Any opinions out there on the various electric fan manufactures? Spal vs Flex-a-Lite vs Derale vs Perma-Cool vs whoever?

I am mostly interested in noise and reliability.

I have a 72 with a 350 that I think I want to install 2-12 inch diameter fans behind the radiator. My top contenders are either Spal or Perma-Cool. But I am more than open to suggestions from learned experience Chevelle enthusiasts.

I have tested a few of these and will only say that the real deal about moving air, or cfms is use the amperage or wattage yardstick.

In the very best designs you will need a little less than one amp dc at 13 volts to move 100cfms. So, if a manufacturer claims it's 2500cfm and runs at 12amps or even at 18amps...well it doesn't!

I have tested the Spal and Derale and find them both very quality pieces with the Spal producing a smiggin more air. The top of the line 16" Spal is noisy, but effective. The curved bladed model just below their straight bladed model is less noisy but only produces about 2000+cfm....not bad.

Spal has a OEM line of fans for auto manufacturers...so they definitely know what they are doing.

Derale fans are quiet for their air production and feature full ball bearing movements. They are very reliable and produce alot of air. I think their top of the line 16" is rated in excess of 2300cfms.

Another consideration in the fan department that are very reliable and very effective are the Ford Windstar fan and the Mark VIII fans, both very high (3000+cfms) of airflow. These have to be checked for befitment issues but will stuck start a jet engine!

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Steve "Jack'stands" Jack
Tech forum at www.inccn.net/techforum.htm (http://www.inccn.net/techforum.htm)

here is my setup, works awesome. they are dual 12's and cool my 468 very nicely.

http://www.boomspeed.com/mc71454/fans_new.JPG



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'71 468 Street/Strip Monte Carlo 3950lbs, 9.8:1, 3.90's, 11.367 @ 117, 7.21 1/8 mile
1.585 60'