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Black Magic Extreme 180 Electric Fan Install
- Thread starter aldive
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Silver X
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I just installed a Black Magic Extreme on my Mustang a couple of days ago. Car isn't driveable yet, so I can't comment on how well it works. One thing I liked about the fan (other than the clean looks) is the fact that the shroud has two holes with riv-nuts on each of the four sides and extra screws for all of them. They are all spaced the same so you can install your mounting brackets on any side to orient the fan 90* from how Al did if you need to and also mount your overflow bottle or temp control module to the sides of the shroud if you want...I got the one specific to the Mustang so it came with custom brackets including one for the bottle.
I'm thinking about getting another one for my Explorer, but I already have a 2 speed Taurus fan that I might try instead. I used it for a couple years on my Mustang and it worked great, but its ugly (the guy I bought it from hacked it up pretty bad for no apparent reason). I wanted something that looked better, yet still worked well. Both fans have similar blade configuration and size, but I think the BME draws less amps.
Only thing I didn't like was the price, but I got over that.
I'm thinking about getting another one for my Explorer, but I already have a 2 speed Taurus fan that I might try instead. I used it for a couple years on my Mustang and it worked great, but its ugly (the guy I bought it from hacked it up pretty bad for no apparent reason). I wanted something that looked better, yet still worked well. Both fans have similar blade configuration and size, but I think the BME draws less amps.
Only thing I didn't like was the price, but I got over that.
aldive
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Well, now that I have had a chance to evaluate the new ( 180 ) fan during in traffic as well as highway driving, I have come to some conclusions:
(1) This fan is no better in performance to my previous ( 150 ) fan. Actually the tranny temp is a few degrees higher with the 180 fan as compared to the 140. The coolant temperature is the same.
(2) It is quieter
(3) If I had it to do over, I would have kept my 150 fan.
(1) This fan is no better in performance to my previous ( 150 ) fan. Actually the tranny temp is a few degrees higher with the 180 fan as compared to the 140. The coolant temperature is the same.
(2) It is quieter
(3) If I had it to do over, I would have kept my 150 fan.
Brian_B
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Al: For those of us on a very limited budget, what would you think about something like this install? (junk yard fan).
taurus fan
It can be done for about $100.
taurus fan
It can be done for about $100.
huskyfan23
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The factory (Taurus, Mark VIII, etc.) fans move more air than the fitted aftermarkets. I tried installing one on my X but there wasn't enough space.
Aldive, great write-up, as usual. That's a great power gain for such a low price. About how much space is there between the longest part of the fan and where the stock fan mounted?
Aldive, great write-up, as usual. That's a great power gain for such a low price. About how much space is there between the longest part of the fan and where the stock fan mounted?
old mechanic
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Another nice clean install Al. Doesn't the "quieter" 180 justify the change? Was the 150 that loud? What about towing which you seem to do a lot of?
Brian_B
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caveman1 said:
That article was for a small V8. Not an explorer though.
aldive said:
I think Al just answered both of our questions.
We need to look for one in an "automotive recycle yard"
and get some dimensions to play with.
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The amperage of the fans, low, high, and startup, need to be tested. That particular Taurus fan pulled 130 amps initially, and 40 amps on high.
I am going to hunt for a larger shrouded factory fan, possibly the Crown Vic suggested. Regards,
I am going to hunt for a larger shrouded factory fan, possibly the Crown Vic suggested. Regards,
Brian_B
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Keep us updated if you find anything. I asked the taurus one because someone posted a link to it in another thread. Seemed like a good write up of how to wire one. I have no clue about the size.
Silver X
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When I had the Taurus fan on my Mustang, I had no problems powering it with the stock 60 or 75 amp alternator (I forgot which one it was). I didn't have alot of accessories drawing power from the alternator, but the heavier duty alt on the Explorer should do fine with the extra draw along with all it's accessories.
Mine was set up with a relay for the low speed and a non-adjustable thermostat in the fins of the radiator and it worked fine. The high speed was connected to a relay and to a switch in the car, but I never had to use it. The car never overheated or blew the fuse or the relays either. I can't remember what size fuse I used for the relays though. I wouldn't hesitate to use a Taurus fan again. In fact it'll be going on my Explorer soon...er...eventually.
I only swapped it out for the Black Magic 185 because I liked how much nicer the 185 looked. I'm not entirely confident with it yet though. It's a single speed and runs a little hotter (don't know the exact numbers, just higher on the unmarked temp gauge) than with the Taurus on its low speed setting. I can't be sure its the fan's fault though since I also changed and upgraded my entire combo...block, heads, cam, water pump, radiator, 3G alternator, computer tune, and a few other things, so I'll have to swap the Taurus fan back in for awhile to test it sometime.
Mine was set up with a relay for the low speed and a non-adjustable thermostat in the fins of the radiator and it worked fine. The high speed was connected to a relay and to a switch in the car, but I never had to use it. The car never overheated or blew the fuse or the relays either. I can't remember what size fuse I used for the relays though. I wouldn't hesitate to use a Taurus fan again. In fact it'll be going on my Explorer soon...er...eventually.
I only swapped it out for the Black Magic 185 because I liked how much nicer the 185 looked. I'm not entirely confident with it yet though. It's a single speed and runs a little hotter (don't know the exact numbers, just higher on the unmarked temp gauge) than with the Taurus on its low speed setting. I can't be sure its the fan's fault though since I also changed and upgraded my entire combo...block, heads, cam, water pump, radiator, 3G alternator, computer tune, and a few other things, so I'll have to swap the Taurus fan back in for awhile to test it sometime.
J. Anthony
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I appreciate the information and will be doing this in about a week. Extremely good job. I'll post you some pic's once I am done.
Anthony
Anthony
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And I'll let you know if AL's old fan works as well on the left coast as the right coast <g>.
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Chris, my 95 Crown Vic is undrivable now with a head gasket problem I believe.
I think I will swipe the electric fan from it, and see how it fits onto the 99 chassis I am working with. I'd like to find a factory electric fan and shroud for my 93/99 work vehicle.
How's the 4R70W project coming along? Regards,
I think I will swipe the electric fan from it, and see how it fits onto the 99 chassis I am working with. I'd like to find a factory electric fan and shroud for my 93/99 work vehicle.
How's the 4R70W project coming along? Regards,
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Afboy143
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I just installed my black magic fan today and boy was that fun...
its so much louder than the stock fan. From the outside, with the hood shut and standing infront of the truck, you can hear the fan so much. When I am at a stop light, I can hear my fan with the windows down. I kind of like it actually, makes the truck sound mean...
I was wondering if there was a way to have the fan running for say 10 seconds after I shut the truck off? Would a turbo timer be the only way?
its so much louder than the stock fan. From the outside, with the hood shut and standing infront of the truck, you can hear the fan so much. When I am at a stop light, I can hear my fan with the windows down. I kind of like it actually, makes the truck sound mean...
I was wondering if there was a way to have the fan running for say 10 seconds after I shut the truck off? Would a turbo timer be the only way?
