Why doesn't anyone make this?

[Matej]

A lightweight clutch fan for the KA and SR that pulls even more air than the stock one.

I thought about that today as I was taking out my electric fans and going back to the trusty old clutch fan once again.

As long as the price is right, it could be one of the simplest and most beneficial upgrades one could do.

Everyone already knows that the clutch fan with the shroud is the most efficient cooling setup. Although to be honest I always ran it without the shroud and even then it still kept my engine cooler than electric fans.

Which brings me to my next point. Clutch fans look cool. They make motors look tough and dangerous. And it could come in cool colors. Such as chrome, chrome with rainbow flake, or polished.

Installation would be four bolts. No annoying wiring. Or maybe it could even include a built-in water pump pulley. Two bros with one stone.

Is there a reason no one makes aftermarket clutch fans? At least not for any imports that I know of. I am surprised none of the big name companies have dabbled in it. Or would there be no market for it?


P.S.
If you produce this, please include my name in the patent, and send me a free one, haha.

[91tofordee]

takes away power?

[KoukiMonsta]

wow interesting idea...could b doable with changing blade pitch and whatnot

[djcobra]

Takes away power? wtf... 91tofordee, take a look at the Supras; they all have clutch fans and still putting out over 500whp.

I prefer clutch fans over electric fans anyday, this will cause some lame debate but whatever. My car is putting out around ~330whp, and still have my clutch fan plus shroud setup (works awesome)

Steve.

[Nezahualcoyotl]

I'm kinda glad to hear the benefits of clutch fans...
If there is or going to be a product like this I'd gladly buy it, if its the right price...

[s13silvia123]

i prefer my clutch fan. my electric one is a peice crap and cost too much for crap

[iRONDONkey]

aren't those ebay fans like 12 bucks each?

[drift freaq]

Seriously Electric fans should only be used in situations where you can't use a stock shroud and clutch fan, in my opinion.
The factory pretty much got the fan part of the whole cooling situation correct.

If your using a custom setup that does not allow you to utilize a clutch fan? Then use electrics.

To just take off clutch fans and shrouds for the sake of running electrics? Unless you really do your homework its probably not as efficient.

[S-Nation S13]

to be honest do what you want and not jus asking for other peoples opinion!! but ive seen/read the test that a couple of guys did awhile back tested multiple efan / radiator setup obviously outcomes were different i personally like my efan set up

im using altima fans w/ inline 30 amp fuses / 30 amp relay / one on constant "wired to fuel pump" low speed / one on a switch high speed work just fine...to be honest i havent really used the second fan all i know is if my constant dies out im straight cause i got one on a switch... MY 2 CENTS

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

http://www.4x4review.com/Portals/1/OldImages/feature/cool-engine/ClutchFan.jpg

[r6_240sx]

Yeah, there is no other material as light that is cost effective as plastic.

The work the fan is capable of doing is based on the diameter of the fan and the shaft speed. The fan is just about as big as you can get it inside the engine bay and the shaft speed is based on the clutch of the fan. If you want it to spin faster you can always purposely seize ur clutch. Might cause a good amount of parasitic drag from all the inertia, but hey you're getting a better flow rate, LOL.

There's only so much flow you can get from the mechanical energy to where electric becomes more of an interest since the propeller speed is now based on the electrical energy and not causing any drag on the mechanical systems.

More emphasis should be based on the radiator since that's where the fan gets its air from and that's what usually happens...

:)

[240sxsoslick]

what electric fans r best to replace the clutch fan with tho? im curious..

[r6_240sx]

TBH, I have no clue. There's a lot of variables that come into play and it ends up being a matter of preference to whichever benefits you the most. IMO, I have to agree with what drift freaq said.

I also forgot to mention, the amount of electrical energy that can be produced is also based on mechanical energy since the alternator converts it to electrical energy. So yah...

More emphasis on radiator.

[S-Nation S13]

you can get altima fans just need to cut in order to fit s13 frame why spend 100 + on fals when you can get a good working one at the junky for 30 bucks...

but i guess getting one from the junky that works is a gamble ..or if you can test it there your straight.. again its up to you in the end...

[kalypso123]

Matej you've talked about aftermarket parts before... stash these ideas in a draw and start a small company.

[jspecusa]

R34 RB25DET clutch fan
it's used as upgrade for sr20 in japan, pretty sure it'll fit ka also.
cheers,

sam

[TanaMU]

Or maybe it could even include a built-in water pump pulley.



Verrrrrrrryyy bad idea. What happens when you need to remove the fan for simple maintenance? It would be a giant pain in the ass to have to remove the whole pulley.



Also, I hate clutch fans because of how much damn space they take up.

[FaLKoN240]

Verrrrrrrryyy bad idea. What happens when you need to remove the fan for simple maintenance? It would be a giant pain in the ass to have to remove the whole pulley.



Also, I hate clutch fans because of how much damn space they take up.

Take up so much precious space for what?

What is going on in between your radiator and motor?

