Aftermarket radiator fans (slim) - They work better than stock or what?

caterpill · 01-12-2009, 02:57 AM

Need some insight on an aftermarket radiator fan setup.. Stock radiator is finally squirting out of the top plastic endtank at 98k mi.

Of course.. i'd like to replace it with something more reliable. Debating between a Mishi, Koyo or C&R Racing radiator, in order of price.

Only problem is that i'd also like to swap out the fans for something slimmer, but my question is are slim fans really an upgrade? Supposedly some aftermarket fans flow more than stock, so I can understand that being an upgrade if you use them on a stock radiator.. But some aftermarket setups are bundled with a fat shiny radiator and THEN considered an upgrade.. know what I mean? I don't see any much reviews for subarus though. I had an eye out for the C&R racing radiator, but it won't accomodate the OE fans.

Anyone have / forsee any problems with the aftermarket setups? OEM is a 2-speed setup (4 wires?) versus most aftermarket setups which are 1-speed. (2 wire) I rarely hear my fans switch to high speed. I think the only time was once on a hot day with a/c on after some hilly driving.

Well, any insight is appreciated. I was looking into some name brand setups like SPAL/Flex-a-lite but I hope it doesn't cost too much.

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quazimoto · 01-12-2009, 09:34 AM

Upgraded fans not really needed.An aftermarket radiator shroud will make more difference for cheap.Also in Romraider (opensource tuning software) you can change some of the fan functions like which fans turn on when and I think temp setting as well.

van_dutch · 01-12-2009, 11:37 AM

I have heard of people having some problems with an aftermarket radiator. The increased core thickness can result in some of the hoses rubbing on the fans. I believe this can be avoided by properly trimming the hoses to fit. The slim fans aren't a huge upgrade, however. Look at their rated airflow vs the stock. I don't know off the top of my head the listed airflow (in cfm typically) for the stock fans, however. The way to really improve cooling is as dumdum said and get a shroud.

caterpill · 01-12-2009, 07:23 PM

I see a flex-a-lite dual fan setup pulls about 2300cfm.. but at the price of $250.

Someone here was selling such a setup with a koyo radiator.. Maybe it worked alright for them? hm.

IMPORTIMAGE · 01-12-2009, 08:32 PM

i always suggest stock fans over aftermarket...why? because the stock fans have 2 speeds...aftermarket usually do not. so on that hot summer day in traffic when your ac is on...your car will over heat...case closed

scooterforever · 01-12-2009, 09:03 PM

[off topic] A few weeks back I had a Mishimoto installed on my '02 from ImportImage above and it's worked out great. Excellent vendor. [on topic]

I used my stock fans on the Mishimoto.

IMPORTIMAGE · 01-12-2009, 09:59 PM

thanks scooter

stock fans and aftermarket radiator are really the way to go...

mishimoto does make a plug in radiator shroud kit...but those are for the people who have the extra money to spare.

jlugo05 · 02-25-2009, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMPORTIMAGE

thanks scooter

stock fans and aftermarket radiator are really the way to go...

mishimoto does make a plug in radiator shroud kit...but those are for the people who have the extra money to spare.

i got the mishimoto radiator and dual 10" fans with the shroud but now i hae to figure out hot to make it work with ac and also temp

IMPORTIMAGE · 02-25-2009, 12:02 PM

yeah thats the problem i was talking about

im always happy to sell the radiators with the shrouds but i like telling the customer what they are getting into before they get into it. Overheating...really bad

Knightmare69 · 02-25-2009, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMPORTIMAGE

i always suggest stock fans over aftermarket...why? because the stock fans have 2 speeds...aftermarket usually do not. so on that hot summer day in traffic when your ac is on...your car will over heat...case closed

I remember in an older thread about fans, it was suggested to just plug in the high speed wire for the fans, so then there should be no overheating issues correct? I ask because I'm contemplating slimmer fans as well.

