FAQ - Fans & Shrouds

1) Why should I use a fan shroud?
Without a shroud the only part of the radiator that would work at idle (speed under 15 mph) would be the area where the fan was located behind the core. The shroud guarantees that air is pulled through the complete core, resulting in optimum performance.

2) Will my original shroud fit a Griffin radiator?
Most original shrouds will fit a Griffin radiator.

3) Should I use a pusher fan or a puller fan?
Griffin recommends a puller fan. The puller fan shrouds will generally have lower airside restriction during highway operation.

4) I don’t have room for a fan shroud on the engine side of the radiator; can I use one on the grill side?
You can use a fan shroud on the grill side, but it will not be as efficient since it blocks some air flow. The fan must be designed as a "pusher" instead of a "puller".

5) Is a curved blade fan better than a straight blade fan?
Sometimes a curved fan is better than a straight fan, but not always. Given the diameter of the motor hub, the outer diameter of the fans used on the typical race radiators curve for optimal design is minimal. Some straight blade fans will out perform curved designs.

6) Is an electric fan better than the original engine driven fan?
An electric fan generally provides better air flow at idle. At higher speeds the improvement is minimal.

7) How do you mount the fans to your radiators?
Griffin welds on brackets and uses bolts

8) What type of switch should I use for my electric fan?
Griffin’s recommendation is to use an electric thermostat that senses bottom tank temperatures. The fan should be controlled to come on when either the A/C comes on or the coolant temperature exceeds a certain set point.

9) Does Griffin have thermostatic switches for all the fans you sell?
Yes, Griffin does have thermostatic switches for all the fans we sell.

10) What is the CFM rating on Griffin fans? What is the amp draw?
The CFM rating and amp draw depends on the fan. Typical CFM’s for a 16-inch curved blade fan are 2070 and 2360 for a straight blade. Amp draw is 17.5 and 21.5.

11) The fan I just bought has mounting straps that go through the core. If I use these straps will it hurt the radiator?
Griffin does not recommend using this type of mounting. The mounting straps could wear a hole in the radiator tubes.

12) Should I use a flex fan?
Griffin does not recommend the use of a flex fan. If the flex fan is too close to the radiator the blades could flex forward causing damage to the core. If you are using a lower gear ratio fan, it can flatten out too fast at a lower speed and won’t pull in as much air.