[racepar1]

If you wanna run a clutch fan why not just run a stock one? I mean who is REALLY going to pay good money for a dressed up clutch fan when the stock one works perfectly. I wouldn't waste my money on some dumb shit like that for sure. Also what is wrong with electric fans? A good electric fan set-up will work just as good as a clutch fan without the parasitic drain of horsepower. Are most of you running cheap ass e-fans or something? I run altima fans and they work absolutely perfectly, it doesn't get much cheaper then that. I am willing to bet that the problem with almost all of your e-fans is that first off there is no shroud, and second they are probably wired incorrectly. If you are not using a relay to drive your fan then it is wired wrong. If the relay (or relays) is not wired directly to the battery (I went to the starter, which is just as good) then it is wired wrong. If you do not have a temp switch in the cooling system somewhere to activate the fan then it is wired wrong. If you do not have a manual override switch in the dash somewhere then it is wired wrong. Make yourselves some shrouds and wire your shit up right and there will be nothing more to discuss.

Besides all that clutch fans look like crap and take up a metric shit ton of space in the engine bay.

:wtf:

[murda-c]

If you wanna run a clutch fan why not just run a stock one? I mean who is REALLY going to pay good money for a dressed up clutch fan when the stock one works perfectly. I wouldn't waste my money on some dumb shit like that for sure. Also what is wrong with electric fans? A good electric fan set-up will work just as good as a clutch fan without the parasitic drain of horsepower. Are most of you running cheap ass e-fans or something? I run altima fans and they work absolutely perfectly, it doesn't get much cheaper then that. I am willing to bet that the problem with almost all of your e-fans is that first off there is no shroud, and second they are probably wired incorrectly. If you are not using a relay to drive your fan then it is wired wrong. If the relay (or relays) is not wired directly to the battery (I went to the starter, which is just as good) then it is wired wrong. If you do not have a temp switch in the cooling system somewhere to activate the fan then it is wired wrong. If you do not have a manual override switch in the dash somewhere then it is wired wrong. Make yourselves some shrouds and wire your shit up right and there will be nothing more to discuss.

Besides all that clutch fans look like crap and take up a metric shit ton of space in the engine bay.

:wtf:

I think they are using it because it can flow more air which means less cooldown time between runs.

[racepar1]

I think they are using it because it can flow more air which means less cooldown time between runs.

I don't see why a dual electric fan set-up couldn't flow MORE air then a clutch fan. IMO the problem is improper wiring, no shrouds, and cheap ass fans. Simply strapping a fan to the radiator is not nearly enough, you NEED to build a shroud. I have seen shrouds made out of baking trays that looked decent and worked good. I must admit that I know nothing about "cooldown time between runs" though. No dorifto for me, I have cooldown laps! I realize that my crappy KADE does not need nearly as much cooling as a pumped up SR, but if some crappy altima fans work exceptionally for me I see no reason why a nice flex-a-lite dual 12" fan set-up would not work exceptionally for an SR.

[ixfxi]

everyone has their opinion based on their experiences, apparently.


i for one have had both, and i despise the clutch fan setups because of how much room they take. what goes in between the clutch fan and the engine? my hands and practically every fucking thing i want to work on when wrenching on my car.

i dont like removing stupid plastic shrouds, its time consuming, annoying, and does nothing more than piss me off by cluttering the engine bay.

therefor, i really like electric fans. besides the fact that my car doesnt sound like a 70 buick in hot weather.

now, sure... clutch fans are good and they do indeed work, no one is doubting that. as for efficiency and parasitic loss, i could give a fuck about that... because i never noticed the .01hp improvement. both clutch and electrical will cause drag, because when your alternator has to produce power to charge the battery due to the drain of 2 heavy duty fans, trust me... its not free power. its bullshit marketing just like hybrid cars. 40 miles per gallon but no one takes into account the electrical bullshit, cost of parts, or cost for electrical charge (for electric cars)


i have the dual fal fans and theyre pigs, i mean they really suck up a lot of juice with each one using what... 15 amps? i have 2 30amp relays providing power since i dont want to overload 1 relay.


the nice thing about efans is that you only use them when you need them. if your car is sitting in traffic or rarely in motion, then stick with clutch fans. however, my car is usually cutting through traffic and tearing up the canyon.. so i like efans.


do as you wish

[xs240]

Taurus fan /thread

[dori_sil8t]

im gonna give the clutch fan a go..
or maybe some narly ass hood vent and some ducting.. also where is the best place to put ur temp gauge probe??? lower or upper rad hose>?

[murda-c]

I removed my clutchfan and just left the AC fan...

but then again my AC doesn't work and i don't drive in traffic often.

[hottscennessey]

I will always have a clutch fan. My supra had no problem making 677whp with one, and the E-fan I had before caused me nothing but headaches.

[racepar1]

I will always have a clutch fan. My supra had no problem making 677whp with one, and the E-fan I had before caused me nothing but headaches.

I don't think supras have clutch fans. Aren't they hydraulically driven?

[r6_240sx]

Well that's an idea, convert to hydraulic, LOL...