IMPORTIMAGE · 02-25-2009, 09:04 PM

that would work as well if you just blow on high all the time (although it would make the car sound kind of funny having them on high all the time)

Knightmare69 · 02-25-2009, 09:08 PM

Eh, I'm pretty sure the exhaust would drown that noise out, either that or build some sort of switch/relay to incorporate the low and high mode?

sean18337 · 03-20-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knightmare69

I remember in an older thread about fans, it was suggested to just plug in the high speed wire for the fans, so then there should be no overheating issues correct? I ask because I'm contemplating slimmer fans as well.

Thats what I want to do. I just need to figure out which color wire is the high speed wire....

caterpill · 03-22-2009, 03:28 PM

Picked up a C&R radiator with optional SPAL fan setup.. a while back.

Never had any overheating issues yet.

I had to splice the high & low speed wires together because the spal setup only has one speed.

Dunno how the Mishimoto & others are but apparently this is a common issue.

sean18337 · 03-22-2009, 07:17 PM

OK, so if you splice the high & low speed wires together will any aftermarket fan with 2 wires (power and ground) still run high & low speeds?
If so that would be great!

rougeben83 · 03-22-2009, 08:06 PM

no, it will only run on the default speed of the fan (usually high). Only the stock ones are capable of 2 speed settings AFAIK.

caterpill · 03-22-2009, 11:10 PM

You have to check the schematic.. I think I posted another thread about this.

What happens, is that when your ECU commands low/high speed, your one-speed fan will come on because it is spliced into the two circuits, but either command will activate the fans at full speed.

It's the only choice you have with fans that don't have seperate low/high speed inputs.. If you leave the low speed circuit disconnected, your car will probably run hot.

Knightmare69 · 03-22-2009, 11:21 PM

I take it the OEM fan harness is only 2 wires? I'm sure there is a external fan controller you can buy.

rougeben83 · 03-23-2009, 01:07 AM

any particular reason why you guys are so adamant about slim fans? The OEM has been proven to fit and work just as well if not better than these, and without the speed headaches...

sean18337 · 04-02-2009, 02:49 PM

I have the mushimotor rad with their slim fax/shround. It looks nice ansd saves a lot of room.. Especially when trying to rotate the crank pulley

So all I need to do is splice both (high & low speed) power wires together and run these wires to the power wire of the slim fan?

caterpill · 04-02-2009, 09:53 PM

Yeah.

Double check your wiring diagram and don't splice the ground. :P

rexblake · 04-03-2009, 12:18 AM

I have the koyo rad on an 02 WRX and the stock fans worked fine. You just have to trim the hoses a bit and make sure to check that they are not rubbing.

Knightmare69 · 04-03-2009, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rougeben83

any particular reason why you guys are so adamant about slim fans? The OEM has been proven to fit and work just as well if not better than these, and without the speed headaches...

Well I for one am looking into it simply for the peace of mind in case I end up going rotated manifold where the pipe goes down the front of the engine.

sorrowfulkiller · 04-03-2009, 03:07 AM

I've got a cxracing radiator myself and I'm sure that audiosavvy would agree, it's a great buy. I personally used stock fans and had to trim a bit off of the silicone radiator hoses I bought also. Works perfect though... I would even go as far to say I would use no fans on most days as long as i wasn't stuck in traffic

jlugo05 · 05-19-2009, 02:46 PM

I picked up the mishimoto radiator and fan shroud kit with radiator hose, i talked to electricians and they said the fan ill turn the same speed on hi or low but its better to put it on low so its on most of the time. i am about to try this out i will report later

