Electric Fan Conversion - Spal's 30102803HO most powerful sealed fan

[WOLFN8TR]

So why using brushed fan 2082 instead of a brushless unit? Cost too high?
A brushless fan fro this application is ideal, as it can dissipate the elec motor heat many times better than brushed type, more power for same size, and should last much longer as there are no brushes to wear out.

Spal USA doesn't list them.

https://www.spalusa.com/products/fans/16/

Thanks for the info! And you're just using 12 gauge wire from the fan to 12v/the controller in the drug bin? Does the wire ever get hot? I assume the 2082 comes standard with 12 gauge. I contacted the Autocool Guy and he recommended the 85 amp controller based on the 2082 specs as he said it would run cooler. So I ordered that one with the 2082 fan, N15 brackets, temp sensor etc.

I used 10 gauge wire, doesn't get hot.

How are you guys wiring these up? I almost did this then got concerned with the fan running properly to keep the temps down.

Can anyone provide documents on how they wired it up?

See Post #16.

( VAC adapter pics added )

https://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac---s54-water--coolant-temperature-manifold-p1768.aspx

[Mpower04]

Heads up, VAC sells a pipe with a sensor bung that replaces the pipe between the thermostat and the elbow that bolts to the head. It's a tidy way to add a water temp probe.

Thanks! I do quite like the way this fits in and is perfect since I already have the 1/8'' sensor.

[ASAed330]

The AutoCool Guy does not recommend using the VAC coupler because it measure the hot side of the coolant. As a result, the fan will always be on. I now use it for my water pressure sensor with my AIM system. I used the following 40mm coupler for the temperature probe from AutoCool Guy. It fit perfectly in my Bimmerworld lower radiator hoses.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018FY149S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you to WOLFN8TR for introducing me to AutoCool Guy's solution. I think it is the best solution available since the OEM AUX fan box have instance of failing in high heat track conditions. The scariest part was checking that the temperature knob was properly set to turn on when the coolant reached near 80°C. Had to have INPA running to verify. LOL.

[WOLFN8TR]

The AutoCool Guy does not recommend using the VAC coupler because it measure the hot side of the coolant. As a result, the fan will always be on.

Thank you to WOLFN8TR for introducing me to AutoCool Guy's solution. I think it is the best solution available since the OEM AUX fan box have instance of failing in high heat track conditions. The scariest part was checking that the temperature knob was properly set to turn on when the coolant reached near 80°C. Had to have INPA running to verify. LOL.

Welcome and thanks for posting the info of the sensor location. The sensor needs to be on the lower coolant hose coming out of the radiator.

I do believe this is the adapter I used from Mishimoto.

WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR ADAPTER - 38MM
https://www.mishimoto.com/mishimoto-...tor-black.html

[Mpower04]

Good thing I haven't ordered the coupler yet! Thanks for the info.

[bigjae46]

The VAC adaptor is crap. The advantage is you can use a single wire sender since there is a ground from the sensor to the pipe to the engine. BUT...the pipe wasn't exactly long enough so there was very little metal to metal contact and was mostly isolated through the 2 o-rings.

Sender worked fine when I ran a ground wire to the engine. More VAC garbage.

[ASAed330]

Welcome and thanks for posting the info of the sensor location. The sensor needs to be on the lower coolant hose coming out of the radiator.

I do believe this is the adapter I used from Mishimoto.

WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR ADAPTER - 38MM
https://www.mishimoto.com/mishimoto-...tor-black.html

The 38mm didn't have enough positive engagement as I would have liked with the Bimmerworld radiator hoses. So I stepped up to the 40mm. I originally ordered the 38mm. Definitely had to ground it as well. Had to create a weather proof connector to make servicing easier.

[ASAed330]

The VAC adaptor is crap. The advantage is you can use a single wire sender since there is a ground from the sensor to the pipe to the engine. BUT...the pipe wasn't exactly long enough so there was very little metal to metal contact and was mostly isolated through the 2 o-rings.

Sender worked fine when I ran a ground wire to the engine. More VAC garbage.

Which sensor did you have issues with? I was using AIM sensors, so I assume they have their own ground in the 5-pin connector to ground with the rest of the car's electronics to not have any issues.

[Cubieman]

So is the 330i manual fan basically a PNP option besides having the cut the shroud?

I want to keep the AUX fan if possible, so I'm either thinking of the 330i fan OR the 2082/N15/Autocool PWM fan controller.

[George Hill]

So is the 330i manual fan basically a PNP option besides having the cut the shroud?

Yes, but you also need the 330 expansion tank bracket as well (to support the drivers side of the fan) and I also run longer bolts to support the bottom of the fan as it isn't flush with the rad where it is cut.

BUT the clearance is VERY tight and depending on what brand fan you run you might not be able to get it installed. My experience has been that BMW fans will fit, but I did try some random aftermarket and it was to deep and wouldn't install.

Ultimately though I've stopped doing this modification, I'm not sure the juice is worth the squeeze vs a properly fitting fan shroud and aftermarket fan controlled by the factory PWM controller.

[Cubieman]

Yes, but you also need the 330 expansion tank bracket as well (to support the drivers side of the fan) and I also run longer bolts to support the bottom of the fan as it isn't flush with the rad where it is cut.

BUT the clearance is VERY tight and depending on what brand fan you run you might not be able to get it installed. My experience has been that BMW fans will fit, but I did try some random aftermarket and it was to deep and wouldn't install.

Ultimately though I've stopped doing this modification, I'm not sure the juice is worth the squeeze vs a properly fitting fan shroud and aftermarket fan controlled by the factory PWM controller.

Thanks for the info, I was most definitely going to buy a new BMW fan, didn't know about the expansion tank bracket.

I wanted to run a setup that didn't delete the AUX fan as I didn't want to compromise the AC system, we get hot summers in Nebraska, but it would seem most people are OK with a single electric fan.

EDIT: I assume the PWM is not available separately? It is too bad one has to cut it off a $750 factory part, I guess it's only 2 wires cut at the end of the day they could go back.

[George Hill]

Thanks for the info, I was most definitely going to buy a new BMW fan, didn't know about the expansion tank bracket.

I wanted to run a setup that didn't delete the AUX fan as I didn't want to compromise the AC system, we get hot summers in Nebraska, but it would seem most people are OK with a single electric fan.

EDIT: I assume the PWM is not available separately? It is too bad one has to cut it off a $750 factory part, I guess it's only 2 wires cut at the end of the day they could go back.

Cut if off the front fan when you remove it.

See pic:

[George Hill]

Here's an E39 setup I put together awhile back, it's using a zionsville shroud, SPAL fan and factory fan controller.