[murda-c]

I don't think supras have clutch fans. Aren't they hydraulically driven?

1jz-gte ones are hydraulic

[racepar1]

1jz-gte ones are hydraulic

I'm pretty certain that the 2jz fans are too......

[hottscennessey]

Not the 2JZGE/GTE.

1JZGTE from a MKIII is the only one with a hydraulic fan I believe. Soarer/Chaser 1JZ's didn't have it.

[spools14]

Not the 2JZGE/GTE.

1JZGTE from a MKIII is the only one with a hydraulic fan I believe. Soarer/Chaser 1JZ's didn't have it.

Aristo 2J's have a hydraulic fan as well.

Soarer 1j's do not.

[Soup Nazi]

Good points on both sides.

I run my Clutch fan, and I love it. The only down side is the room it takes up.

Clutch fans killing "that" much power is a farce. It's probably not even enough for someone to notice.

[hottscennessey]

Good points on both sides.

I run my Clutch fan, and I love it. The only down side is the room it takes up.

Clutch fans killing "that" much power is a farce. It's probably not even enough for someone to notice.

I agree. Losing space sucks.

These torqueless wonders go through so much tuning to optimize their midrange powerband. Then you think Nissan is going to stick a clutch fan on the engine that would hender the engine's performance, without a thought? I don't think so.

[clark]

i just did alot of reading about clutch fans, because the clutch fan on my 1990 isuzu trooper (GM 2.8 TBI engine) shit the bed.

got one on rockauto.com for 30 bucks!!! it was a wholesaler closeout, they normally go for around 60 bucks for that specific truck.

anyway, i learned alot about fan clutches through the fan clutch manufacturesrs website (some company called 4-seasons) whom i've never heard of. here is a great PDF on theory of operation of fan clutches:

http://www.4s.com/Upload/Four%20Seasons/documents/Tech%20Tips/English/4S%20410%20FAN%20CLUTCHES-%20STANDARD%20HEAVY,%20SEVERE.PDF

the fan clutch in my trooper and in my sr20 i believe are the same type, the viscous type. a temperature probe in front senses the heat coming passed the radiator and allows the fan to spin faster or slower, again, all dependant on heat. when you're crusing on the highway, you have alot of air coming through your rad, so the fan clutch will not have to engage, thus freeing up horse power.

the assemblies of fan clutches are relatively similar across the board, and to take a fan clutch from another engine COULD cause detrimental damage to your engine (overheat, or too much stress) BUT if carefully done, you could achieve some gains i guess.

i personally don't see a reason to do this. there are other easier/cheaper ways to cool your engine better.

[Future240]

can you use clutch fans with the bigger swaps? Rb, LSX etc.

[burnsauto]

There really isn't any cooling difference in the war between oem clutch and aftermarket electric. The biggest difference I've ever seen is consistency. The clutch fan will always be more consistent (keep in mind this idea only works if you use the shroud. If you don't use the shroud, then that clutch fan is useless.) Electric ones with probes/etc will turn on relatively at the same temperature (+-5º to 10º) while OEM clutch setups will always start working at the same temp almost every time.

If you'd like to free up some (you'd prob never see it at the wheels) horsepower/torque, switch to electric, just make sure you get a well thought out system that actually works. Ones with no shroud are kinda shit and work worse than a clutch system with no shroud.

If you're more aimed at functionality, rather than cleaning up the engine bay, keep the clutch.

[burnsauto]

can you use clutch fans with the bigger swaps? Rb, LSX etc.

no, not enough room.

[ShereKhan]

I like the clutch fan more than the electric fans but the space with electric fans sure looks nice. I dont know if anyone else has noticed this but an SR fan clutch and fan cool my KA better than the KA fan clutch and fan. Its not much but it is a few degrees.

[cody180sx]

i think everyone is reading to much it to this, fans be it electric or mechanical are only really used for idling and slow speeds by the time you get up to speed your out flowing ether fan. the only down side to electric fans i see is the draw a little more current not a problem get an optima battery problem solved.

[datboibrad]

can you use clutch fans with the bigger swaps? Rb, LSX etc.

only the truck versions of the lsx motors use clutch fans. however due to the difference in the upper radiator hose connection of the truck style water pumps not clearing the hood. the car version lsx motors water pump has to be used. therefore eliminating the clutch fan as the water pump "pulley" has no provision for a fan clutch since the f and y bodies use electric fans due to the cramped engine bay.

random trivia...

[Howlermonkey]

Finally someone mentioned truck (guy above me).

The nissan trucks have fan clutches that transfer more power to them than the automobile versions do.

That is why you hear the fan roaring on them so often.

Toyota actually uses a thicker silicone fluid in the trucks and you can buy three different viscosities from toyota.

The part numbers are there and the stuff is available but you will run into parts noobs who have no clue what you are talking about.

For the S13, you could use a first generation maxima clutch which is the same dimension and is able to be dissasembled, clean it out, and then fill it with the higher viscosity toyota stuff.