01-12-2009, 02:57 AM	#1
caterpill Scooby Specialist Member#: 27136 Join Date: Oct 2002	Aftermarket radiator fans (slim) - They work better than stock or what? Need some insight on an aftermarket radiator fan setup.. Stock radiator is finally squirting out of the top plastic endtank at 98k mi. Of course.. i'd like to replace it with something more reliable. Debating between a Mishi, Koyo or C&R Racing radiator, in order of price. Only problem is that i'd also like to swap out the fans for something slimmer, but my question is are slim fans really an upgrade? Supposedly some aftermarket fans flow more than stock, so I can understand that being an upgrade if you use them on a stock radiator.. But some aftermarket setups are bundled with a fat shiny radiator and THEN considered an upgrade.. know what I mean? I don't see any much reviews for subarus though. I had an eye out for the C&R racing radiator, but it won't accomodate the OE fans. Anyone have / forsee any problems with the aftermarket setups? OEM is a 2-speed setup (4 wires?) versus most aftermarket setups which are 1-speed. (2 wire) I rarely hear my fans switch to high speed. I think the only time was once on a hot day with a/c on after some hilly driving. Well, any insight is appreciated. I was looking into some name brand setups like SPAL/Flex-a-lite but I hope it doesn't cost too much. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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01-12-2009, 09:34 AM	#2
quazimoto Scooby Guru Member#: 70395 Join Date: Sep 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Da-boonies,Va	Upgraded fans not really needed.An aftermarket radiator shroud will make more difference for cheap.Also in Romraider (opensource tuning software) you can change some of the fan functions like which fans turn on when and I think temp setting as well.

01-12-2009, 11:37 AM	#3
van_dutch Scooby Specialist Member#: 198633 Join Date: Dec 2008 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: MA Vehicle: 2004 WRX Black	I have heard of people having some problems with an aftermarket radiator. The increased core thickness can result in some of the hoses rubbing on the fans. I believe this can be avoided by properly trimming the hoses to fit. The slim fans aren't a huge upgrade, however. Look at their rated airflow vs the stock. I don't know off the top of my head the listed airflow (in cfm typically) for the stock fans, however. The way to really improve cooling is as dumdum said and get a shroud.

01-12-2009, 07:23 PM	#4
caterpill Scooby Specialist Member#: 27136 Join Date: Oct 2002	I see a flex-a-lite dual fan setup pulls about 2300cfm.. but at the price of $250. Someone here was selling such a setup with a koyo radiator.. Maybe it worked alright for them? hm.

01-12-2009, 08:32 PM	#5
IMPORTIMAGE Former Vendor Member#: 79304 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: FL Vehicle: CALL 941-257-9618 www.ImportImageRacing.com	i always suggest stock fans over aftermarket...why? because the stock fans have 2 speeds...aftermarket usually do not. so on that hot summer day in traffic when your ac is on...your car will over heat...case closed

01-12-2009, 09:03 PM	#6
scooterforever Scooby Specialist Member#: 55011 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New England Vehicle: 1999 Legacy Outback	[off topic] A few weeks back I had a Mishimoto installed on my '02 from ImportImage above and it's worked out great. Excellent vendor. [on topic] I used my stock fans on the Mishimoto.

01-12-2009, 09:59 PM	#7
IMPORTIMAGE Former Vendor Member#: 79304 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: FL Vehicle: CALL 941-257-9618 www.ImportImageRacing.com	thanks scooter stock fans and aftermarket radiator are really the way to go... mishimoto does make a plug in radiator shroud kit...but those are for the people who have the extra money to spare.

02-25-2009, 12:02 PM	#9
IMPORTIMAGE Former Vendor Member#: 79304 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: FL Vehicle: CALL 941-257-9618 www.ImportImageRacing.com	yeah thats the problem i was talking about im always happy to sell the radiators with the shrouds but i like telling the customer what they are getting into before they get into it. Overheating...really bad

02-25-2009, 09:04 PM	#11
IMPORTIMAGE Former Vendor Member#: 79304 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: South East Location: FL Vehicle: CALL 941-257-9618 www.ImportImageRacing.com	that would work as well if you just blow on high all the time (although it would make the car sound kind of funny having them on high all the time)

02-25-2009, 09:08 PM	#12
Knightmare69 Scooby Specialist Member#: 25039 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Hong Kong/Dong Guan China Vehicle: 2005 CGM Stage 2 WRX SQC 275	Eh, I'm pretty sure the exhaust would drown that noise out, either that or build some sort of switch/relay to incorporate the low and high mode?

