Cooling.. Electric fans and cowls.
Turbo Mini Forums

Just thinking ahead to the summer!!

My 2core rad, waterwetter, electric fan and aux radiator just about kept up with the heat over here in the States last year but next summer I would like to make the cooling a little better to give it some spare capacity.

Firstly I have a "tropical" 6 blade metal fan. Fitting it would mean reworking the timing cover vent as it would hit, question is --- is it worth it? Is that 6 blade fan worth the extra work over the standard plastic type?

Next, I have an electric fan mounted directly to the radiator but its a standard plastic type and I am concerned that its affecting airflow. I have been looking at a open type fan mounted in the wing, but this seems daft without sealing the gap to the bodywork. so will this cowling work on a 89 (Mk 5?) bodyshell??

http://www.minispares.com/Product.aspx?pid=33439

website:- http://www.terryhunt.co.uk

In the US , you will have easy access to a huge range of Spal fans. Im sure a well ducted Spal would be very good.
http://spalusa.com/

When I ran my car, I fitted an electric fan, onto the inner gaurd. Yes, it seems silly with no cowling etc, but anything that assists the factory fan, can only be a good thing, and it most definately helped.
But a properly ducted/cowled electric fan would be the best option.

I also tried to rotate my rad slightly, so it was more open to frontal air when driving along. Although it was at low speeds with little airflow I had the most problems.

I also tried the steel 6 bladed fan. It was supposed to shift the most air. That along with a smaller water pump pulley. They all helped, but the steel fan was annoying. Too noisy so I removed it.

Edited by stevieturbo on 28th Dec, 2007.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

Hi,
I'd go for a Spal fan under the wing, and use some stick on draft excluder foam between the rad and the wing.
on my car there's not enough room for a metal wing cowling.
Cheers,
Gavin :)

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Edited by Turbo Tel on 28th Dec, 2007.

website:- http://www.terryhunt.co.uk

Hi,
I'd say the Spal I'm using is about 1 1/2" compared to the 2 1/2" for that one?
Cheers,
Gavin :)

VEMs Authorised Installer / Re-seller. K head kits now available!

WB/EGT gauges. Click here for customers write-up

Visit www.doyouneedabrain.co.uk

My Mini build diary

Spal are among the best, if not the best fans on the market. The thinnest, and flow the most air.

The steel 6 blade is a no no too.... I had it on my car when I had the 286 cam in for a few days. Such a noise revving to 8000rpm lol.

The flexible foam ducting is a good idea. If that was sorted, so the leccy fan always drew air thru the rad core, it would be a good job.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

website:- http://www.terryhunt.co.uk

Old, Old post, but I'm wondering if anyone has found anything new or if Spal is still recommended?

there is a post called "cowling mod, worthwilev?" that I found useful

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=334111

Rusty by nature

I just cheepo ebay fans, all seem to do the job so far.