Replacing the clutch fan with an electric one?

[papasmurf]

Has anyone here done this? I did a quick search and found no results. Taking that rotational mass off the front of the engine HAS to help gas mileage, and it should give a little power boost as well.

I've been looking into this on the M5 boards, and some people have been using 18" Perma-Cool fans pushing 2500cfm. However, after some research, I've found some fans that push more air (which can't be a bad thing):

Zirgo ZFB16S - Zirgo Ultra High Performance Electric Fans - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Zirgo ZFU16S - Zirgo Ultra High Performance Electric Fans - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Be Cool 75068 - Be Cool Electric Fans - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Believe it or not, the typical 18" fan was pushing 2,500 cfm, while the 16" fans seem to be the best bet, pushing 3,000 cfm+. Now, how will that fan work out on a V8? Well judging from this fan: Mopar Performance P5007266 - Mopar Performance Viper Fan and Control Modules - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Just fine. That fan is designed by Mopar for Viper V10 motor swaps. A Viper motor (all 8.3 liters) DEFINITELY makes more heat that our 3.0, 4.4, 4.6, and 4.8 motors, yet that fan only pushes 2,370 cfm. I am definitely researching it further, but just wanted to know if anyone had anything to add.

Edit: Another issue I am researching pertains to sealing around the fan. Should I leave the open air around it or force all incoming air through the electric fan? I will be using a factory shroud to do this project.