03-22-2009, 03:28 PM	#14
caterpill Scooby Specialist Member#: 27136 Join Date: Oct 2002	Picked up a C&R radiator with optional SPAL fan setup.. a while back. Never had any overheating issues yet. I had to splice the high & low speed wires together because the spal setup only has one speed. Dunno how the Mishimoto & others are but apparently this is a common issue.

03-22-2009, 07:17 PM	#15
sean18337 Scooby Specialist Member#: 135588 Join Date: Dec 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY NJ PA Vehicle: 2007 STI SOLD	OK, so if you splice the high & low speed wires together will any aftermarket fan with 2 wires (power and ground) still run high & low speeds? If so that would be great!

03-22-2009, 08:06 PM	#16
rougeben83 Scooby Guru Member#: 115154 Join Date: May 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: NYC Vehicle: 2005 Outback XT White on grey	no, it will only run on the default speed of the fan (usually high). Only the stock ones are capable of 2 speed settings AFAIK.

03-22-2009, 11:10 PM	#17
caterpill Scooby Specialist Member#: 27136 Join Date: Oct 2002	You have to check the schematic.. I think I posted another thread about this. What happens, is that when your ECU commands low/high speed, your one-speed fan will come on because it is spliced into the two circuits, but either command will activate the fans at full speed. It's the only choice you have with fans that don't have seperate low/high speed inputs.. If you leave the low speed circuit disconnected, your car will probably run hot.

03-22-2009, 11:21 PM	#18
Knightmare69 Scooby Specialist Member#: 25039 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Hong Kong/Dong Guan China Vehicle: 2005 CGM Stage 2 WRX SQC 275	I take it the OEM fan harness is only 2 wires? I'm sure there is a external fan controller you can buy.

03-23-2009, 01:07 AM	#19
rougeben83 Scooby Guru Member#: 115154 Join Date: May 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: NYC Vehicle: 2005 Outback XT White on grey	any particular reason why you guys are so adamant about slim fans? The OEM has been proven to fit and work just as well if not better than these, and without the speed headaches...

04-02-2009, 02:49 PM	#20
sean18337 Scooby Specialist Member#: 135588 Join Date: Dec 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY NJ PA Vehicle: 2007 STI SOLD	I have the mushimotor rad with their slim fax/shround. It looks nice ansd saves a lot of room.. Especially when trying to rotate the crank pulley So all I need to do is splice both (high & low speed) power wires together and run these wires to the power wire of the slim fan?

04-02-2009, 09:53 PM	#21
caterpill Scooby Specialist Member#: 27136 Join Date: Oct 2002	Yeah. Double check your wiring diagram and don't splice the ground. :P

04-03-2009, 12:18 AM	#22
rexblake Scooby Specialist Member#: 178426 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: FoCo Vehicle: 2010 S4 Gray	I have the koyo rad on an 02 WRX and the stock fans worked fine. You just have to trim the hoses a bit and make sure to check that they are not rubbing.

04-03-2009, 03:07 AM	#24
sorrowfulkiller Scooby Specialist Member#: 170439 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Vehicle: I <3 Lamp	I've got a cxracing radiator myself and I'm sure that audiosavvy would agree, it's a great buy. I personally used stock fans and had to trim a bit off of the silicone radiator hoses I bought also. Works perfect though... I would even go as far to say I would use no fans on most days as long as i wasn't stuck in traffic

05-19-2009, 02:46 PM	#25
jlugo05 Scooby Specialist Member#: 123891 Join Date: Aug 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Socal Vehicle: 2002 wrx psm hawkeye 02 wrx AWsecret project	I picked up the mishimoto radiator and fan shroud kit with radiator hose, i talked to electricians and they said the fan ill turn the same speed on hi or low but its better to put it on low so its on most of the time. i am about to try this out i will report later