727]

^^^ depends on the current draw. If your fans pull the same amperage or less then keep them on the same wiring. Otherwise I would run a higher gauge wire and use a larger current diode (schottky diodes have a lower voltage drop as a FYI)

I can't draw what I am trying to explain on my phone but you don't want to completely discredit vehicle motion speeds. With a shroud (which should be used regardless of a push or pull to utilize the whole radiator and to remove the dead spots from the fan) you are reducing surface area. Think of a cone with the "top" cut off, basically a nozzle. Having the large end facing the forward direction of motion will "capture" the largest amount of air. Going the other way you most likely see little cooling change from idle to driving. Because you also now have the fan not only do you have a smaller surface area to push the air through the fan creates an obstruction.

I think most modern vehicles that use a pusher do still have a puller fan. And also "split" up the radiator to have two pullers and only put a pusher on one "side".

[focusmaniaczx3]

okay then. my local u-pull-it has lots of pt cruisers. ill see if i can find some that have pushers and yank them and see what i can do. i might snag some slim fans anyway and run them as pullers in combination with the PT pushers. i just want to open up enough room for a big honkin turbo, exhaust cutout, and dump pipe.

[focusmaniaczx3]

Originally Posted by felixthecat

I'd want the fan behind the rad. steet rod, hot rod or a DD foci. I'd want the airflow going thru the rad. Have you thought of using water wetter or going to a bigger or all alloy rad.?

i have and do use water wetter and i will change to an all aluminum radiator if the stock one ever starts leaking but what does this have to do with my original question?

[Magus2727]

You can have a custom built radiator that is smaller and install offset. this would allow for you stil still run a smaller radiator but have room for a turbo.

Not a focus but you can get the idea:

[amc49]

As far as 'gas dynamics', you have dated me. Back when I was taught, they were always to be considered as separate, what I was taught anyway. You made specific distinction between the two. Or just as likely I've had a Ahlzeimer's moment and forgotten it..............

My bad...........young minds, fresh ideas.........

[whynotthinkwhynot]

I think it's going to blow.

[focusmaniaczx3]

Originally Posted by whynotthinkwhynot

I think it's going to blow.

huh?

Originally Posted by Magus2727

You can have a custom built radiator that is smaller and install offset. this would allow for you stil still run a smaller radiator but have room for a turbo.

easy now fella! we are starting to get WAY away from what i was talking about! im just trying to figure out what is the combination of most effective and cheapest way to make room in that area. basically i want it to be cheap and still cool the engine like factory if possible. custom radiators are a bit out of the ball park for what im looking for. not saying i wouldnt do it if it were my only choice but im not there yet.

[Magus2727]

^^^ no pun intended?

Cheapest and most effective, find a slim fan with life time warranty and install and replace as needed in the "stock" configuration.... but whats the fun in that.