hi,

some background first:

-c5
-hytech header
-AC working

previously i was using a stock ef radiator, with oem fan on the passenger side, and a slim fan on the driver's side.

now i'm installing an aftermarket aluminum racing radiator.

there isn't even enough room for the slim fan between the header and this thicker radiator.

I can run a slim fan on passenger side, but on the driver's side it's not possible.

how are you guys running pusher fans? you put them in front of the ac condensor?

 

Just curious why you're running 2 fans with such a huge radiator. AC?

I've had no problems switching slim fans to pusher and mounting them on the far side, but I haven't worked with an AC equipped car so I can't comment authoritatively.

 

Im interested in learning more.

I am also running a C5 with working AC but having trouble keeping the car from running hot in the 108+ degree AZ weather with the AC running. I was actually thinking about installing a "push" Flexalite fan to supplyment the stock puller fans.

In my search, I found a thread regarding pusher vs puller fans:
https://honda-tech.com/forums/forced-induction-16/opinion-puller-vs-pusher-coolant-fans-1590395/

I seem to think that you will lose some efficiency using a pusher when at higher speed since its acting as a obstruction. I dont thing it should really make a diffrence when driving a slower speeds.

Sorry to thread jack but did you any other trouble installing the Hytech header. Any other clearing issues with the crossmember?

 

raene, I prefer to have the option to overcool my motor rather than the alternative.

sometimes I attend autox or track days in the middle of the summer, and having AC in my car is nice - REALLY nice. I enjoy it while sitting in the paddock or on the drive to and from the events.


Ludehrt, I initially had to cut the oem crossmember a rediculous amount, then reweld reinforcing metal into the cavity so as to restrengthen the area - all to fit the hytech header.

I later purchased a jimfab traction bar setup - which replaces the stock front crossmember as well. That is what I am using currently - although this too had to be modified to accommodate the header.

With AC, it will be tough to mount pusher fans because they'll need to be mounted in front of the AC compressor. You'll run the risk of bending/ rerouting the aluminum AC hardlines, which can be a tiresome process; and risky should you compromise their integrity.

So far though, I've just installed the one slim puller fan on the passenger side.
I'm not running a 2nd fan, but the car seems to run well within factory temperature range even at 90 degree ambient air.

My AC is still blowing cold as well.

I guess I answered my own question - with an aftermarket oversize aluminum radiator, you only need one slim puller fan in order to retain the proper cooling for the b18c5 and AC.

I live in Atlanta, GA. I can't speak for your circumstances, however.

 

update: I was able to overheat the motor the other day with the AC on, sitting in mid 90deg weather, in retarded traffic - basically not moving on the hwy for 30 minutes.

So, I guess I can't run the AC on the hottest days. :/

****, I shouldn't have gotten a generic Aluminum radiator and gotten a fluidyne or koyo instead!

I think I'll cut the oem radiator lower mounting points off and reweld them onto my jimfab crossmember and then put fans behind the ac condensor and in front of the radiator.

I think I'll be able to use two big fans in front of the radiator, and one big one behind it - so we'll see how this works..... two pushers and one puller may just work. :/

 

Have you looked into using a lower temp thermostat and fan switch? Turning on your fan sooner in that situation couldn't hurt as well as getting the coolant to circulate sooner.

 

yes, I have a mugen radiator cap and thermoswitch but haven't installed them. The reason is that the car runs kind of cool in the wintertime and takes a long long time to warm up in cold weather.

Also, the issue isn't the fan coming on, but that it can't stave off the high temperatures it gets to after driving for 1hr then having to sit at a standstill for 30 minutes in mid 90deg heat.

I'll try the extra fans and believe that will be enough. I may still install the mugen thermoswitch and radiator cap during the summer - just for peace of mind.