17 replies to this topic

[Ben5010]

I'm in the process of replacing my radiator, what would be the better route in terms of radiator fan/s, is the oem adequate for track work? My options are: Single oem Upgraded single fan 2 upgraded fans This fan/s would be mounted to a alloy radiator, the radiator came with 2 7 inch fans which I'm reluctant to fit given they they have no brand or cfm rating Thanks

[The Batman]

The standard radiator is fine

[siztenboots]

check the bleed screw on the pipe , easier to make a repair with clam off

[Captain Vimes]

For track work the fan shouldnt come into play so just use whichever blocks the air flow least OR whichever will be most reliable...

[WrightStuff]

http://www.elise-sho...xige-p-401.html

 

Is there anything to say about this part? Well.. yes, there is actually..

 

This is the original radiator fan as used on the Lotus Elise, Exige, Europa, VX220 and 340R. 

 

Why original when an 'upgraded fan' is available from Spal? Simple.. after seeing several of these uprated fans giving up the ghost, we have done some research and found the reason behind these problems to be the orientation of the fan. 

 

In the original fan, dirt would normally not get trapped between the blades and the housing which reduces the risk of burnt coils.

 

Keep it simple, keep it safe.. this is the original fan which actually is very reliable and... it also has the correct connector, so this can be called a real plug and play solution.

[james_ly]

The fan will only come on at 106 (or is it 7...?) Celsius, so as long as you are driving along it never comes on. An NA on track you'll have no temp problems even in summer.

 

I would recommend replacing the fan when doing the radiator because if it seizes (which mine did) you have to do all the work again.

[WrightStuff]

The fan will only come on at 106 (or is it 7...?) Celsius, so as long as you are driving along it never comes on. An NA on track you'll have no temp problems even in summer.

 

I would recommend replacing the fan when doing the radiator because if it seizes (which mine did) you have to do all the work again.

 

Yes but the fan will kick in when you come back into the pits and the car is just sat following a a session on track.

[Rosssco]

I'm thinking of installing one or two puller fans on top of the rad, in replacement of the two pusher fans fitted to my chargecooler pre-rad - can't help but think the fans restrict the natural airflow through the pre-rad and rad to an extent.. I think the latest Loti have adopted this approach (not specifically why).

[Ben5010]

Has anyone fitted this? https://www.elisepar...n-mounting-kit/

[siztenboots]

I'm thinking of installing one or two puller fans on top of the rad, in replacement of the two pusher fans fitted to my chargecooler pre-rad - can't help but think the fans restrict the natural airflow through the pre-rad and rad to an extent.. I think the latest Loti have adopted this approach (not specifically why).

 

would be interested in that , I run without fans on mine , but it is a problem in southern europe summer > 40 degrees 

[Rosssco]

 

I'm thinking of installing one or two puller fans on top of the rad, in replacement of the two pusher fans fitted to my chargecooler pre-rad - can't help but think the fans restrict the natural airflow through the pre-rad and rad to an extent.. I think the latest Loti have adopted this approach (not specifically why).

 

would be interested in that , I run without fans on mine , but it is a problem in southern europe summer > 40 degrees 

 

 

The kit from Elise Parts linked above does that, but I think just a single central mounted fan would be sufficient for the vast majority of Northern European users. Top mount is also easier to service / replace, especially if you've ever had a failed fan mount and seen it dangling inside the front crash box..  

Edited by Rosssco, 26 January 2018 - 11:34 AM.

[Exmantaa]

The VX bonnet hinge is only mm's above the radiator surface, so don't think the S2 top mounted fan(s) will fit directly... 

[The Batman]

Yeah agreed not sure how you would do that without mods to the bonnet and also to the hinge.

[Rosssco]

That's a good point tbh.. I presume Loti don't use a bonnet hinge design stolen from a shipping container then..

[Ben5010]

Spoke to elise parts who advised the top mounted radiator fans have not been fitted to the VX220. Went for a standard single fan with the new aluminium radiator.

[The Batman]

Did you miss all the above comments about them not fitting

[gjp]

I have wired up a switch on my dash which brings the fan on, use it when sat in traffic on a hot day .

[Nev]

I have wired up a switch on my dash which brings the fan on, use it when sat in traffic on a hot day .

 

Yea it's good idea, pre-emptively switching them on before the water even starts to get hot.

 

I have a rad switch on my dash too and it's useful for when you've been belting along and then suddenly end up in unexpected traffic etc. I've never seen over 96 degrees on my car as a result and usually it stays under 93 degrees (even in summer after a sprightly run).  

Edited by Nev, 01 February 2018 - 06:32 PM.