![]() 1”x1”x1/16” or 1”x1/2”x 1/16”, 90 degree angled aluminum stock for the side braces Note 1: If required for your needs, McMaster-Carr also has angle aluminum in other various dimensions and thicknesses This is the list of the materials I used: Most of the aluminum stock was purchased at either a surplus metal center, my local hardware store or McMaster Carr. For the material, I chose aluminum for ease of cutting and drilling. The only operations required are cutting, drilling and pop riveting the fan shroud material. The only other requirement was that the shroud installation had to be easily reversible in case the shroud doesn’t work out for you. My primary goal in fabricating this fan shroud was to build one that is simple and functional using only hand and power equipment most handyman types or homeowners probably already own and not require the use of a welder or a sheet metal brake. I’ve decided that due to my geographical location (Southern California) and mostly urban (slow speed stop and go) driving conditions, the benefits of a fan shroud will offset the disadvantages and I believe this setup will be of benefit to me Conversely, once up to speed, it may take longer for bulk coolant temperature to come down to normal temperature due to the air blockage from the shroud. This is the condition where all of the fan output needs to go through the radiator core rather than be deflected back into the front compartment I believe a fan shroud will do this. However, for hot climates with typical urban traffic conditions, a fan shroud should be considered. Running primarily on open roads or track conditions, a shroud will most likely be detrimental to overall engine cooling. I’m thinking that a shroud will maximize the air flow through the radiator with the fan in operation by creating a higher differential pressure across the radiator (non engineer thinking here).Ī fan shroud with a 10” diameter fan opening (78 in sq) will block approximately 50% of the stock radiator core surface area. My concern with the stock setup was the amount of air being deflected back with the fan running with the car at a standstill due to the thickness of the radiator. This is a thick compact radiator and under most operating conditions, seems to be more than adequate. and a front to back width of 3” fin to fin. The radiator they used to fit in the allotted space is a two pass, four row with a surface area of approximately 160 in sq. With not a lot of available room in the front compartment, Lotus had to fit a radiator that could meet the cooling needs of the engine. These are my thoughts on the subject from a non engineers perspective. With the radiator out to install a new fan I decided to add a fan shroud at the same time. Why am I doing this? Although I’ve never had any major issues with the stock cooling setup, I wanted to see if I could “improve” the efficiency of the air side of the cooling system. Lotus Europa Forums > Technical Articles and DIY tools and tipsĪs always comments, corrections and critiques always welcomed Fabricating a Radiator Fan Shroud - My Version
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