If one was installing/ordering an electric fan from say JEGS what CFM would be required to cool the IDI engine? I would much rather pay $150 for a fan and $30 for a temp switch than spend $170 on an OEM type fan.
The fans I run came from a '98 Windstar. If you can look up their CFM somewhere, that would be a good starting point. Obviously more is better tho. Do keep in mind that these fans may very well not be able to keep up if the engine was pushed real hard - in the Rockies I was running both fans and I was NOT towing heavy, I was still a bit over my GVW but not anywhere close to what I used to gross out at with a car carrier in tow. Then again my radiator is OK at best, so when that one gets replaced there's a good chance the fans duty cycle drops down significantly... At least I hope it will
I have a question also. Where are you guys installing all these switches? Or going to install?
Mine are going in the filter coolant filter head, which is plumbed in between the engine and the heater core. Temperatures will be somewhat lower than what you'd see on the gauge on the dash, but that shouldn't be an issue if the switches are matched accordingly. I've also seen folks mention installing the temperature probe right in the water pump. Additionally, the IDI has an overheat switch already installed from the factory - all it does on these engines is turn the red "engine" light on (according to the EVTM this happens at about 247F), so if you watch the gauges (be it factory or aftermarket) there is no real need for it - you can remove that switch and install either a different switch for e-fans or a sender for an aftermarket gauge.
