Electric fan for my '02/ what temp. thermostat to use

[moonmanz420]

Can any of you guys tell me the best thermostat I should use?

I can get either the 185 degree or the 195 degree.

decisions , decisions.

MZ420

[MatthewCervi]

Can any of you guys tell me the best thermostat I should use?

I can get either the 185 degree or the 195 degree.

decisions , decisions.

MZ420

Depends on where you're putting the thermostat. If it is going at the bottom of the radiator (like a E21) then I believe you want the cooler one.

[moonmanz420]

Yeah I thought the cooler 185' would be best. I'd rather the fan go on sooner than later!!

I'm going for a Spal 11" for the front of radiator, there isn't much room up there

Thanks for the feedback.

Moonman420

[jgerry2002]

11" is probably not enough CFM if you are going to rely on that fan without the engine fan.

I am mounting a 14" in my 'tii. I did the same thing in my '76.

[moonmanz420]

The fan I'm getting is rated at 1300 CFM. Draws only 9 amps

The dimensions are 12.1" high X 11.5" wide. Just fits up in front of the radiator.

The blades are also curved, this is supposed to give you more CFM.

Moonman

[jgerry2002]

Not quite, curved is quieter and gives you less airflow. Most cars now come with curved for NVH reasons.

Straightblades push more CFM. My 14" is 2950CFM, you need around 1600CFM in a 4 cylinder to cool efficiently. You can probably get away with a little less depending on traffic and local conditions.

You also lose 20%-30% in a pusher configuration. Keep that in mind when choosing a fan.

[moonmanz420]

thanks for the info. Are your fans mounted in the front or rear of the radiator?

MZ420

[ingraham]

without drastic mechanical surgery. The space between the radiator and the water pump is very small (a centimeter or so), and it's independent of whether the mechanical fan is present.

[jgerry2002]

Its a pusher, mounted with a set of homemade brackets. Like Curt said, there is no room to mount one behind the radiator as a puller.

[moonmanz420]

Maybe paddle type blades would work better. They seem to give more CFM.

Thanks for all the input fellow Bimmers.

MZ420